RMA - Asus TUF GAMING A520M-PLUS WIFI

[Steyr69]

I post this out to share my RMA experience and I'm astonish to hear distros are offering lousy support nowadays.
I had been out of PC hardware scene for quite some time already, so not really aware of latest developments.

 

[KleoZy]

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.

Honestly speaking. for any RMA, dont just go direct to distro, log an official ticket with your brand motherboard, be it Asus, ASRock, MSI or even Gigabyte. They each have their own center for DIY user to log a support ticket. I always register my items first, follow by raise a ticket with the official motherboard brand. though their instructions is to ask you to go to distro center, at least you have an official ticket from the brand you used. For futher complaint or such, can always use back the official Asus support ticket to raise your unpleasant. Thats what I am taught from board sponsors. is a good think you called them and you should have a replied email with the ticket number. Not sure about others. Normally it works for me as Distro take instructions from them, is either to send your unit back or to have a 1:1 exchange.
btw also if you RMA any items. make sure to take a picutre of your item as in no scratch no nothing. cos sometimes after RMA, your board will have scratches and such.. This you can raise again and brands will compansate you.. At least for my cases.

oh almost forget, in addition to this.. Distro will loan you a motherboard (according to what your processor is and dont expect to be super duper highend, temporary only) while RMA your old board.

 

[KleoZy]

Hmm.. maybe to share what I know about local RMA for brands.

MSI Center - https://account.msi.com/en/members/accountOverview
1) register your product with invoice attached to your profile
2) if needed, raise RMA and pull your item profile from MSI Center
if instructured to distro, just walk in, it's corbell
Note : Any future displease, use the official ticket number from MSI to raise your concern

Asus - https://account.asus.com/sg/overview.aspx?login_background=general_white
1) register your product with invoice attached to your profile
2) if needed, raise RMA and pull your item profile from My Asus
if instructured to distro, see which distro, you might need to book or walk in
Note : Any future displease, use the official ticket number from Asus to raise your concern

ASRock - E-portal care from Tech Dynamic https://warranty.tech-dynamic.com/
1) Just log your RMA ticket, provide your details and make sure to have invoice attached.
The appointment email will send to you once TD Support screen through your issue.
2) Book the appointment then proceed with RMA.
Note : Any future displease, just go back to TD.
Off topic : Need further assistants on ASRock https://tw.asrock.com/events/tsd.asp (last time i use to use this to get stable TSD bios lol)

Gigabyte - https://www.cdltrdg.com/index.php/products/power-supply/account/return/insert
CDL is Gigabyte main service center.

 

[Steyr69]

Hi KleoZy,

Thank you for the extra info.

I was in panic mode and nowadays don't have much time to source for RMA procedure.
So, the first thing I do is to make a call.
Guess I miss out the initial registration steps.

 

[KleoZy]

Hi KleoZy,

Thank you for the extra info.

I was in panic mode and nowadays don't have much time to source for RMA procedure.
So, the first thing I do is to make a call.
Guess I miss out the initial registration steps.

Most welcome. I didn't know the actual process till viewers in local asked me how to resolve their rejected rmas', so just I ask brands from local lor.

As mentioned from brands, if you did registered your product and have log an official ticket. There will be a tracking chain log on the progress of your RMA, else if without, anyone can talk verbally and leave you with no evidence to back up your stand.

Anyway wish you all the best with the RMA. Yes is of no big deal, can just grab another new board but still money spent on old board. If can get it fix, then use it till end of life lor, why spend unnecessarily right

 

[R6exR6]

Honestly speaking. for any RMA, dont just go direct to distro, log an official ticket with your brand motherboard, be it Asus, ASRock, MSI or even Gigabyte. They each have their own center for DIY user to log a support ticket. I always register my items first, follow by raise a ticket with the official motherboard brand. though their instructions is to ask you to go to distro center, at least you have an official ticket from the brand you used. For futher complaint or such, can always use back the official Asus support ticket to raise your unpleasant. Thats what I am taught from board sponsors. is a good think you called them and you should have a replied email with the ticket number. Not sure about others. Normally it works for me as Distro take instructions from them, is either to send your unit back or to have a 1:1 exchange.
btw also if you RMA any items. make sure to take a picutre of your item as in no scratch no nothing. cos sometimes after RMA, your board will have scratches and such.. This you can raise again and brands will compansate you.. At least for my cases.

oh almost forget, in addition to this.. Distro will loan you a motherboard (according to what your processor is and dont expect to be super duper highend, temporary only) while RMA your old board.

Reminds me of my shitty warranty experience with the local distro for my Triumph motorbike. Despite still within warranty period, they claimed my ~$3000 part is not covered. Only when I logged an official ticket with Triumph UK, did they guai guai replace the faulty part FOC. Bloody Hell distros!

