I'm Back (and with a problem)!

**synthesis204** · Sep 17, 2011, 08:05 PM

I'm back and not dead!

I recently moved ~1200 miles to university, where I'll be staying until early summer

I'm fine and everything is going okay (ugh academics) but I had a slight issue.

My computer broke. I shipped it via FedEx Insured Next Day Air (insured for $2500) and it broke in transit. The backplate of my GTX 580 got ripped off, the hard drive cage warped so badly it no longer fits hard drives, the case has scratches, and the computer is...in a bad state. Upon booting it up, I can get it to post and go into Windows but it automatically bluescreens upon entering (no idea why). There's also an issue: whenever the PC is on, I get sporadic black and green lines across my screen eclipsing my view so I can't actually view anything (it takes up probably 70-80% of the screen).

I just got off the phone with the FedEx inspector and his boss and I need to send them an invoice for the damage (three fans broke, 2 on H50 one in the case, along with the rest of the damage). It looks to be around $1200 give or take, but I'm not sure if they'll give me the full amount I need to repair it.

Anyone have any recommendations for replacement parts? I'm definitely going to need a new GFX card, but I'm not sure what else is broken until then.

***Veridian3*** · Sep 17, 2011, 08:33 PM

Welcome back and OUCH!

I would say there is a round about sort of way to do one of the fixes. First buy some cheap gfx (really cheap) and get into the system. The you can see what is broken apart from the graphics.

The reason for that is that it might be nothing and in the mean time you can wait and see what new cards come out, if any.

Then when you have your fault finding finished order a case and the gfx card you choose at the time.

**synthesis204** · Sep 17, 2011, 10:01 PM

I actually just borrowed my mate's GTX 470 and it turns out the only broken part is the graphics card...I think I may go with an ASUS Matrix GTX 580 to replace my current one (since FedEx is paying for it). I also am still going to bill for the new fans, a new case, and a new H50 (so around $900) and see what happens. I also get to bill for labor...wish me luck.

With $900, what should I get for a gfx card and fans? Recommendations?

***Veridian3*** · Sep 17, 2011, 11:30 PM

What about a GTX 590 as you are not paying? And for fans, Fractal Design, Enermax, NZXT all make nice quiet ones... i'm sure other people will have their faves.

What are you thinking for the case?

Takaharu · Sep 17, 2011, 11:42 PM

I suppose every cloud has a silver lining?
Yeah, I'm with V, either a 590 or maybe two cards that make up the same sort of value. It depends on your preference. Also, if you go with EVGA (for example) you can use the step-up program if there are any new cards that come out in the next three months that you fancy. As for the rest, meh; it's down to personal preference.
Bill for labour

comp_ali · Sep 17, 2011, 11:51 PM

Welcome back synthesis, You had some bad luck out there but at least they will compensate you.

**synthesis204** · Sep 17, 2011, 11:52 PM

I'm very tempted to do that, but another option...is very sleazy.

Essentially they're going to reimburse my invoice costs (aka invoice from NewEgg or otherwise). What I could do is order the parts, get the invoice, send it to FedEx, then return the unopened parts and pocket what I don't spend. I could also invest in a few things (sound system, a DSLR, general pocket change) rather than just get a 590. I'd actually really prefer DSLR over pimping out my computer again (more usage since I'm not in my dorm all too too much).

So the contenders would be the ASUS Matrix GTX 580, EVGA DS-GTX 580, EVGA GTX 580 SC, EVGA GTX 460 2Win (I think). Maybe a GTX 590 if you guys can really argue for it

I also am not sure about the new case. Besides the hard drive cage warp there isn't that much damage to it (not noticeably so anyway) so I may try and remedy the warping with the good old hammer solution. If not, I may get another Phantom or look at similar cases (recommendations in <=200USD range, at least midtower?).

And...any DSLR suggestions? I was looking at a Pentax K-r, Canon t2i, or Nikon D3100/5100.

