Graphics card warranty question

[Eliphas]

Hi

I just wanted to know if its normal for a well known company to be replacing cards you have sent in (And determined it was broken thus needing a replacement) - to replace it with a card that is not new.

I've sent my card in, it was replaced and sent back - but found faulty again (the "new" replacement) and thus needed to be sent back again. That is when I then found out that is what apparently happens. It seems they did not even properly test the card they sent back either so once again I am waiting for it to be couriered there, tested and probably "replaced" again and sent back. I presume for now it was just human error that it was not tested well. I imagine I will get a working one on their second try.

My problem aside and in short I just want to know if that is normal: For a card to be replaced with one that is not new while under warranty. I always thought warranties meant getting a new one if it is found faulty and not your fault it broke? It was nearly 3 years ago and I should have probably looked into their policies back then. Trying to find that now.

 

[furpile]

Nope, either they fix yours or they send you a new one (usually the case with electronics). I have had 2 faulty motherboards, both were replaced with a new one.

Check the policy of the company you bought from, but if that is how they operate I wouldn't buy from them.

 

[Toxxyc]

It's not unheard of, no. PowerColor is one of the biggest brands in SA who do this on a regular basis - giving refurbs instead of new products, but they're not the only ones. I've received a refurb from MSI before as well (but it was in such a good condition it was almost impossible to see it wasn't brand new). Same warranty applies though and it shouldn't affect the card or warranty in the long run.

It is in line with the consumer protection act as well, since the CPA does not state that replacements must be done with new items, only that the replacement items should "satisfy the requirements and standards contemplated in section 55".

Out of interest, what brand is it?

 

[Eliphas]

It was from Rectron, a Gigabyte GTX770

I'm not mad or anything (except for this stupidly long wait now) so long as I get a functional card back I guess but I was really curious about how warranties work with electronics after being told this.

Thanks for all the replies guys