Help...RTX 2070 DOA

[Saint Gipper]

Question

Just received my MSI RTX 2070 Gaming Z and it's its riddled with artifacts, device manager doesn't even recognize it as running properly anymore after an hour or so of ddu drivers and reinstalling. Completely useless card. I bought this card on ebay, it was factory sealed and got a slight discount $579 vs $599 at the time.

Most outlets are charging $599+tax ~$640 all in. For $579 minus shipping to send it back I can't afford this card anymore. I could probably refund it to the seller get the Armor Core or a lower clocked RTX 2070.... but also I can "RMA" the card. There's a real probability whichever card I replace it with, even with lower clocks, could show up to my door step and also be a massive pile of dog shit.

My questions are:

1. If I RMA it with MSI, I should theoretically get a new card eventually right? Given the horror stories I've read about MSI customer service I'm very wary.
2. Also, do they charge for RMAs(besides shipping)?? Even if the card is clearly factory defective?
3. This is not a software issue right? the forums seem unclear, but I keep reading artifacts=not salvageable
4. Bonus: my conversation with MSI RMA didn't instill confidence.

If I just ask for a refund and eat the extra $60 to get the same card from Best buy or some place, there is still a chance it'll be messed up anyway right?

 

Thanks in advanced, really want this specific card, and I'm desperate but want to do the right thing. This whole artifact debacle has me really frustrated, and I have to let the seller on Ebay know asap.

[XR6]

I doubt they will charge you to RMA the card if it's got that sort of problem. 

They will most likely send you out a new card if you send it back.

 

 

[Saint Gipper]

Just now, 1kv said:

I doubt they will charge you to RMA the card if it's got that sort of problem. 

They will most likely send you out a new card if you send it back.

 

 

You sure? btw thanks for the quick response!

[XR6]

Just now, Saint Gipper said:

You sure?

 

Yeah, it's a brand new card. I see no reason why MSI will decline your RMA.

 

1 minute ago, Saint Gipper said:

btw thanks for the quick response!

You're welcome  

[SenKa]

Delt with MSI regarding my motherboard. They were fantastic with me, and RMA'd my DOA board happily. You should have no issues!

[Saint Gipper]

good to hear what was the turn around time?

 

[pstarlord]

They will email you a return label that you can print off that will cover your shipping charges back, then they will send you a new card.  Having to RMA stuff sucks, but it happens to everyone, its not worth getting upset by, its no reason to dislike a brand, its just a bummer.  Be patient, everything will be great in the end.