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Verified Actual Gamer Program Information [See Best Answer / 2021-10-08 update]

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Go to solution Solved by LogicalDrm,

*** IMPORTANT *** LATEST INFO ***


***

Latest drop was made 2021-09-28 17:11 UTC

The drop is over, we have no info about when, what or where the next will be. Follow LinusTechTips on Youtube for any new drops.

***

EXPECTED TO DROP NEXT:

  • Intel Arc GPUs (hinted at Dec 24th WAN Show)

***

About shipping and handling

  • Handling times seem to be 1 week from drop to shipping label created.
  • Shipping times depend on carrier. For outside of NA, the carrier is FedEx and shipping times seem to be regular 5-14 days. For US and Canada, the shipping times might be same, or even longer.
  • Any additional charges, like customs fees and local VAT are paid on entry to country. There has been variation between countries to whom payments are made (FedEx on delivery, FedEx to their office, custom directly), so contact your local FedEx or customs offices for more details on those.

***

Known drops:

1. Asus 3070, 3080 and 3090, 2021-03-20 17:40 UTC

Spoiler

 

2. MSI 3080 SeaHawk, 2021-03-30 16:59 UTC

Spoiler

3. AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, 2021-04-09 00:59 UTC

Spoiler

 

4. Asus TUF 6800XT, 2021-04-24 01:57 UTC / During WAN Show

Spoiler

 

5. Asus TUF 6800XT, 2021-04-26 17:05 UTC

Spoiler

vag2.thumb.PNG.ddd1ef7594273016c360771a196baf6a.PNGvag.PNG.6b7b0a1f9d7fc091e7b30720625e99f8.PNG

 

6. EVGA RTX 3060 XC Gaming / RTX 3070 FTW3 Ultra, 2021-05-06 20:29 UTC

Spoiler

 

7. MSI RTX 3080 Ti VENTUS 3X OC, 2021-09-28 17:11 UTC

Quote

$1589.99

***
 

Spoiler

 

PARTICIPATION ENDED! If you are local to LMG (Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Canada), you can participate to this https://gleam.io/nntHg/verified-actual-gamer-program-can-you-beat-linus

Announced in WAN Show https://youtu.be/-qj6hkLkdYg?t=2450

The even video (also 6th drop video)

 

***

FAQ

 

How do I enter? Can I enter? Where to signup?

You don't. All information about the drops are posted to Youtube and are hidden in videos. So far all drops have been on LinusTechTips main channel.

 

UPDATE: One of the drops was made live, during the WAN Show on Fridays. Until now there has been no drops on Friday or weekends.

 

UPDATE: For limited time, you can participate with local event https://gleam.io/nntHg/verified-actual-gamer-program-can-you-beat-linus

 

I watched the video, but there were no information. Where do I find this?

The information about the drop is removed from video after the drop is over.

 

When are videos posted?

At the moment LMG is using their regular timeslot which is 10-11AM PST (17-18 UTC).

UPDATE: LMG has posted in different timeslot to allow those in school or working chance.

 

How does this work?

So far the known information is following:

  • Video is posted on Youtube and Floatplane at the same time.
  • There's segment in video where Linus gives a hint about what link you need to use in order to enter. The hints are words and Linus uses his fingers to state what parts of the link they are. The links start with http://www.lttstore.com/. Link is temporary and will only show note about drop ending afterwards.
    • UPDATE: Previously there was actual cut-scene, latest drop had just voice-over during b-roll.
  • There will be challenge on store page.
    • The first two drops had 15 question quiz about video games. You have 3 lives and 3-4 options to choose from. Fastest to finish will get their chance to buy items.
      • Besides 3 lives, you can skip 2 questions.
      • The latest drop had questions in video format with some answers shown as "A/B/C/D" and some as written normally.
    • UPDATE: Latest drop had small flash game in style of Jump King / Icy Tower.
  • Item of the drop is shown on store page before taking the quiz. You will see the price and other details too.
  • UPDATE: After completing challenge, you are put onto queue with AFK meter to prevent idling. Forgetting to re-charge bar will drop you at the tail end of the line
  • Prices are before VAT, tariffs etc. and shown in USD. Price after tariffs (US only) are shown on page.
  • You are allowed to buy one CPU and one GPU from this event. (Source)

 

Can you tell me when the next drop is?