Tyrsonswood · Sep 18, 2011, 12:51 AM

Fed EX is monitoring this thread, man......

**synthesis204** · Sep 18, 2011, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrsonswood

Fed EX is monitoring this thread, man......

Is FedEx big brother now?

blibbax · Sep 18, 2011, 03:06 AM

Welcome back Al. Buy some super expensive shit, send it back. Get a quiet GTX580 of your choice (less heat and power while you're writing essays than a dual card setup, easier to maintain and upgrade and use, etc. etc.). Buy a Fractal Design XL for the case, just because I'd quite like one myself. Then spend the rest shorting FedEx shares.

Neshi · Sep 18, 2011, 05:13 AM

can't just get them to pay for whatever blibbax. It's compensation. Insurance is sleazy that way. So you send them the invoice of what broke, take the new price for an item minus devaluation over time etc. etc. you might get 70-80% of the worth compensated?

That's how it went with my laptop anyway...

Hope you get every penny compensated though synth!

Takaharu · Sep 18, 2011, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by synthesis204

What I could do is order the parts, get the invoice, send it to FedEx, then return the unopened parts and pocket what I don't spend.

Logically, they'd look at the date of the invoice(s).

Keep in mind you'd want some sort of computer to store/edit photos from a camera anyway. Also, how would you stay in touch with HH?

**synthesis204** · Sep 18, 2011, 08:21 AM

I have a laptop, and I'd still get a graphics card silly. Just not sure what. I think Blibby basically has the right idea

And yeah. I would order it and then send them the invoice. Once they refunded me the cost of the invoice, I would return the unopened parts back to NewEgg (30 day return policy).

And since I'm fixing it myself, I can just send them the price of the exact things I have that are damaged -- and that is around $1200 worth of stuff with current prices. Just because it's damaged doesn't mean it's unusable, though (like my mobo and current H50).

blibbax · Sep 18, 2011, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by synthesis204

I have a laptop, and I'd still get a graphics card silly. Just not sure what. I think Blibby basically has the right idea

And yeah. I would order it and then send them the invoice. Once they refunded me the cost of the invoice, I would return the unopened parts back to NewEgg (30 day return policy).

And since I'm fixing it myself, I can just send them the price of the exact things I have that are damaged -- and that is around $1200 worth of stuff with current prices. Just because it's damaged doesn't mean it's unusable, though (like my mobo and current H50).

You could also buy the replacements from poor-value-for-money suppliers, then send it back to them, and buy what you actually want on Newegg, in order to make sure that you maximise your claim. You could even give the change to a third world development charity of your choice, or buy me some OCUK vouchers.

BlueMak · Sep 18, 2011, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blibbax

You could also buy the replacements from poor-value-for-money suppliers, then send it back to them, and buy what you actually want on Newegg, in order to make sure that you maximise your claim. You could even give the change to a third world development charity of your choice, or buy me some OCUK vouchers.

I saw what you did there.

**synthesis204** · Sep 18, 2011, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blibbax

You could also buy the replacements from poor-value-for-money suppliers, then send it back to them, and buy what you actually want on Newegg, in order to make sure that you maximise your claim. You could even give the change to a third world development charity of your choice, or buy me some OCUK vouchers.

Ironically, most of the stuff is cheaper on Amazon or TigerDirect...what is the world coming to.

Let's cross our fingers -- get to call FedEx tomorrow about the estimate.

steves6403 · Sep 19, 2011, 12:36 AM

Has fedex explained what happened ,how it got damaged .Looking at the damage yr puter suffered it sounds like a sudden stop eg: car accident truck or what ever.
I,d try and get the lot replaced as components in puters dont like sudden stops.

just a thought

CJLMTLCA · Sep 19, 2011, 11:30 PM

Dude, i feel bad for you. Your case had scratches? They rammed it with a forklift or what? You didn't double, triple, quadruple pack it? At the minimum, I would have remove all cards and storage devices. Of course all this talk is in hindsight. You don't expect this to happen.

