XFX 7900GS AGP dead after 2 months

[santod]

I will try to remember everything I previously typed, as my POST seems to have gotten lost and never posted in the Forum. I have purchased an XFX AGP 7900 GS 256MB card. After 2 short months, the card died on me, displaying POST artifacts.(bad VGA memory) I contacted XFX, who assured me they still had plenty of that card in stock and they would gladly replace the card. I was also told, since the card WAS in stock and that they are in California and so am I, the turnaround would be very quick. After recieving my card, they tested it and it was found FAULTY. They informed me that they would send the new one shortly and send me a tracking #. I waited a few days, no tracking info, so I called them and was told that they didn't see any reason it hadn't shipped yet and to call them in four days if it still hadn't. So, I waited the four more days, still nothing. So I wrote in to Support who informed me they must test the card before sending it out and would keep me posted. A couple more days go by and I call again, since testing could run 24 hours straight and that should be adequate. However, I'm then told, sorry, we don't have any of those cards in stock and don't know when we'll get them in. What!!? I thought, he must be kidding, why was I not told this from the start? I don't like being lied to or (mislead) if you prefer. I feel going on 3 maybe 4 weeks by the time I ever see a working(hopefully)card is far too long to wait. Especially since I only had the card for 2 months and had to pay to ship the faulty thing back to XFX. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told he was not available today. I then asked what time I could reach him the following day and was told he would be out for another week, overseas. What!!? Noone in charge, hmm? Sounds like maybe part of the reason I'd been getting the runaround. I asked if there was a 512MB version available or any other possible upgrade that I would gladly pay the difference of. I was told the 512MB version doesn't exist, even though I find it on your site and others, as well as the product # and all. Is the 7950GT equal or better, I don't know. Seems many are having issues with that model as well. I sure am having trouble feeling that I would ever want another XFX product, which is too bad. I was happy to purchase a card that had a double-lifetime warranty, however if this is the RMA process that must be suffered through, I would not want to pass this card on to anyone else let alone dealing with it myself. I have gone through RMA processes in the past and have never felt like such a second rate consumer, who's purchase, respect, and satisfaction meant so little. Please, can someone at least give me an idea of when I might be able to use my system again for my Professional and personal purposes? Not everyon has an on-board graphics card or a backup to get them through such extensive periods of downtime.

[mivanx77]

Im sry about your situation. I understand that it can be troublesome through XFX. But in my experience I have received nothing but great and fast support. Especially for my 4 RMA's on them. If you look at my signature, you can see that my 7950GT(agp) has died 4 times. They said the same exact thing to me, saying that my card is not instock, so they offered me a 8800gt for an extra 50 dollars, which I declined. Now they are helping me get credit through the retailer, in which I am going to upgrade to either the 8800GTS(512/G92) or when the new video card hits in Feb, the 9800GTX. Just call them back and see you can work something out with them in return.

[santod]

Yeah, I've called several times and it seems until the supervisor gets back in a week, noone can do anything, or something. I see you have had problems with the 7950GT AGP card. So, I should not try for one of those instead? I guess you are moving up to PCI-express and therefor they are able to provide an upgraded card to you. I, however will remain AGP a short while longer and need an equal or better (if there is one from NV) AGP card until then. Hope they can do something, but so far no luck. They just say "we'll keep you posted". They even tried to deny that there is a 512MB version of the 7900GS in AGP flavor. I am not looking for a handout, just a working card for my money,in a timely manner. I even offered to pay any difference of a better card if one exists.

[Miker]

Do you mind posting your conversations you had with support?

7950GT is a great card to, but like the 7900 is has problems.

[santod]

Yes, I could post the online Ticket conversations, although that leaves out the verbal phone conversations that have taken place in between some of them.

Ticket #131030

Messages
[Todd - 01/11/2008] I left computer in standby for about 2 and a half hours came back, wiggled mouse, nothing. Black Screen. Hard reboot and had plaid type artifacts at POST. I then turned off system tried to boot again, same problem again. I then shut down computer and replaced card with my older BFG 6800Ultra AGP card, issue resolved. Sounds like failed AGP memory to me.

[WILLIAM - 01/11/2008] Hello Todd, I`ve gone ahead and authorized your RMA (Returns Merchandise Authorization) so you can send your XFX product in to get it serviced. Your RMA number is (XCR8155). Also please copy and paste the following link into your browser, ftp://xfxsupport.com/public/other/PCA_RMA_TC.pdf, this PDF is the RMA agreement and paperwork. It contains all the RMA terms and conditions; please fill it out, sign it, and include it with your RMA. If you wish to waive the signature on return shipments from XFX please obtain the waiver form here: ftp://ftp.xfxsupport.com/public/other/signaturewaiver.pdf. Thanks, William. Please note: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the PDF documents listed above. Please download and install the latest version of Acrobat Reader from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html before attempting to open the forms.

