RMA - Asus TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI

[Steyr69]

Bad luck had fallen upon me last week.
I find I can't power up my PC. Previous night still working fine.
Then next morning I power on, the CPU fan spins then stop....I tried a few times also same.
And after that, completely no spin.
Suspect is Power button failure, I use the screw driver to short the 2 pins on the board.
But no response.
I proceed to check PSU, but looks to be working. The board actually have RGB lighting on it, so I can see there is lighting.
I also use the paper clip testing on the PSU, and no issues with the fan spinning.

My specs:
AMD Ryzen 5600G + TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI
AMD Stock cooler
Andyson 450W PSU
Crucial Ballistix 3200 8GB x 2 ram
Crucial 2TB NVME SSD (Primary Boot Drive)
Link More 480GB SATA SSD

I bought the CPU and mobo combo in Feb 2023. Assembled and working since then until last week.
Main usage is surf web and video editing. Usage everyday is more than 12 hours.
Play some simple ArmorGames.
No overclocking.

Knowing there are 2 distros for Asus, I called up Asus CS hotline to hilight my issue.
The guy informed me to send the mobo to Avertek.
I also confirm with him my mobo is still under warranty. He asked for my mobo serial number and I provided him.

So, I dismantle everything and bring the bare board plus box and invoice (I bought from Dynacore SLS) To Avertek.
The CS guy told me there is no need to make any prior appointment, can just go directly.
I met this Avertek guy and he did a thorough visual check on my mobo with a magnifying glass.
He pointed out to me a small white color chip near the CPU socket was very dusty.
He claims that if there are signs of oxidation, the warranty will be void.
He told me he is unable to test the board for me as there is a danger of the board damaging his CPU.
Then he told me he will be sending the board to Asus for further analysis. Not sure Taiwan or China...
It will take approx 4-6 weeks but might be longer due to CNY.

Now thinking back, maybe I should have gone to Ban Leong instead.

1. I would like to understand more on the oxidation part and thus voiding of warranty.

2. In the case, Asus decide to void my warranty, what are the alternatives?

3. Can recommend another budget mobo based on my usage in case there is no replacement. I would prefer a matx, 4 ram slots and wifi connector.

A little info

As I was dismantling the stock cooler, I find the paste pretty dried up. Could this be a reason?
I got this cheap Deepcool ICE EDGE MINI FS V2.0 cooler which I used on my old AM3 system. The website claimed the cooler can be used on AM4. Anyone have experience using this on their AM4 ?

All inputs will be much appreciated.
Many thanks !

 

[xonix]

Bad luck had fallen upon me last week.
I find I can't power up my PC. Previous night still working fine.
Then next morning I power on, the CPU fan spins then stop....I tried a few times also same.
And after that, completely no spin.
Suspect is Power button failure, I use the screw driver to short the 2 pins on the board.
But no response.
I proceed to check PSU, but looks to be working. The board actually have RGB lighting on it, so I can see there is lighting.
I also use the paper clip testing on the PSU, and no issues with the fan spinning.

My specs:
AMD Ryzen 5600G + TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI
AMD Stock cooler
Andyson 450W PSU
Crucial Ballistix 3200 8GB x 2 ram
Crucial 2TB NVME SSD (Primary Boot Drive)
Link More 480GB SATA SSD

I bought the CPU and mobo combo in Feb 2023. Assembled and working since then until last week.
Main usage is surf web and video editing. Usage everyday is more than 12 hours.
Play some simple ArmorGames.
No overclocking.

Knowing there are 2 distros for Asus, I called up Asus CS hotline to hilight my issue.
The guy informed me to send the mobo to Avertek.
I also confirm with him my mobo is still under warranty. He asked for my mobo serial number and I provided him.

So, I dismantle everything and bring the bare board plus box and invoice (I bought from Dynacore SLS) To Avertek.
The CS guy told me there is no need to make any prior appointment, can just go directly.
I met this Avertek guy and he did a thorough visual check on my mobo with a magnifying glass.
He pointed out to me a small white color chip near the CPU socket was very dusty.
He claims that if there are signs of oxidation, the warranty will be void.
He told me he is unable to test the board for me as there is a danger of the board damaging his CPU.
Then he told me he will be sending the board to Asus for further analysis. Not sure Taiwan or China...
It will take approx 4-6 weeks but might be longer due to CNY.

Now thinking back, maybe I should have gone to Ban Leong instead.

1. I would like to understand more on the oxidation part and thus voiding of warranty.

2. In the case, Asus decide to void my warranty, what are the alternatives?

3. Can recommend another budget mobo based on my usage in case there is no replacement. I would prefer a matx, 4 ram slots and wifi connector.