 

[Steyr69]

Most welcome. I didn't know the actual process till viewers in local asked me how to resolve their rejected rmas', so just I ask brands from local lor.

As mentioned from brands, if you did registered your product and have log an official ticket. There will be a tracking chain log on the progress of your RMA, else if without, anyone can talk verbally and leave you with no evidence to back up your stand.

Anyway wish you all the best with the RMA. Yes is of no big deal, can just grab another new board but still money spent on old board. If can get it fix, then use it till end of life lor, why spend unnecessarily right

I wonder whether your message and info on RMA procedures for various brands are inside the Knowledge Base section. It is good info and deserved a place inside.

I don't hold high hopes now that it appears the entire transaction is only between me and Avertek.
Asus is not the calling party since I didn't log an official ticket.

 

[86technie]

@Steyr69

Never get ASUS AMD Prime board, you can watch YouTube channel like Hardware unbox.
ASUS Prime are not very good but you get TUF series is counted mid-range.

However for AMD build usually people go for B550M but not A520M.
A520 are for very budget build and not very good in the long run.
Now you have to check with Avertek if they send for you for RMA.

Hopefully it can RMA, electronics can oxide especially SG weather.
No way around this so make sure you do not use a open case or
case with bad airflow.

Why are you reusing such a old PSU Andyson 450W PSU?
This one should date back more than 10 years during AMD Phenom era/Intel Core 2 Duo era.
Cheapest PSU in market is FSP HDV Pro 650 around $70.

As well as I remember past thread not sure your Windows got reinstall from scratch.
Proably didn't just plug in from AMD Phenom era save time than reinstall everything.
Cuz different generation the drivers will be very different.

If you install AMD chipset, it will have a AMD Processor Power Management.
This is to tweak Windows power plan to ensure the CPU runs optimally.
I know some PC doesn't install AMD chipset thus either have issues or run games/app
very laggy.

Last time AMD Phenom era don't have such thing, it also have chipset driver but
it only install certain component like SMbus that's it.
I still have a old AMD Phenom II here in my store so I know a thing or two.

After you get back the new motherboard or change one new like Gigabyte B550M DS3H which
is a popular choice among builders.
Remember to do a clean install of Windows than install the AMD chipset driver.

 

[Phen8210]

I agree with @86technie.

Those who work in this field have real-world experience that provides valuable insight into what works and what doesn’t, far beyond what can be learned from simply watching YouTube videos or just simple reading off charts without knowing what goes into them. Basically, not every information good/bad is revealed to public because business takes priority not the truth.

The point about ASUS applying a premium price to their low-end products but doesn't even make them better and often makes it more practical to purchase a higher-tier product from another brand.

I post this out to share my RMA experience and I'm astonish to hear distros are offering lousy support nowadays.
I had been out of PC hardware scene for quite some time already, so not really aware of latest developments.

Local distro really suck.

I had a GPU with a fan rattle issue, so I contact them to get it replaced which was only possible after a lot hoo haa because they actually want to send back taiwan to replace a fan, and when i got down he want replace the whole heatsink?

That's fine, but the technician didn’t even have thermal paste, and when I got home to reapply my own, I discovered he had stacked both the old thermal pads and new thermal pads from the replacement heatsink together.

Dealing with local distributors for RMAs is often a headache. Many bros also shared stories of their bizarre practices, like when RMAing a platinum PSU, they try to downgrade it and offer a gold PSU instead.

Ridiculous

 

[Goodshot]

I wont pair a 5600 with a lowend motherboard and psu . At least get B550 and recent 550w psu

 

[KleoZy]

I will be real frank about motherboards, I am always using either ASRock and MSI boards. they are build to tank.
being using ARSock most of the time till now (Main Rig) what make this brand stands out, I like the interface of the UFEI and no nonense on ARGB, I can simply turn off inside UFEI which I often do, I hate ARGBs, is a nusiance. causing more heat, though not alot but still heat and no nonsense background application needed in windows, where other brands will force you to install. Example Aura Sync in Armoury Crate, Mystic Light for MSI and Fushion for Gigabyte. Though now some of the boards comes with pre progame Flex Key button to off the argbs, but this only happened on higher tier boards.

There is another motherboard which I infavour of using for my content. it's been abuse many times with rams , cpus and tons of Liquid AIO testing

This is none other than the MSI B650M Mortar. This is one rock solid board. 60A chokes on it's Smart Power Phase and it can drive 7950X or 9950X or even 9800X3D with ease. Best part is. VRM Heatsink runs cool. (After PBO2 or PBO3 settings)
Mounting liquid AIOs for content. again and again, countless of times. the 1718 socket is still intact, PCB still intact. It does not warp that much. Unlike other B650M motherboards, not going to mentioned brands, they are not as durable as this Mortar.