[Todd - 01/11/2008] So, it looks like I pay to ship the card to you, correct? As I don`t see anywhere about printing a shipping label and I did see shipping method suggestions. I`m not thrilled about paying to ship out the defective product but will be thrilled to soon recieve a working one that lasts longer then this poor card did. I certainly have never had a graphics card that ended up like this one, especially so soon, with no overclocking or tweaking done to it. However I do appreciate the speedy and helpful support to resolve the issue. I still havn`t lost faith in XFX or Nvidia, I just want the best I can have for my present sytem, running stable. I plan to do a complete system build in the near future, quad core, PCI-Express(SLi),etc. However until then, I need the best AGP out there and was really hoping this was it. Thanks for reading my short rant and I will be shipping the card out a.s.a.p.. Thanks.;jsessionid=ah1NDKEbBbUbinjDRD

[MARK_C - 01/14/2008] Hello Todd. Yes the warranty policy requires that you to pay the shipping here. We will pay the shipping back to you. Please give us the tracking information when you send the card out and we will get your issue resolved as quickly as possible. Thank you. Mark

[Todd - 01/15/2008] The card was shipped yesterday via UPS. The tracking # is 1Z 741 104 03 4275

[MARK_C - 01/16/2008] Thank you. You will get an automated updated when the card is checked into testing so that you know we received it. Mark

[Todd - 01/16/2008] Sorry the last 4 digits of my tracking # are 8783 and it should arrive tomorrow, thanks.

[KEVIN - 01/17/2008] Thanks, Todd.

[TAYLOR - 01/17/2008] We have received your recent returns ref: XCR8155. Your returns will be passed to the RMA department for testing and diagnosis. We will notify you on completion. Thank You. XFX Support Team

[KRYSTLE - 01/17/2008] Your recent returns ref: XCR8155 has recently completed the testing process with the following status: {I4H211337 = FAULTY}. A technician will be in contact shortly to discuss completion of this returns. If you have any queries regarding this test result - please send a message to the support team. Thank You. XFX Support Team

[Todd - 01/21/2008] I was hoping the replacement would ship today, must be a holiday for you guys there. Hope to see a tracking # tomorrow, maybe? I assume "FAULTY" means you will be replacing it, correct? Please let me know if I am wrong about that.

[KEVIN - 01/21/2008] Todd, that`s correct. You`ll be receiving a replacement. We typically test replacements before shipping them out, so you`ll be sent that shortly along with a FedEx tracking number. Thank you.

[Todd - 01/23/2008] I am hoping to recieve that tracking # today. I was told on the 11th, that the turnaround time would be really quick since we are both located in California. I am not trying to sound like a nag, but I don`t consider 2 weeks quick, not to mention it hasn`t even shipped out yet, let alone recieving it. I sure hope it ships quickly and works for more then 2 months like the previous one. I bought the card from XFX, knowing of the Lifetime Warranty. However, I was not aware that it would cost me to ship out a defective product and to then have to wait so long for it. It just seems a long time for someone to be without a product that I`m sure you guys know is required for many systems to run at all. Not everyone has an on-board card or a backup one to get them by in the mean time. Is it not possible to have cards in stock that have been pre-tested and ready to ship when necessary? It would be great if they were all tested before packaging in the first place, so this doesn`t have to happen as often. Again, I will be waitingfor that tracking #. I was told on the phone yesterday, "feel free to call again on thursday if I have not yet recieved a tracking #. Well, today would be a lot more reasonable, in my mind. How long could the testing take, 24 hours of non-stop should do it, no?

[BRIAN - 01/24/2008] Hi Todd, we`ll keep you posted. Thanks Brian.

[Todd - 01/24/2008] According to Kevin, the card was to be tested and that was why it hasn`t shipped yet, now today I`m told that there aren`t any in stock and you are waiting for some to arrive. I was told they were in stock to begin with and the turnaround would be really quick, doesn`t seem to be the case. Very dissapointed mostly in the fact that I could have been told on Monday that there aren`t any in stock and have kept me from wondering why the hold up(testing), no, nothing to test. I could maybe see this level of support for a card that someone bought 4 or 5 years ago, but I had that card for a whole 2 months. I had recieved my rebate for my purchase of the card just in time to use it to ship the card back for RMA.