**synthesis204** · Sep 20, 2011, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJLMTLCA

Dude, i feel bad for you. Your case had scratches? They rammed it with a forklift or what? You didn't double, triple, quadruple pack it? At the minimum, I would have remove all cards and storage devices. Of course all this talk is in hindsight. You don't expect this to happen.

It was in the original box case, with anti-static peanuts both inside and outside the case...FedEx found it to be adequately packaged, so I'm not going to say it was *really* my fault, but no, I did not double or triple box it.

Also, got off the phone with them -- they basically said they'll reimburse me whatever I pay up to $1300. Just put in the order on NewEgg, should have everything sorted by the end of the week. I'm still debating whether to keep the case or get a new one...also with the Matrix 580 (will see if it works/everything in my rig is okay).

BlueMak · Sep 20, 2011, 08:05 AM

Usually the case is the least important thing for me when buying a new system (next to soundcard), I would rather spend the money for other components. Unless of course there is a case you really really want.

**synthesis204** · Sep 20, 2011, 05:56 PM

The issue is is my current case actually has damage to it, but not a noticeable amount. If I can fix the hard drive cage it would be wonderful, but atm I can't have more than 2 hard drives in the rig due to lack of housing :/. It's also such a hassle moving cases...

BlueMak · Sep 20, 2011, 07:29 PM

Then it is up to you, can you fix it and if yes, do you want it like that, so that you spend the extra money on something else, or do you want a spotless case? Whatever is more important to you.

**synthesis204** · Sep 24, 2011, 02:52 AM

So I'm still waiting for FedEx to review my invoice ($1320) but I did manage to end up fixing my case. There is still damage on it, but not in a truly detrimental way so I will be keeping it. There was damage to a hard drive so I may end up keeping one of the 1TBs I ordered, and I also ended up keeping the Matrix GTX 580 and a couple fans (the fan blades broke in transit...wth?). Hopefully I can get the restocking fee of 15% on all items waived (they look at purchase history apparently when deciding whether to charge restocking fees. Weird.).

**synthesis204** · Oct 8, 2011, 09:18 PM

Update: just got a check from FedEx in the mail for $850 (they denied $500 of the $1350...shame). Spent $550 on a new GTX 580 and replacement case fans (some were actually broken)...not sure if the 6 week ordeal was worth $300 (probably was), but it was an interesting experience to say the least.

Tyrsonswood · Oct 8, 2011, 09:56 PM

I told you FedEx was monitoring this thread......

**synthesis204** · Oct 10, 2011, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyrsonswood

I told you FedEx was monitoring this thread......

If that were true, I'd have gotten a lot less (since there was truthfully only around $500-$600 in damage).

Now I have another issue...why cannot my crap never work correctly

ASUS Matrix 580 Performance/Temps

Sadface

Sep 17, 2011, 08:05 PM	#1
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	I'm Back (and with a problem)! I'm back and not dead! I recently moved ~1200 miles to university, where I'll be staying until early summer I'm fine and everything is going okay (ugh academics) but I had a slight issue. My computer broke. I shipped it via FedEx Insured Next Day Air (insured for $2500) and it broke in transit. The backplate of my GTX 580 got ripped off, the hard drive cage warped so badly it no longer fits hard drives, the case has scratches, and the computer is...in a bad state. Upon booting it up, I can get it to post and go into Windows but it automatically bluescreens upon entering (no idea why). There's also an issue: whenever the PC is on, I get sporadic black and green lines across my screen eclipsing my view so I can't actually view anything (it takes up probably 70-80% of the screen). I just got off the phone with the FedEx inspector and his boss and I need to send them an invoice for the damage (three fans broke, 2 on H50 one in the case, along with the rest of the damage). It looks to be around $1200 give or take, but I'm not sure if they'll give me the full amount I need to repair it. Anyone have any recommendations for replacement parts? I'm definitely going to need a new GFX card, but I'm not sure what else is broken until then. __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Sep 17, 2011, 08:33 PM	#2
*Veridian3* Administrator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cloaked Posts: 5,028 Rep Power: 181	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! Welcome back and OUCH! I would say there is a round about sort of way to do one of the fixes. First buy some cheap gfx (really cheap) and get into the system. The you can see what is broken apart from the graphics. The reason for that is that it might be nothing and in the mean time you can wait and see what new cards come out, if any. Then when you have your fault finding finished order a case and the gfx card you choose at the time.

