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In my previous two articles I mentioned my findings while looking for an AMD or an Intel processor for my recent upgrade. Well today's newest processors require the newest motherboards to make sure of compatibility, and to insure that the chosen processor will run with your motherboard. In my upgrade search for a compatible motherboard, I noticed many of the same things I'd found out about the sellers of AMD/Intel CPU's/Processors was also being done by the sellers of Motherboards.
I noticed that many eBay sellers that sold motherboards were stating that they were "new/retail" in the box in their descriptions. But after going to the sellers page I would notice that many of them would state elsewhere on the page that the auction was for "motherboard only".
After talking/emailing many of them I noticed the same pattern. They want to sell you the motherboard, and then after you've bought it they'll let you know that for $20-$35 dollars more they will sell you all the "accessories kit" (cables, wires, drivers disc, manual, etc) for the motherboard. Some would only state that they would email you a link to the motherboard manufacturer's website. And hopefully there you could find out about purchase information for cables, wires, drivers disc, manual, etc, for the "new" motherboard that you had just purchased from them.
When you buy a new RETAIL motherboard, it will come with the motherboard, instruction manual/CD, motherboard drivers installation disc, and ALL cables, wires, and accessories. Almost ALL motherboard manufacturers have a 1-3 year warranty, with the average on most being 3 years. The ONLY times that a motherboard may come in a "retail" box, still be new, but NOT come with accessories, or even a warranty, is if it is an OPEN BOX ITEM. These are generally motherboards that have been purchased from online retailers. Even these online retailers do NOT provide a warranty/accessories for Open Box Items.
The following is quoted from the policies of what is probably the Number One online retailer...
" Open-Box Items
* Return for refund within: 15 days
* Return for replacement within: non-replaceable.
This is our Detailed Open Box Item Return Policy. Nxxxxxg.com often sells items that are listed as "open-box." Because these items are sold at greatly reduced prices, they bear this limited 15-day refund-only return policy through Nxxxxxg.com. Such items can only be returned within 15 days of the applicable invoice date. Nxxxxxg.com cannot provide replacement service for these items, as their stock is limited. The entire RISK as to the quality and performance of these items is WITH THE BUYER. These items have been tested for functionality, but may have superficial physical defects including (but not limited to) scratches, dings or dents. Should these items prove defective following their purchase, the BUYER ( not the manufacturer, distributor, or Nxxxxg.com ) assumes the ENTIRE COST of all necessary servicing or repairs, unless otherwise required by law. These items are not covered by any 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
If you purchase an Open-Box product you will receive an OEM BAREBONE item, meaning you will only receive the item itself. Accessories are NOT INCLUDED with Open-Box products, even if the missing accessory is required for the item to function properly."
Also,you need to know that most motherboard manufactures require you to register on their website for warranty purposes. Many/Most REQUIRE that you have the UPC CODE/SERIAL NUMBER OFF OF THE ORIGINAL RETAIL BOX. This is done to "track" their product, insure your warranty, and to insure that the right customer has the right warranty with the right product.
I have noticed some ebay sellers state that the motherboard is New/Retail, Closed, Sealed, or Never Opened Box. But then in the same listing they will state that the UPC CODE HAS BEEN REMOVED BY THEM FOR PROMOTIONAL REASONS. The "promotional reason" is that they are trying to get a rebate from the motherboard manufacturer. And to do this, they have CUT OFF the UPC Code/Serial # on the box and have mailed it, a rebate form, and copy of original receipt in to the motherboard manufacturer for a rebate. So unless the seller INCLUDES ALL OF THIS INFORMATION with the purchase, you the buyer CAN NOT register on the manufacturer's website for YOUR warranty on your NEW motherboard.
So again, before purchasing a motherboard be sure to research the product and ask the seller if it is New/Retail, Open Box, or OEM. If it IS New/Retail, be sure that it is a Closed, Sealed, or Never Opened Box. If the box has been opened ( for the seller to take pictures ) be SURE that the seller tells you this in the auction. And that in the listing it states that ALL accessories (cables, wires, drivers disc, manual, etc) ARE included in the auction and that the motherboard IS still covered by a warranty.
In my 15-20 years of building computers, all the motherboard and retail websites that I have been to (Abit to XFX) all stated the same thing... RETAIL motherboards include ALL accessories, have some form of exchange period with online retailer, and ALL come with a manufacturer's warranty, unless stated otherwise ( i.e. Open Box ). One of the MAIN things that you ABSOLUTELY NEED when purchasing a new motherboard is the MOTHERBOARD DRIVERS INSTALLATION DISC. Without this disc, unless your tech and web savvy, you're basically stuck with a big square paperweight!!!
Always remember "Caveat Emptor" ... Buyer Beware! Be sure to always research the product and ask seller any questions you may have before purchasing an item. Also remember, it is YOUR hard earned money that you are spending with them. So never let any seller act as if they are doing you a favor by answering your questions/concerns. They are here for YOU, the consumer, NOT the other way around. After all, you can always take your money somewhere else.