[Todd - 01/25/2008] Is it a possibility that this Part #: PVT71KUDL3 is better then the one I had purchased? What is different about it? Is it possible you have a slighly different but equal or slightly better model that you could send sooner? For personal projects, I really need to have a card that supports Pure Video and my system is disabled without it. I also have 4 new games that I recieved for Christmas that I have been unable to play. I had just completed a complete system reformat about a week prior to this card burning out. Therefor, I have not even installed my games, as well as other software that I will be using with my system when it is finally complete again. I rely heavily on my sytem and find that 2 weeks, going on 3 or 4 by the time I may see a card at this point, seems too long for a consumer to wait for a defective product to be replaced, with something. I would be willing to pay the price difference for the better model, if that would speed this along. Or maybe there`s a shiny new 512 MB version, whatever it takes, I`ll pay any difference if I must.

[Todd - 01/25/2008] XFX GeForce 7900 GS AGP 8X 512MB DDR3 (PV-T71K-YDF3)

[Todd - 01/25/2008] Maybe you have better memory on that card?!

[Miker]

Monday the XFX Support people will be on to help you more.

These cards blow when they get bad power and I guess your PSU fried it when you did a hard reboot.

[santod]

My PSU should be just fine. The hard reboot was the only way for me to get any video signal back at all. I have had freezes and lockups in the past on occassion, where the only option was to do a manual reboot. Never has that FRIED a card. The memory on the card died, while in standby, therefor the black screen and monitor acting as if it had no video signal. I have also had to reboot in the past with my 6800Ultra, which has never fried the card. If my information is correct, my FX5950Ultra and 6800Ultra OC both require more power then the 7900GS, maybe not, but the 6800Ultra does take 2 molex connectors, where the 7900GS only takes 1. I have a 550 watt PSU with dual 12-volt rails, each with 20+ volts, I believe. The card ran fine with my PSU and system for 2 months, then bam, it's memory went. The RMA people will be there Monday, I know. What about the supervisor or someone who will give me an idea of how much longer I should have to wait or some type of resolution. I have spoken with the RMA dept. numerous times by phone this last week already, that's how I finally squeezed out the fact that they don't really have any and don't know when they will.

[Miker]

I am not saying your PSU blew it up, I am saying the power blew it up because these cards are picky on power.

[santod]

Oh. Sorry, misunderstood you. Yeah, everyone seems to find these cards to be very picky and short lived, I guess. Thanks for your responses.

[santod]

So, now it's Monday and I've spoken with XFX once again. Still no supervisor available, maybe later today, they're not sure though. Now, they claim that they tested a card last week to send me and it failed also. So, yes they are still waiting for a shipment that noone seems to know when it will arrive. Maybe later this week, they said. So I asked if there was a way they could check and make sure that they have really been ordered and if so, shouldn't they have an estimated arrival date or exact even. They apparently are coming from China. They also informed me that they no longer make the 7950GT in AGP. Too many problems with those, I guess. They didn't know why. they have not been very informative, helpful, or concerned about the fact that a customer is dissatisfied with waiting what will be about a month, if they do get them later this week to test and then ship out. Really discouraged from ever buying XFX again or recommending them to anyone. I know they could care less about that as well, I'm just one user who builds only a couple dozen systems for locals each year, not gonna hurt their pockets at all. Too bad they think this way, or we would recieve better support. I mean, how hard is it to keep cards stocked that you have LIFETIME warranties for. It's only 1 series behind and as far as AGP goes, it's the top of their line. Anyway, disgusted and I'm usually pretty patient when a company at least pretends to care a little.

[xfxsupport]

Let me look into this for you and see what I can do.

[santod]

That would be great, thanks.

[santod]

Well, it's now been almost 3 weeks and still no replacement. They have now made me an offer, which some of you would say jump on it. The card they offered is an upgrade, however it's PCI-E, which is useless to me at the present time. The whole reason I purchased a top of the line Nvidia AGP card at the end of October 2007, was to try and extend the life of my system a little while longer, until I could afford an entire overhaul. My point, I guess, is that I'm not real satisfied with my only options, recieve a PCI-E card that I can't use, wait 6 months until I can, or sell it and try to buy another AGP card from another maker(hassle). Or, my other option they gave was a credit at the reseller I purchased it from originally. Well, sadly, the reseller I purchased it from no longer carries anything better than a 7600 in AGP ,much like XFX themselves I guess. What a hassle, I wish I had bought a different maker to begin with, as they have never had a problem making good on a return, even 2 generations later. Yes a PCI-E upgrade is a nice offer, if you like being forced to buy a new processor, motherboard, and system ram to make your "FREE" upgrade usable at all. I appreciate the fact that some people are bought off by this type of offer easily, as maybe they have already made some purchases toward their new system build, therefor it appears as a great deal. I am not in this position, so it pretty well sucks. Maybe if they threw in a 680i mobo too, it might seem like they were being helpful, then I would only have to buy the processor and memory to make my "FREE" upgrade usable. Sorry, pretty well disgusted. Guess I'm taking the card I can't use as my other option leaves me without one completely.