A little info

As I was dismantling the stock cooler, I find the paste pretty dried up. Could this be a reason?
I got this cheap Deepcool ICE EDGE MINI FS V2.0 cooler which I used on my old AM3 system. The website claimed the cooler can be used on AM4. Anyone have experience using this on their AM4 ?

All inputs will be much appreciated.
Many thanks !

​

​

If the board is not covered by Ban Leong, they would not entertain you.

It depends how bad the oxidation is. In severe cases, up to the manufacturer whether they accept it for warranty claim. Most b550 boards are fairly affordable now, I got an asrock b550 riptide ( no local warranty ) during black friday for less than S$150. As for your cooler, stated on the website that it is compatible, should be fine.

https://www.deepcool.com/products/Cooling/cpuaircoolers/2021/14297.shtml

 

[Phen8210]

My specs:
AMD Ryzen 5600G + TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI
AMD Stock cooler
Andyson 450W PSU
Crucial Ballistix 3200 8GB x 2 ram
Crucial 2TB NVME SSD (Primary Boot Drive)
Link More 480GB SATA SSD

I bought the CPU and mobo combo in Feb 2023. Assembled and working since then until last week.
Main usage is surf web and video editing. Usage everyday is more than 12 hours.
Play some simple ArmorGames.
No overclocking.

Wow, using A520M pairing with 5600G and running 12 hour a day video editing?

Usually for AM4 rigs with 6c/8c processor like the 5600G rig i built, i used an Asrock B550M Pro 4 for it to ensure the board components stay cool under load, this board has good value and perfect pairing with midrange processor.

A520 series is more or less meant to pair with low end processor. Our temperature can go 30c+ so you should always have some headrooom.

If they don't fulfil your warranty, get some used B550 boards with warranty left.

I met this Avertek guy and he did a thorough visual check on my mobo with a magnifying glass.
He pointed out to me a small white color chip near the CPU socket was very dusty.
He claims that if there are signs of oxidation, the warranty will be void.
He told me he is unable to test the board for me as there is a danger of the board damaging his CPU.

I think the technician is just lazy, call his manager and complain.

 

[kimsix]

Amd boards are under avertek.
Ban leong is high ses Intel, dont deal with low ses amd.

Should try ask him to top up a newer board instead of wait.
another local distro sme nonsense if they try pull off oxidataion and dont want test on the spot

why even sarpork locals if they dont sarpork you

 

[Koenig168]

......

He told me he is unable to test the board for me as there is a danger of the board damaging his CPU.

What kind of BS is this??

It's a service center. They are supposed to test the board for you.

 

[Steyr69]

Wow, using A520M pairing with 5600G and running 12 hour a day video editing?

Usually for AM4 rigs with 6c/8c processor like the 5600G rig i built, i used an Asrock B550M Pro 4 for it to ensure the board components stay cool under load, this board has good value and perfect pairing with midrange processor.

A520 series is more or less meant to pair with low end processor. Our temperature can go 30c+ so you should always have some headrooom.

If they don't fulfil your warranty, get some used B550 boards with warranty left.

Well, it is only simple short videos..not 4K...and the editing portion takes about less then 5 mins.
I use the PC to do some other data compiliation stuffs also.

I figure out I do not need a a very high end chipset...and many functions likely won't use. So I got a A520M mobo.
And the Asus mobo ticks all my boxes too.

Thanks for your info and recommendation!

 

[Phen8210]

Well, it is only simple short videos..not 4K...and the editing portion takes about less then 5 mins.
I use the PC to do some other data compiliation stuffs also.

I figure out I do not need a a very high end chipset...and many functions likely won't use. So I got a A520M mobo.
And the Asus mobo ticks all my boxes too.

Thanks for your info and recommendation!

B550 is nowhere near high end, it's entry level midrange.

However, A520 is bottom barrel with a lot of cost cut, only use it if you absolutely have no choice and just need to get a rig going because A520 has the highest RMA rate thanks to those prebuid pc companies that like to cut cost, but is it that surprising.

Anyway, now you either F them up to replace your board.. or pay to get another board. I think they should replace board for you and also test, tell them don't bullsh1t.

Our local distro really full of sh1t, its just that many people dont really talk about it. I estimate half the time i RMA anything, they would come up with some nonsense.

 

[Steyr69]

What kind of BS is this??

It's a service center. They are supposed to test the board for you.

The Avertek guy mentioned he will only test if Asus sent in the replacement board,.
He also say it is RMA center, not testing/service center.
Not sure what he meant by that.
Anyway, I old liao wor, so don't want waste time arguing with him.

Maybe, should just buy a new mobo.

 

[limcc]

With these BS from local distro, why spend more to buy local? Motherboard is the only PC component I would consider buying local, even PSU, casing and Monitor I buy online. My RMA experiences with BanLeong were great, too bad AMD model is cover by Avertek.

