Antec RMA

[RangerXLT8]

I know the staff has discussed 'benchmarking' companies tech support.
Yesterday my dads computer wouldn't power-on. After some diagnostics, I determined the Antec NeoHE 430w was dead. I confirmed this by plugging in a Antec NeoHE 550 I had on the test bench.

So I initaited the RMA process.

1. First off you have to submit a trouble ticket.

2. Antec responded with an automated email that lays out the steps to RMA.

3. I had to fill out a PDF(couldn't email to them because I can't save the PDF), and print it out. Then I had to dig-up my invoice for the PSU from Newegg(this part was easy, just looked back through newegg orders). **Had I purchased the unit from a store and lost\misplaced the reciept, I would be SOL and stuck with a dead PSU that is less than 1yr. old).

4. I had to fax the filled out PDF with a print out of the Newegg invoice to Antec.

5. Now I have to wait up to 48hr to receive the RMA number.

6. Then the PSU has to be packed and shipped at my cost.

IMO they should just issue an RMA number, and the unit itself should be proof of purchase.

What's a bit dissapointing is the PSU was not run hard, my dads rig is a P4 2.8ghz Prescott, Asus P4C800 Deluxe, 9800Pro and 1gb of Corsair XMS 3200.

[yurimxpxman]

So your resolution is... that we shouldn't purchase Antec's PSUs or what?

[Tyreal]

I agree with you on this statement:

IMO they should just issue an RMA number, and the unit itself should be proof of purchase.

I don't know why these companies ask you for a copy of the invoice. As you said, the product/unit itself should be proof. DFI requires proof of purchase as well. I recently discovered this when I had to rma my DS482.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by RangerXLT8

I know the staff has discussed 'benchmarking' companies tech support.
Yesterday my dads computer wouldn't power-on. After some diagnostics, I determined the Antec NeoHE 430w was dead. I confirmed this by plugging in a Antec NeoHE 550 I had on the test bench.

So I initaited the RMA process.

1. First off you have to submit a trouble ticket.

2. Antec responded with an automated email that lays out the steps to RMA.

3. I had to fill out a PDF(couldn't email to them because I can't save the PDF), and print it out. Then I had to dig-up my invoice for the PSU from Newegg(this part was easy, just looked back through newegg orders). **Had I purchased the unit from a store and lost\misplaced the reciept, I would be SOL and stuck with a dead PSU that is less than 1yr. old).

4. I had to fax the filled out PDF with a print out of the Newegg invoice to Antec.

5. Now I have to wait up to 48hr to receive the RMA number.

6. Then the PSU has to be packed and shipped at my cost.

IMO they should just issue an RMA number, and the unit itself should be proof of purchase.

What's a bit dissapointing is the PSU was not run hard, my dads rig is a P4 2.8ghz Prescott, Asus P4C800 Deluxe, 9800Pro and 1gb of Corsair XMS 3200.

Heh just like my last RMA at Antec for a SmartPower II 350w.
I have another like this to send. :?

[OCNoob]

That's exactly what I went through not a week ago. Surprisingly enough, my SmartPower wasn't running such a beefy system either. I think I know what killed the PSU, however - a +7V modden fan. :?

[RangerXLT8]

Originally Posted by yurimxpxman

So your resolution is... that we shouldn't purchase Antec's PSUs or what?

That's not my resolution at all, I was just sharing my experience, to see what people think.

I do think their RMA process is tedious compared to some other manufacturers.

Previously I ran a Antec True Power 430(26A 12V) in my dads rig, and that thing was a TANK. However the fans were too loud for his likes(I had modded Panaflo Mediums into it because I sense modded it). I bought the Neo HE 430 because they run damn near silent, and it didn't last a year. Hopefully it was just a bad one.

[Tyreal]

I just bought a Neo HE 500w for my main rig in my sig. I'll update if I get any problems. Everything seems to be running stable.

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by RangerXLT8

I do think their RMA process is tedious compared to some other manufacturers.

While I understand why some manufactureres go that route, I agree 100% that verification is tedious, and at times just downright unfortunate (such as a lost receipt, etc). It's always nice dealing with a company that doesn't have hoops to jump through, such as OCZ, Crucial, MSI, and BFG to name just a few in my experience.

[RangerXLT8]

UPDATE: About 7 hr after I faxed the RMA request\receipt, I recieved an RMA number via email.

I give Antec props for processing this quick, even though it was a PITA. The PSU will be in Antecs hands before the week is over.

[RangerXLT8]

Well here we are, Antec has had the unit for 5 business days and not a word, no email, nothing.

Antec closed the trouble ticket when they sent me an RMA number:(