[Miker]

Just so you know, XFX is the only company that make good AGP cards any more, and some companies stopped selling any AGP cards.

[santod]

But they don't make ANY anymore apparently, that's the problem. They can't send me one. Also, I like BFG, and they have always done me right. Just my experience.

[mivanx77]

I'm sry to hear your dissatisfaction. I was one of the user that where forced to get the PCI-E upgrade. As you can see by my signature that I had 4 7950GT's die on me. It was on the 4th one I realized, that I needed to upgrade. I will be upgrading in the summer time, while in the mean time, they were able to help me get my FULL credit from the place I bought it from. So when I upgrade I will have approximately $255.99 in credit from ZipZoomFly.

Actually XFX and EVGA have these new budget 775 mobos, that are around 45-80$ which is great. Supports everything you want except dual SLI. Also RAM is at a new low, I put on my wish list, that will include:

mobo
4gb of ram
quad core
antec 9000 case
zalman fan
2 dvd-burners
250GB sata

which all equals around 500$ that includes shipping. This is after I removed all the rebates and my $255.99. Hopefully you will be able to get a working card soon.

[santod]

Yeah, I had been following your misery as well, sorry you had to do without also. Certainly doesn't help me play any of the new games I was waiting for on Christmas. Here they still sit on my desk to not be played until they're old I guess. Credit at the store I purchased from, unfortunately won't keep this AGP rig runnin any better, as their selection now sucks for AGP. So much for their Double Lifetime Warranty, Repair or Replace. They can't do that once, let alone twice. Maybe they should have thought to change the warranty for their AGP when they told the fabricators to quit making them. Thanks for your concern and support. I know a new system can be had reasonably priced these days, but I can't right now. Just bought a house in Northern California about a year and a half ago and now also have a 4 month old baby. I gotta keep my priorities and not buy early just to utilize a (FREE) upgrade. It's kinda like taking in your Toyata 4-Runner to get a new engine, 2 months later engine blows. Dealer(mechanic), says sorry, can't get anymore 4-runner engines so were gonna upgrade you to this nice new Porsche engine(FREE). We know it will not work in your current vehicle but if youbuy a whole new Porsche minus the engine you'll be set. May be a bad analogy, maybe not!

[santod]

Well, I just wanted to summarize and say that, I feel conned with the whole Double Lifetime Warranty. Not being able to replace it 2 months after purchase is sad. I spoke with them about the possibility of throwing in a PCI-E mobo with the PCI-E card they were gonna send me. At least that way I would have half of a working system, not just a graphics card that I can't use. It sounded like the supervisor I spoke with understood my view of the situation and was gonna make that happen. Then as we were getting off the phone I think he mentioned a much lower model of PCI-E card. If that is the case, I'm not interested. The card should at least equal the performance of the model I had in AGP form or be better then. Otherwise what's the point in the whole thing. I guess if the card is gonna be degraded at the cost of throwing in a mobo, then it's not such a nice reconsiliation. If that's the case, then I just want the PCI-E card they originally offered I guess.
I am really dissappointed that buying an AGP card to max out my present sytem, ends up with me being forced to upgrade entirely to utilize the card I will end up with. If I was shopping for PCI-E card to begin with I would have bought a PCI-E card, not an AGP card with a Double Lifetime Warranty. I thought, cool I can resell this card when I do finally upgrade my system and the buyer will still be fully warrantied. Well, no more XFX Double Lifetime Warranties for me, thanks.

[srpeters18]

You have to keep in mind as well, that just because it has a double lifetime warranty, it doesn't guarantee that your part will always be available. Just because the place that you bought it sells old parts doesn't mean that its still possible to get one from the manufacturer. AGP has been on the way out for a long time now and I'm actually still surprised anybody is still selling them. I feel your pain, I really do. But the fact that they no longer manufacture the cards can't be helped. Do you expect them to keep a stock of them around forever? Once they've stopped manufacturing them, they can't just go back and make another one.
And I don't think they were trying to "buy you off" at all, I think they were trying to resolve the situation with the best possible solution for you, based on what was available. I'm sure it sucks having to upgrade your mobo but that's not really their fault. Especially since in the warranty agreement it doesn't mention anything about replacing it with the exact same part. Pretty sure it says equal or greater value.