As for RMA, its flawless with ASRock and MSI, Tech Dynamic and Corbell will cater their level best to aid you, so long you ask nicely, keep your calm and reason things nicely with facts. They will be more then willing to aid you.

As for Tech support, ASRock and MSI have given me the most prompt support. On top of which, if you are willing to enage with them on your issues and to provide logs. They will go to the extra mile to provide you with a TSD bios to rectify your problems.

When choosing a board, just make sure you choose wisely that cater your needs. Don't go blindly purchasing a board that is overlly dose with features which you do not need, Why pay for that which you don't use? Should have spent that extra on better GPU, RAMs or even M.2s. Also another off topic. It is unwise to purchase ARGB stuff which can cost up to 500 to 600 per set of fans or argb strips.. I have seen PC Builders decorating their premium fish tank cases with tons of argb equipement but when you look at the system specs, I shake my head.

Last pointer, don't need to compare to rich kids out there, on who has the nicest build.. so what if it looks ugly? you are spending to justify your needs. by doing so, you save hell alot for other better use of your money.
Also don't compare to YouTuber's build, remember you have to spend not them. try to reframe from short marketing BS, especiially ASMR or b-rolls which attracts you. yes you are tempted and you got it, but did these content tells you about hidden issues after your purchase?

 

[R6exR6]

I will be real frank about motherboards, I am always using either ASRock and MSI boards. they are build to tank.
being using ARSock most of the time till now (Main Rig) what make this brand stands out, I like the interface of the UFEI and no nonense on ARGB, I can simply turn off inside UFEI which I often do, I hate ARGBs, is a nusiance. causing more heat, though not alot but still heat and no nonsense background application needed in windows, where other brands will force you to install. Example Aura Sync in Armoury Crate, Mystic Light for MSI and Fushion for Gigabyte. Though now some of the boards comes with pre progame Flex Key button to off the argbs, but this only happened on higher tier boards.

There is another motherboard which I infavour of using for my content. it's been abuse many times with rams , cpus and tons of Liquid AIO testing

This is none other than the MSI B650M Mortar. This is one rock solid board. 60A chokes on it's Smart Power Phase and it can drive 7950X or 9950X or even 9800X3D with ease. Best part is. VRM Heatsink runs cool. (After PBO2 or PBO3 settings)
Mounting liquid AIOs for content. again and again, countless of times. the 1718 socket is still intact, PCB still intact. It does not warp that much. Unlike other B650M motherboards, not going to mentioned brands, they are not as durable as this Mortar.

As for RMA, its flawless with ASRock and MSI, Tech Dynamic and Corbell will cater their level best to aid you, so long you ask nicely, keep your calm and reason things nicely with facts. They will be more then willing to aid you.

As for Tech support, ASRock and MSI have given me the most prompt support. On top of which, if you are willing to enage with them on your issues and to provide logs. They will go to the extra mile to provide you with a TSD bios to rectify your problems.

When choosing a board, just make sure you choose wisely that cater your needs. Don't go blindly purchasing a board that is overlly dose with features which you do not need, Why pay for that which you don't use? Should have spent that extra on better GPU, RAMs or even M.2s. Also another off topic. It is unwise to purchase ARGB stuff which can cost up to 500 to 600 per set of fans or argb strips.. I have seen PC Builders decorating their premium fish tank cases with tons of argb equipement but when you look at the system specs, I shake my head.

Last pointer, don't need to compare to rich kids out there, on who has the nicest build.. so what if it looks ugly? you are spending to justify your needs. by doing so, you save hell alot for other better use of your money.
Also don't compare to YouTuber's build, remember you have to spend not them. try to reframe from short marketing BS, especiially ASMR or b-rolls which attracts you. yes you are tempted and you got it, but did this content tells you about hidden issues after your purchase?

Bro, will a 600W GPU like the RTX 5090 significantly shorten the life of a value-board like your MSI B650M Mortar more than a highend-board like the MSI X670E Carbon? Or GPU makes no difference to motherboard lifespan?

 

[KleoZy]

Bro, will a 600W GPU like the RTX 5090 significantly shorten the life of a value-board like your MSI B650M Mortar more than a highend-board like the MSI X670E Carbon? Or GPU makes no difference to motherboard lifespan?

Note : I am as curious as you are, the questions you've asked, it did pound into my head therefore I did engage Asus and MSI tech on some questions. The questions you have are partially my concern too. So I was educated by them without having the physical card. Do pardon me as I will not disclose those techs. These will be my answers of what I know.