Sep 17, 2011, 10:01 PM	Thread Starter #3
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! I actually just borrowed my mate's GTX 470 and it turns out the only broken part is the graphics card...I think I may go with an ASUS Matrix GTX 580 to replace my current one (since FedEx is paying for it). I also am still going to bill for the new fans, a new case, and a new H50 (so around $900) and see what happens. I also get to bill for labor...wish me luck. With $900, what should I get for a gfx card and fans? Recommendations? __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Sep 17, 2011, 11:30 PM	#4
*Veridian3* Administrator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cloaked Posts: 5,028 Rep Power: 181	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! What about a GTX 590 as you are not paying? And for fans, Fractal Design, Enermax, NZXT all make nice quiet ones... i'm sure other people will have their faves. What are you thinking for the case?

Sep 17, 2011, 11:42 PM	#5
Takaharu I can fart in 7 languages Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: England, UK Posts: 1,850 Rep Power: 113 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! I suppose every cloud has a silver lining? Yeah, I'm with V, either a 590 or maybe two cards that make up the same sort of value. It depends on your preference. Also, if you go with EVGA (for example) you can use the step-up program if there are any new cards that come out in the next three months that you fancy. As for the rest, meh; it's down to personal preference. Bill for labour __________________ I don't get paid to know the answer, therefore I'm far more likely to give you a straight and honest answer. Mods Rig, Box Mods Rig, Folding details

Sep 17, 2011, 11:51 PM	#6
comp_ali Sniper Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Egypt Posts: 10,469 Rep Power: 339 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! Welcome back synthesis, You had some bad luck out there but at least they will compensate you. __________________

Sep 17, 2011, 11:52 PM	Thread Starter #7
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! I'm very tempted to do that, but another option...is very sleazy. Essentially they're going to reimburse my invoice costs (aka invoice from NewEgg or otherwise). What I could do is order the parts, get the invoice, send it to FedEx, then return the unopened parts and pocket what I don't spend. I could also invest in a few things (sound system, a DSLR, general pocket change) rather than just get a 590. I'd actually really prefer DSLR over pimping out my computer again (more usage since I'm not in my dorm all too too much). So the contenders would be the ASUS Matrix GTX 580, EVGA DS-GTX 580, EVGA GTX 580 SC, EVGA GTX 460 2Win (I think). Maybe a GTX 590 if you guys can really argue for it I also am not sure about the new case. Besides the hard drive cage warp there isn't that much damage to it (not noticeably so anyway) so I may try and remedy the warping with the good old hammer solution. If not, I may get another Phantom or look at similar cases (recommendations in <=200USD range, at least midtower?). And...any DSLR suggestions? I was looking at a Pentax K-r, Canon t2i, or Nikon D3100/5100. __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Sep 18, 2011, 03:06 AM	#10
blibbax What does this do? Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 4,231 Rep Power: 254 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! Welcome back Al. Buy some super expensive shit, send it back. Get a quiet GTX580 of your choice (less heat and power while you're writing essays than a dual card setup, easier to maintain and upgrade and use, etc. etc.). Buy a Fractal Design XL for the case, just because I'd quite like one myself. Then spend the rest shorting FedEx shares. __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure Alzheimer's, ALS, Huntington's, Parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Sep 18, 2011, 05:13 AM	#11
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 3,378 Rep Power: 177 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! can't just get them to pay for whatever blibbax. It's compensation. Insurance is sleazy that way. So you send them the invoice of what broke, take the new price for an item minus devaluation over time etc. etc. you might get 70-80% of the worth compensated? That's how it went with my laptop anyway... Hope you get every penny compensated though synth! __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? Life is just too damn short for if's and maybe's

