Has anyone had experience with warranty from Intel?

[Muggy]

I decide to lap my heatsink this weekend. Everything went really well. When I went to put everything back together is when bad things happened. My processor is toast! I did one of two things to it:

1. I dropped it (without the HSF mind you) from a height of 2-3 inches on my desk.
2. When I went to re-insert it, it wasn't all the way seated in the slot before I powered it up.

The first scenario seems unlikely, since it was such a small drop. The second seems more possible but I can't be certain it wasn't fully seated. Either way, it won't do anything when posting. All the drive lights come on but no beep from POST and no video output. Very sad.

So the question is, has anyone ever returned a boxed processor to Intel? I realize this cpu has been overclocked but I figured it was worth trying just in case. This guy got to 933 and never complained once. The funeral will be held tomorrow...

[Kingslayer]

Actually I would say the drop killed it. Are they're any teeny-tiny chunks taken out of the top of the core? If there is you might squeak it by Intel, but I wouldn't count on it. They look for that type of thing.

Anything I have returned to Intel for legitimate reasons (dropping it isn't legitimate) I have always gotten a return. It will take some time but you'll get it eventually.

[It_The_Cow]

Say the leprachaun did it. Those stupid little Irishmen. They're after my socks you know... And they'll take yours too...

[Muggy]

Thanks guys. I don't think there are any 'chinks' taken out of the core that I saw. Still, it wouldn't hurt to send it in right? How long does it usually take to get the replacement?

[Sam]

Not telling you what to say, But for businesses they FedEx you a replacment overnight air, for all others it may take many moons......

[Newbie_Doo]

A lot of things could have been the cause, even an ESD discharge too small to feel. If there is visible evidence of damage, Intel will not replace it. Please don't blame it on FedEx, UPS, or the tooth fairy though. If Intel asks, tell them that it was out of the box while you were making adjustments to the system and failed to boot upon reassembly and restart.

My $0.02

[dude]

I have returned a celeron 733. I had a CUSL2-C go bad on me and take my chip with it. They are very easy and nice. They just about take anything back.

[Super]

One important thing to remember is to present yourself as a computer professional, or say that a computer professional friend installed it for you.

Good Luck!

[Muggy]

Since I am a computer professional, it sounds like I might be in for some good luck. One thing that does bug me a bit though. I removed the stock heatsink and the special grey grease they use. I hope that's not a warranty violater. I can't remember what my paperwork said about that. Oh well, can't hurt to try sending it, right?

[Muggy]

Oh, and I did in fact put the old heatsink back on.

[Shadow ÒÓ]

I had a 500 go bad. Called Intel and got an RMA number....shipped it next day and received it within 4 days. No questions asked. Too bad tho.......I really didn't do anything to it and wanted to say with honesty it just fried.

[Muggy]

Shadow ÒÓ (Jul 25, 2001 10:51 p.m.):
I had a 500 go bad. Called Intel and got an RMA number....shipped it next day and received it within 4 days. No questions asked. Too bad tho.......I really didn't do anything to it and wanted to say with honesty it just fried.
So you shipped your's and received the replacement in 4 days? If that's what you mean, then that's great! Did you have to include the HSF? Now if I can just find my receipt...

[Shadow ÒÓ]

I shipped it out the day I got the RMA number.....received the receipt they had received it and it was back 2 days later. The whole thing was about 4 or 5 days.

You won't need a receipt. The serial number from the chip is all they need to issue an RMA number. They'll also be able to tell if it's OEM or Retail from that number.

[Muggy]

Shadow ÒÓ (Jul 26, 2001 11:48 a.m.):
I shipped it out the day I got the RMA number.....received the receipt they had received it and it was back 2 days later. The whole thing was about 4 or 5 days.

You won't need a receipt. The serial number from the chip is all they need to issue an RMA number. They'll also be able to tell if it's OEM or Retail from that number.
That helps, since I'm pretty sure my receipt is either burried or lost altogether! I appreciate your pointers.

[Muggy]

Just an update. I got my RMA number from Intel and everything was totally easy! They asked for the s/n and the problem, along with motherboard info. The next day I received an email RMA and shipped it off that day. I'll keep everyone posted on the progress. Thus far, I'm impressed. Just wish the phone number was toll free. Oh well, you can't have everything.

[Muggy]

:D Just received my replacement processor! I sent it on Thursday via fedex express (from MO to KY, it took 3 days). The package was received on Monday and I have the replacement on Tuesday. Way to go Intel! This is a brand new, identical (as far as I know) processor. I can't remember the S-spec of the old proc, but this one is SL454 (cB0 Slot 1) and made in the Phillipines not Malaysia (that much I remember). Anyway, this is a fitting close to what I thought would be a disaster!