If RMA is a PITA with local distro and the waiting would take 4~6 weeks, really no reason to pay more for less.

 

[NightRaven49]

basically the same bs that distro throw at bro @colonelsoh:
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...ected-rma-lol-whats-the-next-upgrade.7075357/
distro should be the one to ensure that customer rma is well taken care of, if not whats the point of paying their middleman markup? distro cso saying they scared their own cpu spoil is quite ironic also, as if they not sitting on stockpiles of cpu.
think at this point, only things worth buying local is psu (good quality ones are generally heavy and expensive to ship and offer 10y warranty, should probably also show very little signs of oxidation) and case (if available locally). everything else can be found for cheaper online and easy to ship.

Wow, using A520M pairing with 5600G and running 12 hour a day video editing?

A520 series is more or less meant to pair with low end processor. Our temperature can go 30c+ so you should always have some headrooom.

5600g doesnt pull that much power (less than 80w), should be fine for any vrm with a heatsink even in our weather. b550 does not make sense for am4 apus as they cannot make use of pcie gen4 anyway, b3/450 is the ideal pairing imo.

 

[Phen8210]

5600g doesnt pull that much power (less than 80w), should be fine for any vrm with a heatsink even in our weather. b550 does not make sense for am4 apus as they cannot make use of pcie gen4 anyway, b3/450 is the ideal pairing imo.

On A520, dying in 1-2 year isn't even a huge deal especially when TS mention his active usage of more than 12 hour daily. If you’re a student with a tight budget, a A520 board might make sense since you got no money there's no choice.

Basically A520 is there so you can run your rig, things like long term reliability are not the focus in these boards because even if these boards have typically shorter lifespan, who is going to bother?

Decent B550 boards are generally going to more reliable and hold up better in the long run due to higher quality onboard electronic components being used.

Sure you save upfront, but you likely pay later.

 

[NightRaven49]

Basically A520 is there so you can run your rig, things like long term reliability are not the focus in these boards because even if these boards have typically shorter lifespan, who is going to bother?

Decent B550 boards are generally going to more reliable and hold up better in the long run due to higher quality onboard electronic components being used.

Sure you save upfront, but you likely pay later.

ive seen entry level boards last longer than top of the line ones, so i dont think paying more for higher quality components will guarantee a longer lifespan. in the end, when the higher end board die, u will definitely pay more overall than if u had started out with a cheap board.
i also dont think it makes sense for manufacturer to warranty a product for 3y (which is the industry standard for mobos) if they intentionally build it to not last.

 

[Steyr69]

ive seen entry level boards last longer than top of the line ones, so i dont think paying more for higher quality components will guarantee a longer lifespan. in the end, when the higher end board die, u will definitely pay more overall than if u had started out with a cheap board.
i also dont think it makes sense for manufacturer to warranty a product for 3y (which is the industry standard for mobos) if they intentionally build it to not last.

Actually it is heng suay.
I have an entry level Biostar system before. it churned on for a good 8 years before saying bye bye.

 

[Steyr69]

basically the same bs that distro throw at bro @colonelsoh:
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...ected-rma-lol-whats-the-next-upgrade.7075357/

Thanks for hilighting this case.
Looks like the same "oxidation" excuse.
Frankly speaking, I got a shock when told RMA can be rejected due to oxidation.
It just doesn't make sense to me.
What do these ppl expect us to run the system in? Clean room?
The Avertek guy say there are dust on my mobo. Saying I never take care of the mobo.
He use the analogy of "why we shower everyday"
What he expect? Everyday I dust and clean the mobo??
I bet the system will die faster due to static generated.

 

[Phen8210]

ive seen entry level boards last longer than top of the line ones, so i dont think paying more for higher quality components will guarantee a longer lifespan. in the end, when the higher end board die, u will definitely pay more overall than if u had started out with a cheap board.

While there’s no guarantee, higher quality components placed on board increase the odds of the board lasting longer. This is a fundamental principle of electronics that has not been changed, it still holds 100% true to date.

i also dont think it makes sense for manufacturer to warranty a product for 3y (which is the industry standard for mobos) if they intentionally build it to not last.

It’s not that they intentionally build it not to last, you’re buying a bottom-line product designed to be sold at the cheapest price points. To meet this demand, businesses have to use cheaper, lower-quality components, there's nothing magical here.

When you say it “doesn’t make sense,” that’s just your perspective as a consumer. You’re overlooking the profit motive from a business standpoint.

Living in a first-world country might give you the impression it’s not worthwhile, but in reality, it’s hardly an issue due to low operational costs and cheap labor in China, they still maximize their profits like all other businesses and its been taken to account.

That’s all I have to say on this, whether you agree or not is entirely up to you, to me its just something that is natural.