Sep 18, 2011, 08:21 AM	Thread Starter #13
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! I have a laptop, and I'd still get a graphics card silly. Just not sure what. I think Blibby basically has the right idea And yeah. I would order it and then send them the invoice. Once they refunded me the cost of the invoice, I would return the unopened parts back to NewEgg (30 day return policy). And since I'm fixing it myself, I can just send them the price of the exact things I have that are damaged -- and that is around $1200 worth of stuff with current prices. Just because it's damaged doesn't mean it's unusable, though (like my mobo and current H50). __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Sep 19, 2011, 12:36 AM	#17
steves6403 HardwareHeaven Lover Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: lilydale australia Posts: 249 Rep Power: 27 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! Has fedex explained what happened ,how it got damaged .Looking at the damage yr puter suffered it sounds like a sudden stop eg: car accident truck or what ever. I,d try and get the lot replaced as components in puters dont like sudden stops. just a thought

Sep 19, 2011, 11:30 PM	#18
CJLMTLCA 14X Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 633 Rep Power: 63 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! Dude, i feel bad for you. Your case had scratches? They rammed it with a forklift or what? You didn't double, triple, quadruple pack it? At the minimum, I would have remove all cards and storage devices. Of course all this talk is in hindsight. You don't expect this to happen. __________________

Sep 20, 2011, 08:05 AM	#20
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! Usually the case is the least important thing for me when buying a new system (next to soundcard), I would rather spend the money for other components. Unless of course there is a case you really really want. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Sep 20, 2011, 05:56 PM	Thread Starter #21
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! The issue is is my current case actually has damage to it, but not a noticeable amount. If I can fix the hard drive cage it would be wonderful, but atm I can't have more than 2 hard drives in the rig due to lack of housing :/. It's also such a hassle moving cases... __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Sep 20, 2011, 07:29 PM	#22
BlueMak HH's Asteroids' Dominator Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Hellas->Macedonia->Thessaloniki Posts: 13,465 Rep Power: 349 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! Then it is up to you, can you fix it and if yes, do you want it like that, so that you spend the extra money on something else, or do you want a spotless case? Whatever is more important to you. __________________ The people who are regarded as moral luminaries are those who forego ordinary pleasures themselves and find compensation in interfering with the pleasures of others(Bertrand Russell)"You go into Afghanistan, you got guys who slap women around for five years because they didn't wear a veil,You know, guys like that ain't got no manhood left anyway. So it's a hell of a lot of fun to shoot them." - Lt. Gen. James N. Mattis This is slavery, not to speak one's thought. [Euripides-The Phoenician Women (c.411-409 B.C.)] http://www.macedonia.info/FALLACIESANDFACTS.htm *Sic semper tyrannis.*

Sep 24, 2011, 02:52 AM	Thread Starter #23
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! So I'm still waiting for FedEx to review my invoice ($1320) but I did manage to end up fixing my case. There is still damage on it, but not in a truly detrimental way so I will be keeping it. There was damage to a hard drive so I may end up keeping one of the 1TBs I ordered, and I also ended up keeping the Matrix GTX 580 and a couple fans (the fan blades broke in transit...wth?). Hopefully I can get the restocking fee of 15% on all items waived (they look at purchase history apparently when deciding whether to charge restocking fees. Weird.). __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!

Oct 8, 2011, 09:18 PM	Thread Starter #24
synthesis204 Dragonborn Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,175 Rep Power: 97 System Specs	Re: I'm Back (and with a problem)! Update: just got a check from FedEx in the mail for $850 (they denied $500 of the $1350...shame). Spent $550 on a new GTX 580 and replacement case fans (some were actually broken)...not sure if the 6 week ordeal was worth $300 (probably was), but it was an interesting experience to say the least. __________________ Donate the spare computing power of your PC to help to cure alzheimers, ALS, huntington's, parkinson's disease and cancer: Fold for HH!