No, because we don't know.

 

I'm at school/sleeping/working/have other reasons and can't watch at current time slot.

Linus has said that they will at some point use different time slot. What it is, we don't know. UPDATE: The time slot for later time was 12PM-1AM UTC.

 

Why can't they have link or more information somewhere?

Because the whole point is make this as hard as possible for anyone but the absolute most dedicated fans.

 

Why they don't collect list of people? Why aren't forum members, Floatplane subscribers etc. prioritized?

List wouldn't do anything. There would still need to be draw of sort needed, and the list would consist more of non-gamers the longer it was left open. Prioritizing forum members would discriminate towards other parts of audience.

 

Having payment as requirement to join or as something making "winning" more likely is classified as lottery under laws. This would require permit, it would exclude several regions which require local permits or don't allow any lottery, and it would put age limit of 19 years in place.

 

Can I try quiz afterwards?

At the moment, no. But there might be site at some point after event ends.

 

***

Posts made by Luke and Linus.

Spoiler

 

***

WAN Show segments

Spoiler

WAN Show Jun 4, 2021

26:25 - 27:10 "We currently have no stock, but the program is still on"

1:23:00 - 1:23:30 One board partner with some 3080Ti's coming

 

WAN Show April 23, 2021

17:43 - 34:43 VAG Drop live on stream

43:15 - 44:50 VAG drop is over, hinted about 270 more cards

1:16:40 - 1:17:44 Some last minute info

***

WAN Show April 16, 2021

1:36:30 Super-chats

***

WAN Show April 9, 2021

13:20 - 13:40 The latest drop info
40:50 - 43:55 The local event info
1:15:35 - 1:17:34 Super-chats #1
1:24:25 - 1:24:47 Super-chats #2
1:25:47 - 1:26:07 Super-chats #3

***

WAN Show August 27, 2021

1:05:40 - Super-chats

***

WAN Show October 8, 2021

2:06:20 - Super-chats

Here Linus says that Verified Actual Gamer program would be suspended until further notice. Reason given was that retail prices are about same as so-called "scalper prices". Making the program pointless.

***

 WAN Show December 24, 2021

1:09:10 onward

***

 

To be updated

***

Misc:

Spoiler

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14584314

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14584685

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14584833

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14590605

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14599356

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14599549

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14629352

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14677960

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=15015997

https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information-see-best-answer-2021-10-08-update/?do=findComment&comment=15171174

 

 

Posted

So my 6800XT is finally here, but from what I've read about customs clearance, it looks like I got a week or even two of bureaucracy ahead of me.
Need to fill a lot of papers, prove that it costs $910, and not $2000 like here in our stores, and only then I can pay the VAT and customs fee and finally get it.
 

Ryzen 9 5900X, 32 Gb of 3200 RAM, Radeon RX 6800XT from VAG

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Posted

Dear LMG staff,

I’m in the middle of building my new setup right now and am in desperate need of a GPU. Specifically the RTX 3080 Founder’s Edition. And I want it for MSRP so I thought the “Gamer Gauntlet” would be a great place to get one. Yet I don’t know if this specific card, or others, will be released. So I was wondering which cards will be released there soon. It would be great to hear from one of y’all if you do peruse the forums. Thanks!

 

-TomPot 

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Posted
1 hour ago, Ruslanets said:

So my 6800XT is finally here, but from what I've read about customs clearance, it looks like I got a week or even two of bureaucracy ahead of me.
Need to fill a lot of papers, prove that it costs $910, and not $2000 like here in our stores, and only then I can pay the VAT and customs fee and finally get it.
 

That's also my biggest worry, mine should also arrive today, but I'm afraid it'll take like 2-3 weeks of customs clearance until I'll actually get it.

 

I'm afraid the anticipation will slowly kill me.

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Posted
9 minutes ago, TomPot said:

Dear LMG staff,

I’m in the middle of building my new setup right now and am in desperate need of a GPU. Specifically the RTX 3080 Founder’s Edition. And I want it for MSRP so I thought the “Gamer Gauntlet” would be a great place to get one. Yet I don’t know if this specific card, or others, will be released. So I was wondering which cards will be released there soon. It would be great to hear from one of y’all if you do peruse the forums. Thanks!