[santod]

Yes, I know AGP has been on its way out. I know, I know. Anyway, equal or greater value to me is one that I can use with my newest games, PCI-E is unusable for me right now, therefor not equal or greater value. The 7900GS AGP has more value for me right now. If they are gonna have a Double Lifetime Warranty on something then maybe they shouldn't have broken the mold quite so soon. Otherwise don't even state Double Lifetime Warranty. They could still contact all of their resellers and get one somewhere, I'm sure of it. Otherwise a PCI-E card and mobo isn't too much to ask for if their gonna force the PCI-E upgrade. I still would need new memory, new processor, maybe new PSU also for the card. "Free" upgrade?? NOT!!

[srpeters18]

Come on man, seriously. You really expect XFX to contact every one of their resellers to find one card? You know how many resellers there are? And besides, when your package was printed with the double lifetime warranty on it, that was what, 3 maybe 4 years ago? Like I said, they cannot keep these in stock forever and 3 or 4 years in terms of technology is an eternity. They are offering you a much better card, what else should they do? There is a reasonable expectation that they will do everything they can to replace the card and I think you have gone way beyond reasonable.

[santod]

Easy for you to say, you can play all your games right now, right? I have games sitting here since Christmas that I can't even play with my backup AGP card. That card enabled me to play them for 2 whole months then quit. Now I get to stare at the boxes on my desktop for what, 6 months until I can build a system to put this card in? Yeaaaahh! I'm not impressed. BFG has been able to replace cards that are 3 gens. behind, no problem. How hard would it be to replace the memory on that card?? They did say REPAIR or Replace. By the way they came out for AGP in the 1st quarter of 2007, check it.

[srpeters18]

Okay, so would your money have been better spent on that card? Or one of the barebones kits from Tiger that would probably run your games at least as well as that AGP card, along with being able to upgrade everything else at the same time. Just because that card was released 1Q of 07 doesnt mean anything. How old was the architecture? That was probably one of the last cards released by them in AGP and if it was a great seller then I would expect them to be out too.

[santod]

They also still have a BUY NOW button for it on their site, in the details, Double Lifetime Warranty. WHY?

[santod]

When I jump to PCI-E it's not gonna be a cheapy Barebones, I wanna build it right, which is why I've held off so long. Also it would not run games as well without more hardware being upgraded or added.
I also sat here for 2 weeks while they had my card, assured me they had stock, still made them, "the 7900GS, oh yeah, those are still going strong", they said. Then, all of a sudden, "we hade one, we tested it and it was FAULTY also", "we CAN'T get anymore, I guess". Still going strong meant, aren't anymore at all huh? Tired of waiting and expecting something that never even existed and then being told, sorry, we'll give you a free upgrade even though it won't work in your system. I don't care for others telling me I'm being unreasonable, I'm calling out a company to honor a warranty that they created and giving me an unusable upgrade is not equal or better to anyone that can see things logically. Yes, it SOUNDS good, if you have more money to blow maybe, that isn't how warranties work though. You shouldn't have to spend money to make a replacement or "FREE" upgrade usable, PERIOD.
In case it's not obvious, I have not been trying for freebies here, I have tried hardest for what they owe me, the same, as you would say "OLD" 7900GS AGP. If they can't and wanna give something better, it would have to be usable to = better. Not unreasonable in my eyes.

Oh yeah, as far as resellers for XFX they have 16 E-tailers that support their products from their website, not too hard to make 16 calls, if it took all of them to find one. That would too much work for Lifetime support though, I guess, whatever man.

[santod]

Straight from XFX

Here’s the deal: We will repair and service your 6, 7, and 8 Series Graphics Card for as long
as you live. Even for those of you who know how to push our cards to the limits, if anything goes wrong, we’ll service it free of charge. All you have to do is register the card with us online. If you ever decide to sell or give the card away to someone, we’ll still honor the protection plan for the second owner as well. They just need to register the card with us. You get the protection AND the added value of being able to pass along a full warranty.

XFX is excited to announce another industry first: The XFX Double Lifetime Protection! Now you—and your card’s next owner—are both covered by the XFX “shield” of protection. Should something go wrong with your 6 Series or greater Graphics Card, and you’ve registered the card with us online, we’ll cover the cost of repair and service—absolutely free! And, should you sell or transfer ownership of the card, the same service applies to the next owner, as long as they register the card with us online.

