ASUS Under Fire: Outrageous RMA Costs for Minor Repairs on High-End GPUs

Introduction

ASUS, a renowned manufacturer in the PC space, has recently come under intense scrutiny due to its questionable RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) policies. The company’s handling of customer warranty services has left many users frustrated and bewildered. In a shocking incident, a customer was charged an exorbitant amount for a seemingly minor repair on their high-end graphics card. Let’s delve into the details.

The Incident

The news broke when a Redditor named Mulgoki shared their experience with ASUS’s RMA department. Mulgoki had purchased the ASUS GeForce RTX 4090 ROG STRIX WHITE OC, a premium graphics card priced at $2,799. The card was working perfectly, but Mulgoki noticed a scratch on the plastic power connector. Concerned about potential damage, they followed the advice of the local store where they bought the GPU and contacted ASUS’s RMA.

The Shocking Quote

To Mulgoki’s surprise, ASUS provided a jaw-dropping repair quote: $3,758. Yes, you read that correctly. The repair cost for a scratched plastic indent was almost $1,000 more than the original price of the GPU. Keep in mind that the graphics card was delicate and practically brand new. Even more astonishing, when Mulgoki’s RMA case was escalated, ASUS categorized the GPU as “not functional” and claimed that the damage wasn’t covered under warranty.

ASUS’s Offer

Despite the initial astronomical quote, ASUS did offer a 30% discount on the repair cost. However, this still left Mulgoki with a hefty bill for a minor issue. Frustrated by the situation, Mulgoki decided to escalate the matter further.

The Buyback Option

In an unexpected turn, ASUS offered to buy back the GPU at the total price, including tax. Essentially, they were willing to take the card off Mulgoki’s hands for the same amount they had initially paid. While this might seem like a solution, it highlights the absurdity of the situation. Why charge such an exorbitant repair fee in the first place?

ASUS’s Reputation at Stake

This incident isn’t an isolated case. GamersNexus recently exposed how ASUS mishandled units of the ROG Ally, attempting to deceive customers during the RMA process. Such practices tarnish the overall reputation of a company that has long been considered a top player in the PC hardware industry.

Conclusion

ASUS needs to reevaluate its RMA policies and ensure a more responsible and customer-friendly procedure. Charging thousands of dollars for minor repairs on high-end GPUs is not only unreasonable but also damaging to the brand’s image. Let’s hope ASUS takes corrective measures promptly so that users can have a more positive experience when seeking warranty services.