Thank you for reading this guide, I hope it helps you with any of your purchasing decisions.
If the information in this guide has been helpful to you, then please click the YES button located below.
I noticed that many eBay sellers that sold motherboards were stating that they were "new/retail" in the box in their descriptions. But after going to the sellers page I would notice that many of them would state elsewhere on the page that the auction was for "motherboard only".
After talking/emailing many of them I noticed the same pattern. They want to sell you the motherboard, and then after you've bought it they'll let you know that for $20-$35 dollars more they will sell you all the "accessories kit" (cables, wires, drivers disc, manual, etc) for the motherboard. Some would only state that they would email you a link to the motherboard manufacturer's website. And hopefully there you could find out about purchase information for cables, wires, drivers disc, manual, etc, for the "new" motherboard that you had just purchased from them.
When you buy a new RETAIL motherboard, it will come with the motherboard, instruction manual/CD, motherboard drivers installation disc, and ALL cables, wires, and accessories. Almost ALL motherboard manufacturers have a 1-3 year warranty, with the average on most being 3 years. The ONLY times that a motherboard may come in a "retail" box, still be new, but NOT come with accessories, or even a warranty, is if it is an OPEN BOX ITEM. These are generally motherboards that have been purchased from online retailers. Even these online retailers do NOT provide a warranty/accessories for Open Box Items.
The following is quoted from the policies of what is probably the Number One online retailer...
" Open-Box Items
* Return for refund within: 15 days
* Return for replacement within: non-replaceable.
This is our Detailed Open Box Item Return Policy. Nxxxxxg.com often sells items that are listed as "open-box." Because these items are sold at greatly reduced prices, they bear this limited 15-day refund-only return policy through Nxxxxxg.com. Such items can only be returned within 15 days of the applicable invoice date. Nxxxxxg.com cannot provide replacement service for these items, as their stock is limited. The entire RISK as to the quality and performance of these items is WITH THE BUYER. These items have been tested for functionality, but may have superficial physical defects including (but not limited to) scratches, dings or dents. Should these items prove defective following their purchase, the BUYER ( not the manufacturer, distributor, or Nxxxxg.com ) assumes the ENTIRE COST of all necessary servicing or repairs, unless otherwise required by law. These items are not covered by any 30-day satisfaction guarantee.
If you purchase an Open-Box product you will receive an OEM BAREBONE item, meaning you will only receive the item itself. Accessories are NOT INCLUDED with Open-Box products, even if the missing accessory is required for the item to function properly."
Also,you need to know that most motherboard manufactures require you to register on their website for warranty purposes. Many/Most REQUIRE that you have the UPC CODE/SERIAL NUMBER OFF OF THE ORIGINAL RETAIL BOX. This is done to "track" their product, insure your warranty, and to insure that the right customer has the right warranty with the right product.
I have noticed some ebay sellers state that the motherboard is New/Retail, Closed, Sealed, or Never Opened Box. But then in the same listing they will state that the UPC CODE HAS BEEN REMOVED BY THEM FOR PROMOTIONAL REASONS. The "promotional reason" is that they are trying to get a rebate from the motherboard manufacturer. And to do this, they have CUT OFF the UPC Code/Serial # on the box and have mailed it, a rebate form, and copy of original receipt in to the motherboard manufacturer for a rebate. So unless the seller INCLUDES ALL OF THIS INFORMATION with the purchase, you the buyer CAN NOT register on the manufacturer's website for YOUR warranty on your NEW motherboard.
So again, before purchasing a motherboard be sure to research the product and ask the seller if it is New/Retail, Open Box, or OEM. If it IS New/Retail, be sure that it is a Closed, Sealed, or Never Opened Box. If the box has been opened ( for the seller to take pictures ) be SURE that the seller tells you this in the auction. And that in the listing it states that ALL accessories (cables, wires, drivers disc, manual, etc) ARE included in the auction and that the motherboard IS still covered by a warranty.
In my 15-20 years of building computers, all the motherboard and retail websites that I have been to (Abit to XFX) all stated the same thing... RETAIL motherboards include ALL accessories, have some form of exchange period with online retailer, and ALL come with a manufacturer's warranty, unless stated otherwise ( i.e. Open Box ). One of the MAIN things that you ABSOLUTELY NEED when purchasing a new motherboard is the MOTHERBOARD DRIVERS INSTALLATION DISC. Without this disc, unless your tech and web savvy, you're basically stuck with a big square paperweight!!!
Always remember "Caveat Emptor" ... Buyer Beware! Be sure to always research the product and ask seller any questions you may have before purchasing an item. Also remember, it is YOUR hard earned money that you are spending with them. So never let any seller act as if they are doing you a favor by answering your questions/concerns. They are here for YOU, the consumer, NOT the other way around. After all, you can always take your money somewhere else.
Thank you for reading this guide, I hope it helps you with any of your purchasing decisions.
If the information in this guide has been helpful to you, then please click the YES button located below.
Guide created: 03/30/07 (updated 09/21/09)
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