Now, it’s all fairly simple, but here are the Double Lifetime Protection specifics:

The XFX Double Lifetime Protection goes into effect once the initial Owner (Owner #1) registers the product with us on www.xfxforce.com. At that time, XFX promises that the graphics card purchased (Product) will remain free from any defects in material or workmanship for the lifetime of the Product.
A unique Registration ID will be issued for the Product upon confirmation of the registration.
Products received by XFX must be in original condition and must be complete with all original components to be covered by the protection.
To qualify, any 6 Series or greater Graphics Card purchased on or after April 17, 2007 must be registered within the first 30 days of purchase or the protection for the card will be limited to 1 year.
To transfer protection to a second owner, the second owner will have to register the card with the same Registration ID originally issued to the card. The existing term of the Protection will also transfer to the second owner.**
What the XFX Double Lifetime Protection covers:

The XFX Double Lifetime Protection covers only the repair of a 6 Series or greater Graphics Card. XFX will repair or replace the Product (no refunds). XFX makes no other warranty, express or implied. XFX is not responsible for loss, damage or shipping charges to our RMA Center.
Additionally, XFX reserves the right to inspect and verify the defects of the Product(s) that are returned.

XFX's liability under the Double Lifetime Protection is limited to the repair, or, at XFX's discretion, the replacement of the portion(s) of the Product that are found to be defective in material or workmanship. XFX reserves the right to claim shipping fees as well as a service charge* for any incomplete or modified Product that is returned and that requires repair or replacement, or when the Owner is not entitled to any coverage under the XFX Double Lifetime Protection.

To request a Double Lifetime Protection repair, simply go to our Help Desk and fill out a Support Ticket.

This exclusive program is valid only to purchases made in North America (USA or Canada).

[srpeters18]

Okay so did you read this part?

"The XFX Double Lifetime Protection covers only the repair of a 6 Series or greater Graphics Card. XFX will repair or replace the Product (no refunds). "

If its not repairable, then they will replace it. If they don't have one available they will replace it with the closest match that they can, why is that hard to understand? It is absolutely no different than any other manufacturer. If they have the exact replacement available, they will give you that one. If its no longer available, they will give you a comparable one.

[santod]

They can't replace, so why not repair as stated? Seems like they ought to be able to replace the VGA memory. I guess until memory is socketed on the cards we won't see many repairs. Not hard to understand for me, maybe it is you that doesn't understand, it's not of greater value to me unless I can use it. New Porsche engine for your Toyota, not really a welcomed gift if you need your Toyota to RUN. Doesn't equal the value of a working Toyota engine in my eyes. Hmmm, don't see why anyone would support this type of support. I guess that's why they can get away with it.

I also can't help but notice you seem to be behind them on this although your system sports 0% XFX hardware. Lucky you.

Oh and did you read this part?? "Here’s the deal: We will repair and service your 6, 7, and 8 Series Graphics Card for as long as you live." I'm still alive, repair and service my card.

[typh4u]

Maybe with that PCI-E upgrade they maybe will through in a motherboard too? Can't hurt to ask.......

[santod]

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I did ask. They ignored that request until I finally got through to a supervisor, who said hed see what he could arrange with a 680i SLI LT board offer on Monday. Sounds like he was talking about with a 7 series PCI-E instead of the 8 series previously offered. I was not happy with just the 8 series card which is why I asked about adding a mobo to the offer, not to sacrifice card quality for a cheaper last series mobo. 8 series card and mobo and then I would be halfway there at least. That would be acceptable. Not to mention they would regain my respect as little value as that holds to them.

[srpeters18]

That's a terrible analogy. If I got a Porsche engine for anything, I'd most certainly buy the adapter kit or a new tranny to get all that power to the wheels.

I'm saying that its entirely possible your card isn't repairable. There are several reasons the cards aren't hand-built. Size of componentry is one of them.

And remember, video cards used to have socketed memory, then did away with it.

And now they're offering a 7 series video card and a mobo and you're still not happy? You're losing a 7 series why are you so upset about gaining one? Along with a new mobo. And you can get a pentium D at Tiger for under $50 and two GB of memory for about $60. I'd say this is the perfect time to upgrade.

[santod]

He mentioned a 7600, not a 7900, which I had. The first card offered was an 8800GT with 512MB ram. That card with a board sounds like a deal or even 8600 maybe but 7600?? Nothing less then a 7900 would be worth it to me. I'd be a fool to upgrade with a downgrade. Also, as far as buying new stuff for PC or a car I don't have the money right now, unlike you apparently. Sure, if being able to keep dumping money into stuff to make it work weren't an issue, maybe I'd be okay with having to do so because they can't repair or replace the card I bought. Also that mobo offer was something I had to push for and didn't become an official offer yet. Waiting for Ticket update on Monday.