 

[Steyr69]

Hi Phen, Nightraven,

There is really no need to get emo over 520 and 550...chill guys!

 

[Phen8210]

Not emo man, i'm just sharing what i know

 

[KleoZy]

@Steyr69 like to check if you did raise an RMA through MyAsus Center or you went Avertek directly? you might want to try these options, get further help using via email or live chat. report your incident as what you are experienceing. They might be able to assist you. https://www.asus.com/sg/support/contact/serviceflow/support?type=warranty

but do be prepared as this is Asus SG Policy
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/warranty/

Exclusions from this limited Warranty Service

The warranty only covers technical hardware issues during the Warranty Period under normal use conditions. ASUS does not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of this Product. It does not cover any software issues even if packaged or sold with Product, or customer induced damages or circumstances such as but not limited to:

(a) Damage caused to this Product(s) by you or any non-authorized third party, including but not limited to improper installation or modification with any non-original software or hardware (such as HDD, SSD and/or RAM.).

(b) Damage caused to this Product(s) by non-original configuration.

(c) The serial number of the Product, components or accessories has been altered, cancelled or removed;

(d) Obsolescence;

(e) Damage (accidental or otherwise) to the Product that does not impact the Product's operation and functions, such as without limitation to rust, change in color, texture or finish, wear and tear, and gradual deterioration;

(f) Damage to the Product caused by war, terrorism, fire, accident, natural disaster, intentional or accidental misuse, abuse, neglect or improper maintenance, and use under abnormal conditions;

(g) Damage to the Product caused by improper installation, improper connection or malfunction of a peripheral device such as printer, optical drive, network card, or USB device, etc.;

(h) Damage to the Product caused by an external electrical fault or any accident;

(i) Damage to the Product resulting from use outside of the operation, storage parameters, or environment detailed in the User's Manual; (j) Damage to the Product caused by third party software or virus(es); or there is software loss or data loss that may occur during repair or replacement; (k) Unusability due to forgotten or lost security passwords;

(l) Unusability of or damage to the Product caused by contamination with hazardous substances, diseases, vermin, or radiation;

(m) Fraud, theft, unexplained disappearance, or damages/detrimental circumstances caused by a willful act of the customer;

( n ) Unusability or damage to the Product caused by installing and using the Unlock Device App, which is a utility that will unlock your Product's boot loader but will render the Warranty null and void.

(o) Damage to the Product arising from cryptocurrency mining or related activities unless the model is especially designed for mining.

 

[NightRaven49]

When you say it “doesn’t make sense,” that’s just your perspective as a consumer. You’re overlooking the profit motive from a business standpoint.

Living in a first-world country might give you the impression it’s not worthwhile, but in reality, it’s hardly an issue due to low operational costs and cheap labor in China, they still maximize their profits like all other businesses and its been taken to account.

not just saying it from a consumer pov, it also doesnt make sense from an economical pov if the product is distributed widely. if a product cannot even last its warranty period in places with strong consumer protection, the manufacturer will incur losses from having to replace the product after the sale (ie from having to provide an additional unit and ship it back at minimal additional cost to the customer). granted sg is not one such place, and our market is probably too small for manufacturers to care, so i suppose thats just a case to be made for there being no benefit to supporting local businesses.

Hi Phen, Nightraven,

There is really no need to get emo over 520 and 550...chill guys!

Not emo man, i'm just sharing what i know

same here, this is a discussion forum after all, bound to have disagreements.

 

[Steyr69]

@Steyr69 like to check if you did raise an RMA through MyAsus Center or you went Avertek directly? you might want to try these options, get further help using via email or live chat. report your incident as what you are experienceing. They might be able to assist you. https://www.asus.com/sg/support/contact/serviceflow/support?type=warranty

but do be prepared as this is Asus SG Policy
https://www.asus.com/sg/support/warranty/

Exclusions from this limited Warranty Service

(e) Damage (accidental or otherwise) to the Product that does not impact the Product's operation and functions, such as without limitation to rust, change in color, texture or finish, wear and tear, and gradual deterioration;

Thank you.

I called up Asus CS (+65 6636 9163) , provided a short summary of my complaint, then he asked for
my mobo serial number. After confirming, he asked me to bring the mobo directly to Avertek.
He didn't ask me to fill in any online form.

Anyway, I discussed with my friend regarding the present scenario and he feels that it is better for me to buy another mobo. A simple one will do. I'm currently using my old pc and it is so laggy.
Can't even do anything decent.
He expressed astonishment and disappointment with the current level of support offered by distros.
The mobo I already give to Avertek, so they will likely chut pattern and try to drag the timeline or come out with "nonsense" to disregard my RMA .
So, I shouldn't waste time waiting for them.

Will update again if I get a response from Avertek.