I am subbed for this one.
I have hear countless identical episodes. 99% of the time its a bent pin in the CPU socket.
I have done 3x RMA in my lifetime when it comes to pc's.
1st time was an AsRock Z77 WS board. Took 4 weeks, but they did replace it in the end.
2nd time Sapphie 7970 Vapor-X 6Gb. Less than 2 days after they got the card, i had a new one one the way, total turn over time less than 2 weeks.
3rd time. Gigabyte motherboard, they found no damage, and offered me full refund.
Now, when it comes to Asus, i would take pictures, with date, and newpaper in the pictures, The cpu socket being the focus of my pictures.
Some how Asus think they can get away with this over and over and over, problem is, the stories make it online. Case in point, now stories are getting online before the RMA is even complete.
I like Asus, i have 2x ROG boards, and my old X58 was a killer board.
I love the Bios, i hate MSI, im ok with Asrock, and i im ok wiith Gigabyte.
But i dont like Asrock for my main rig anymore. Shame. But if Asus keeps up this RMA BS, they will one day find that screwing over loyal customers, is like shooting your self in the foot. Its gonna hurt them.
I'd seriously post this up on Asus's own forum. Pictures and story! Heck, i'd even sue them. Is it possible to sue some body in the USA for damaging their property?