In practice, RTX 5000 series should be using on X800 or B800 series motherboard. In this case for M-ATX will be B850M boards, you see, RTX 3000 and 4000 series are on PCI-E 4.0 else RTX 5000 series is best to go with PCIE 5.0 slot.

As for RTX5000 series on B650M Motar, it's on PCI-E 4.0, it's as per normal like you run RTX 3000 or 4000 series card.. speed does not exceed. so temperature in control.

If you run a RTX5000 series card on a B850M board, the PCI-E 5.0 is fast and it does generate abit more heat, but these boards are build and cater for this as they have gone through tolerance test.

the only thing you have to worry about, is the PSU. It's recommended by specs to have 850watts, but I feel that it should be 1000watts and not below. For personal perference. I will go for platinum PSU or even Gold PSU which are graded Cybenetics Platinum
example https://www.cybenetics.com/evaluations/psus/2467/
you can always use this as a guid https://www.cybenetics.com/index.php?option=power-supplies

 

[R6exR6]

Note : I am as curious as you are, the questions you've asked, it did pound into my head therefore I did engage Asus and MSI tech on some questions. The questions you have are partially my concern too. So I was educated by them without having the physical card. Do pardon me as I will not disclose those techs. These will be my answers of what I know.

In practice, RTX 5000 series should be using on X800 or B800 series motherboard. In this case for M-ATX will be B850M boards, you see, RTX 3000 and 4000 series are on PCI-E 4.0 else RTX 5000 series is best to go with PCIE 5.0 slot.

As for RTX5000 series on B650M Motar, it's on PCI-E 4.0, it's as per normal like you run RTX 3000 or 4000 series card.. speed does not exceed. so temperature in control.

If you run a RTX5000 series card on a B850M board, the PCI-E 5.0 is fast and it does generate abit more heat, but these boards are build and cater for this as they have gone through tolerance test.

the only thing you have to worry about, is the PSU. It's recommended by specs to have 1000watt and not below. For personal perference. I will go for platinum PSU or even Gold PSU which are graded Cybenetics Platinum
example https://www.cybenetics.com/evaluations/psus/2467/
you can always use this as a guid https://www.cybenetics.com/index.php?option=power-supplies

Noted with thanks!
Saw a video on Youtube with a reviewer saying only 1100W and above PSU can allow RTX 4090 and RTX 5090 to operate at max power. Anything less will not. He said something about some specifications/standards not met to run those two GPUs at max power. It was a live-stream chat video, so I didn't bookmark it. Just fyi.

 

[Phen8210]

Noted with thanks!
Saw a video on Youtube with a reviewer saying only 1100W and above PSU can allow RTX 4090 and RTX 5090 to operate at max power. Anything less will not. He said something about some specifications/standards not met to run those two GPUs at max power. It was a live-stream chat video, so I didn't bookmark it. Just fyi.

If you really particular about getting a good quality power supply, hwbusters have done comprehensive tests and measurements on plenty of PSUs. I think you should look into that, get the ones with good readings and then decide on a PSU with reputable brand.

 

[R6exR6]

If you really particular about getting a good quality power supply, hwbusters have done comprehensive tests and measurements on plenty of PSUs. I think you should look into that, get the ones with good readings and then decide on a PSU with reputable brand.

Thanks. Glanced through a few of their reveiws and recommendations already. Good stuff!

 

[ragnarok95]

Don't cheat out on power supply. Get a good one and be done with it.

 

[Steyr69]

Don't cheat out on power supply. Get a good one and be done with it.

What's your recommendation for those who run using APUs ?
No intention to get a GPU.

 

[ragnarok95]

Continue using your current 450W if there is no issue. Else, i will just get a FSP HV pro 550W if there is no intention of adding gpu.

 

[tsteo77]

@Steyr69

Never get ASUS AMD Prime board, you can watch YouTube channel like Hardware unbox.
ASUS Prime are not very good but you get TUF series is counted mid-range.

However for AMD build usually people go for B550M but not A520M.
A520 are for very budget build and not very good in the long run.
Now you have to check with Avertek if they send for you for RMA.

Hopefully it can RMA, electronics can oxide especially SG weather.
No way around this so make sure you do not use a open case or
case with bad airflow.

Why are you reusing such a old PSU Andyson 450W PSU?
This one should date back more than 10 years during AMD Phenom era/Intel Core 2 Duo era.
Cheapest PSU in market is FSP HDV Pro 650 around $70.

@86technie recommend a good mid end psu to thread starter. And the reason i too brought this psu is because it run on true power compare to a lot of psu which run on fake power due to a much better internal fuse. A lot of expensive psu actually use cheap fast blow fuse .