Also, maybe my analogy was a bad one, but I think you get the point, then again maybe you don't. Money seems to not be an issue for you, I myself spent the little money I had at the time to spare to maximize my existing AGP rig to get me through another 6 months or so. Not to drop like a terd in 2 months and not be able to get another. This system was to become my daughters, maxed out, when I do my upgrade. Whatever, you obviously don't get it. Even when I build my new system, it would be nice to have this one complete, otherwise it's just a spare bunch of hardware, sitting, unused and wasted. No it's not gonna run Crysis and games like that on high, but it would be more then my daughter needs for what she plays and uses the PC for.

[jll544]

The first card offered was an 8800GT with 512MB ram. That card with a board sounds like a deal or even 8600 maybe but 7600?? Nothing less then a 7900 would be worth it to me.

To be fair, asking for an 8800GT plus motherboard is unreasonable. The combined value far, far exceeds the value of a 7900GS AGP. You have limited funds, and it's no different for the company. They should be willing to offer some extra compensation for your trouble, but not to the point of giving you a double upgrade for free.

What motherboard is being offered? That would help determine a fair trade.

[santod]

What's hard to understand that with the 7900GS AGP card I have a fully working system. With a PCI-E card, no matter the dollar value, I have a pretty graphics card to stare at, that is completely useless to me without spending a bunch more money to build a system around it. I had a working system with the card I bought, not with a PCI-E card, or I would have bought one of those to begin with. Not my fault their card was a faulty defective piece of junk, also not my fault they don't have anymore and can't make good on their own warranty terms. An unusable upgrade doesn't hold the value of the lower model I had since it could actually be used in my system NOW. No board has been officially offered just yet, waiting until Monday. We discussed the 680i SLi LT model, which is a budget board and not what I would choose if I was actually ready to do the whole system upgrade with my hard earned cash. I wasn't ready to do that just yet, which is why I purchased a top of the line AGP card just a couple months ago. By the way it's not a double upgrade, check your prices. Also, it's not like I havn't offered to pay some amount of difference for actually hooking me up. I offered to pay the difference in the first place, when I was asking about 7950GT's(AGP), or 7900GS with 512MB(AGP). It's not like I have completely been asking for handouts, so chilllllll!! Besides, I didn't ask for 8800GT either, that was their offer and by itself, useless to me. Get it?!

[jll544]

What's hard to understand that with the 7900GS AGP card I have a fully working system. With a PCI-E card, no matter the dollar value, I have a pretty graphics card to stare at, that is completely useless to me without spending a bunch more money to build a system around it.
Of course a PCI-E card is not directly useful for you, hence the motherboard offer to soften the blow. If you don't want the 8800GT, sell it on eBay and buy yourself an X1950 AGP - essentially what I did when my XFX 7950GT AGP died. Or wait for the HD3850 AGP, which is now available in Europe and should soon appear in the US. Yes, it will require additional effort on your part, but do you really want another XFX AGP card anyway? I didn't.

[santod]

Just so we're clear I had to push for the mobo offer, wasn't their idea to begin with. Yes, that would soften the blow, which is why I suggested it. I don't want an ATI card, thanks. The HIS 3850 is available, I don't want it. Hmmm, as far as wanting another XFX AGP, why should I believe a PCI-E one should be any better at this point. At least an AGP card would fit the system I own, get it? No, I wouldn't CHOOSE to purchase another XFX anything now, okay? Having to sell and repurchase and pay more shipping, etc. isn't what I bargained for when I purchased a card with a DOUBLE LIFETIME Protection policy, okay?!!

[jll544]

Having to sell and repurchase and pay more shipping, etc. isn't what I bargained for when I purchased a card with a DOUBLE LIFETIME Protection policy, okay?!!
LOL - That warranty is worded vaguely enough that they could downgrade you and still honor the policy.

[santod]

Repair or Replace! Yeah, it is pretty vague though, I agree with you there. This is not the kind of support I thought the user community would give for one another, I gotta be honest. You seem to act as if you'd be okay with being screwed around. What is the problem, the more people that allow this kind of support for these overpriced tech items, the more they will try to get away with it. Would you really accept a downgrade on a Lifetime Warranty for anything??!! So if your system runs DDR2 memory and it fails after 2 months and you send it back through warranty, would you be stoked to recieve faster DDR3 memory that doesn't work in your board. Meanwhile, you have already waited 3 weeks with no memory to put in its place in the meantime, or maybe 1 stick of 128MB ram for backup. Now I guess you would just do a motherboard upgrade to make use of the memory??? Hmmm, not my idea of customer support. Sounds like a good way for each company to push users to keep buying more and more components, constantly. Apparently, people aren't gonna see my side since you personally wouldn't benefit from it or maybe you already took the bait, got your "FREE" PCI-E upgrades and built a system around it. I wasn't ready and shouldn't be forced into it when someones product fails so miserably, so quickly!! Which is why if I'm stuck with a PCI-E card I don't think I'm asking too much to throw in a mobo(refurbished even) to help ease the blow of having to still buy a new CPU, Memory and possibly a power supply. We obviously don't agree about that.

