Dodgy Graphics card - who to return to?

TrickyDicky

Ok, this is also shopping related, but because its a bit techie I thought Id post here.

I bought all the bits to build myself a new computer 2 weeks ago. Everything seemed to be going fine, but about 3 days in day I had the graphics drivers freeze on me when using windows (screen froze, then went black, then recovered with win7 popping up a little bubble saying the graphics drivers stopped responding, but windows managed to recover).

Also, when playing the new Deus Ex, Ive had the same thing happen, only it reboots and on return to windows it says it had a "Blue Screen" event (screen goes black and reboots when I press a key - BSOD not shown). This happens infrequently on my current graphics settings (near max), like once every 5/6hours of play. But if I turn the graphics up, it happens every 10 mins or so.

I detailed all this on the manufacturers website (KFA2) and they have given me a return address and number (its based in wales - not abroad).

So now Im not sure where to return it. Technically, it should go back to the vendor (ebuyer) as I purchased it from them. But I get the feeling KFA2 are likely to do more thourough testing on it (Im just afraid ebuyer wont find a fault). As its the screen going black and windows saying the graphics drivers stopped responding, Im more inclined to beleive its the graphics card, rather than a RAM fault (as that would just dump straight to a BSOD).

So - should I return it to ebuyer or KFA2?

Its a KFA2 Nvidia 560 Ti gfx card btw.
Other system specs can be posted on request.

System

i would be returning it to ebuyer, if they have sold you something faulty it is down to them, especially if it's gone within a couple of weeks, have you updated the drivers to the latest ones etc and reseated the card?

TrickyDicky

The drivers are latest (I downloaded them as soon as I put the machine together).
I havent tried reseating - I will give that a go tonight.

gonzo127

i would also go with ebuyer, or at least contact them and get their stance on these things, my main worry is the SOGA does state your contract is with the vendor first and foremost so am unsure on how sending it back to the manufactorer first would effect this

steve1980

If it's faulty then send it back to Ebuyer. Your contract is with them, not KFA.

I assume the graphics card is compatable with your new PC?

TrickyDicky

I dont know how it wouldnt be compatible. Theres a PCIe x16 slot and a second one for SLI if I really wanted to.

I have raised an RMA with ebuyer. Now Ive just got to find all the bits to put back in the box...

TrickyDicky

Just phoned Ebuyer - they have issued an RMA - but the Guy on the phone said the following (or something along these lines)
"There have been a few issues (BSOD) with new NVidia drivers and 560+ cards. some people are reporting success with older drivers (v260.xx seem to work). Take a look on google".

now looking on google, there are a few people reporting similar issues to me - but I havent seen any success stories yet - just a load of returns! I think he's telling some porkies?

Hammyman

He isn't telling porkies. There is a well known issue with the later drivers.

BTW have you actually got a power supply beefy enough to run the new card?

TrickyDicky

Any chance you could point me to somewhere else that says its a "well known" issue. If it was so well known, why dont nvidia recall/update the drivers? or at least acknowledge it? and why cant I find it on google?

I have a Coolermaster GX 650W, which this calculator says is plenty:

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

other stats
MSI P67-GD65 motherboard
i5 2500k
Corsair 120GB SSD
3x other HDDs (7200 rpm)
2x case fan
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