Need an expert advice on Intel 6 series chipset!

[alikmakh]

Hello,
I'v bought the GA-H67MA-UD2H, rev.1.0 ( stepping B2).
In two months i'v got all SATA 3GB ports degraded, that is,
hard disks connected to SATA 3GB do not work and do not appear in the motherboard's BIOS.
I brought the MB back to the seller in order to get the equivalent new MB replacement..
But the seller has found some damages inside the processor socket
 (of unknown origin - 1 leg missing & 1 twisted) and refused with the replacement reasonning that
 this damage  caused  the SATA-2 ports to malfunction and stop working.

So i need an expert explanation to clear it out.
1. Can it be that the missing or twisted legs in the CPU socket could result in the SATA-2 ports malfunction and stop working?
2. Саn it be considered that the motheboard is defective
  because of the SATA-2 ports malfunction? It is a recognized defect (by Intel or Gigabyte)?

Note. The damage in question do not affect anyhow the motherboard's performance.
 The mothrerboard starts and function porperly (except SATA-2 ports).
 The damage is - there's no M23 ping at all in CPU socket.
(looked up here - page 21, "Thermal Mechanical Specifications and Design Guidelines (TMSDG)"
http://download.intel.com/design/processor/designex/324644.pdf)

[nijel]

Gigabyte is exchanging all B2 boards for new B3 equivalents no matter what. The B2 board condition doesn't matter, damage or no damage. Period.

He is BS-ing you!!! Email gigabyte support and go back to him. Or do direct exchange with gigabyte like I did.

[Dark Mantis]

Hi and welcome to the Gigabyte Forum.

What nijel has told you is true. There is an agreement between all motherboard manufacturers and Intel that all boards will be replaced if returned. If you still have a problem with your retailer just contact your local Gigabyte office.

[alikmakh]

What nijel has told you is true....
.... If you still have a problem with your retailer just contact your local Gigabyte office.

As u can see  i live in Russia.
 In the  MB that i bought - the defect has revealed itself.
BUT the seller has found the damage in the MB - so, he didn't bring any evidence, but according TO HIS  guarantee this damage could be the motivation for the seller FOR the  refuse.

The seller says, that the damage is directly connected to the SATA ports stop working - so IT WAS MY FAULT TO THE .....!!!
So can it be that!?

There's nо local Gigabyte offices in my region and maybe in Russia. The very person i could contact is - Law&Order if any....

[Dark Mantis]

It really doesn't matter for what reason the motherboard failed as the agreement is to change any 67 series motherboard that is returned because of the faulty chip.

You could always try here:

Russian branch contacts are here:
http://www.gigabyte.ru/media/pages/contact-us
info@gigabyte.ru

[alikmakh]

Thank you ALL! Your advices were of  good help.
I have sent email to the motherboard manufacture and waiting for reply.
In any case i have a right to appeal to the court.

[Dark Mantis]

Redress through the Russian Courts shouldn't be necessary as this is all agreed and many people have already taken advantage of the offer of exchange.

Glad to have been of help.

[alikmakh]

You see, in my case there's a damage (bent ping). It's not my fault i know that, but the seller does not care (!).
So, if i fail to get direct support from Gigabyte,  the only way left for me is - go to the court.
 

[Dark Mantis]

I really don't think you will have any trouble getting it changed thropugh Gigabyte. They are as good as their word and have changed many others (including damaged boards) before this.

[alikmakh]

Hi all. I have addressed to Gigabyte Global tech service (ggts.gigabyte.com.tw)/ and finaly they replied:
"
Good day!

Returnable motherboard must be in working condition and full complete.
The refusal is due to conclude the service center, which during the examination revealed a mechanical failure on motherboard (broken pin in the socket of the processor). The presence of mechanical damage deprives the warranty.

Regards,
Gigabyte Technology
"

[nijel]

WTF... It's not a WARRANTY replacement. It is a RECALL replacement even gigabyte is not the one who pays for. Completely different animal. Reply and tell them that. If they still don't get it, have a lawyer to write them a nice letter.
There must be some misunderstanding here...

[alikmakh]

I guess gigabyte are not going for the replacement. So - if you damage the manufacture defective product (any kind of damage) - the product will be yours forever :-)), do not even think of exchange or money back ! :-))
It seems they intend to reuse those parts from faulty MBs. Otherwise, why should they care adout any MB damages!?
Of course, the defective product (with revealed defect) should be replaced in any case, no matter has it or not other damages because the product had been defected before it was bought. If Gigabyte do not agree, hm it's awfully sad... I shall have to apply for the court then.