[jll544]

This is not the kind of support I thought the user community would give for one another, I gotta be honest.
Sorry to hear that you feel that way, but your disappointment in the community is misplaced. Strategically, the community is supporting you by arguing and thus keeping this thread at the top of the forum. If we all agreed and called it a day, then the thread would get buried, and no one would notice. Keeping the discussion active encourages the company to save face and "rescue the day" by treating you well beyond anyone's expectations.

[santod]

Okay, I'll go for that. Unfortunately I've only heard from XFX on here once. It wasn't until pushing through about 8 or 10 phone calls, that I even was given the opportunity to speak with a supervisor, after many requests. "Out of town", "not available", etc.Meanwhile being told AGP 7900s are still going strong, yeah we still make those for sure. They even said "a huge percentage of people are still running AGP systems and we'd be stupid to stop making them already".OOPS!! Also if you are trying to make me sound like I'm being unreasonable, then it gives them the false impression that I am. Maybe , just a word to the wise, to help us all get better support. Thanks.

[jll544]

You're right - unreasonable is not the way to put it. Keep us updated how they respond on Monday.

[santod]

Thanks for acknowledging that jll544. I'll post back with an update after I hear from there tomorrow, for sure. I do work , so I won't know until later in the day, which sucks, because then I respond and usually am stuck waiting until the following day for another response. I did talk to their supervisor, Ryan and he is supposed to talk with Shannon, who has been handling my RMA lately, about what they can offer me, so we'll see. I'm getting pretty tired of the whole situation and wish this dilemma on noone. Right now my daughter is without her computer because I had to take back my other AGP card to run mine, she's real thrilled about that! I guess I should have to buy her another card now too, huh? At least until I can build my new system, what a pain in my, wallet!

[xfxsupport]

It is an odd situation and painful situation, thats for sure. However I thought it reasonable that because we are having a hard time getting 7900GS AGP cards we offered to replace it with a high end 8800GT PCI-e or help get your money back. Now if we sent a lower performing video card that would be far short of our warranty terms, but we did offer to help get your money back. I will look to other options to see how we can help.

[santod]

Yes, it has been an odd and painful situation. I want to mention, that a credit at the reseller I purchased from, was what I was offered as an option, not my money back.The fact that they had nothing even close for AGP cards now, made that credit useless to me still unless I put it towards something else that I hadn't planned on purchasing now and still buy an AGP card elsewhere. That's again, more money then I can spend right now to get back to where I was a month ago, as far as a running system goes. I bought a card that would work in my system, that is what I need the most. I am not looking for handouts, people, just what I spent my hard earned money on to begin with. If someone or a company can't make good on their own words, then it's up to them as to how much they will compensate for the 1. Faulty Graphics Card 2. Lack of Warranteed Repair or Replacement 3. Lack of timely return 4. Misleading info about replacement.

The offer today was, a 650i SLI motherboard, not the 680i board discussed on the phone and the 8600GT 256MB PCI-E card. I'd rather not start my new build, when I do, with a budget motherboard that is now a couple series old already. The GOOD news is, miraculously they now say,
"It appears that we may be getting more 7900GS in about a week". Bingo!!! That's all I wanted, what I paid for, nothing more, nothing less, not looking for handouts people, just wanted my cheapo AGP card, one that works for longer then 2 months that is. So I have agreed, yes I will wait another week, what's another week, it's been almost a month without it now.

If they keep me hanging for something that doesn't materialize AGAIN, well, I don't know, send me my 8800GT I guess. I'd be glad to pay any difference if the 512 MB version 7900GS is the only one available or if it is also available, if not, my original card will do just fine, that's all I've really wanted!! Cheap mobo offers with midrange PCI-E parts aren't gonna win many points with me folks, I can buy that combo pretty darn cheap, my present system working with the AGP maxed is what I paid for.

[santod]

Finally, with no word about getting more cards in, they shipped one out. YEAAAHHH! It arrives today, I sure hope it works until I do a rebuild at least. I'd sure hate to try to go through this process again. Fingers crossed!