 

-TomPot 

Merged with megathread. For FAQ, please read https://linustechtips.com/topic/1312490-verified-actual-gamer-program-information/?do=findComment&comment=14603549

The short answer is that at the moment we don't know what the next drop(s) will be. LMG has previously teased upcoming drops in their social media, but so far there has not been any such updates.

 

^^^^ That's my post ^^^^
<-- This is me --- That's your scrollbar -->
vvvv Who's there? vvvv

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Posted
5 hours ago, TomPot said:

Dear LMG staff,

I’m in the middle of building my new setup right now and am in desperate need of a GPU. Specifically the RTX 3080 Founder’s Edition. And I want it for MSRP so I thought the “Gamer Gauntlet” would be a great place to get one. Yet I don’t know if this specific card, or others, will be released. So I was wondering which cards will be released there soon. It would be great to hear from one of y’all if you do peruse the forums. Thanks!

 

-TomPot 

Just about positive that they arent doing any founders editions so if thats what you are dead set on Id be looking elsewhere

 

 

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Posted

Odds the reason we haven't new drops/teases of drops is because they got some of the new Ti's and they're under embargo.

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Posted

Oh fml.

 

So I just received and installed my 6800 XT... and am getting huge artifacting. In desktop and in Chrome.

 

Plenty beefy RM750x power supply. Tried various power delivery configurations. Tried two different Displayport cables. New build, and had an old RX 480 in it working great. Latest recommended AMD drivers. DDU'd.

 

I'll keep trying things but I'm beginning to think it must've been damaged in shipping.

 

...how does warranty work?... 😕

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Posted
1 hour ago, SuperMrBlob said:

Oh fml.

 

So I just received and installed my 6800 XT... and am getting huge artifacting. In desktop and in Chrome.

 

Plenty beefy RM750x power supply. Tried various power delivery configurations. Tried two different Displayport cables. New build, and had an old RX 480 in it working great. Latest recommended AMD drivers. DDU'd.

 

I'll keep trying things but I'm beginning to think it must've been damaged in shipping.

 

...how does warranty work?... 😕

Maybe check if it also does it in BIOS, safe mode or Linux

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Posted
21 minutes ago, istir said:

Maybe check if it also does it in BIOS, safe mode or Linux

I think if it's damaged so much that it's unusable in Windows, it's legit to want to return it, even if it does work properly in the BIOS menus...

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

pythonmegapixel

into tech, public transport and architecture // amateur programmer // youtuber // beginner photographer

Thanks for reading all this by the way!

By the way, my desktop is a docked laptop. Get over it, No seriously, I have an exterrnal monitor, keyboard, mouse, headset, ethernet and cooling fans all connected. Using it feels no different to a desktop, it works for several hours if the power goes out, and disconnecting just a few cables gives me something I can take on the go. There's enough power for all games I play and it even copes with basic (and some not-so-basic) video editing. Give it a go - you might just love it.

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Posted
Just now, pythonmegapixel said:

I think if it's damaged so much that it's unusable in Windows, it's legit to want to return it, even if it does work properly in the BIOS menus...

Yes but then it could be a drivers thing, no? I heard so much bad things about AMD drivers I wouldn't even be surprised it's that 

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Posted
14 minutes ago, istir said:

Yes but then it could be a drivers thing, no? I heard so much bad things about AMD drivers I wouldn't even be surprised it's that 

Honestly, I have been having super weird AMD driver problems on the RX 580(see posts I've started in the forum), which is the only card I could afford in this current situation. I've also been very worried it's the card, but it seems to work fine except when it has weird issues that everything that I can tell is having issues says it's a driver problem. I just wish more things could tell me what's going on.

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Posted (edited)

I've tried everything these past three hours. Different monitor. Three different driver revisions - the one I originally had installed (don't remember), the latest WHQL (21.4.1), and the latest-latest (21.5.2). These were all done after using DDU (twice), once including after booting through safe mode. Multiple different HDMI and DP cables, lowered RAM clock speed, changed the physical AC socket, changed the PCIE power supply cables and their configurations (two cables using the first two plugs, two cables using the last two plugs, the first cable by itself in 8+8, the second cable by itself in 8+8). I tried reseating it once. Freesync on/off, various monitor refresh rates (100, 60, 144), HDR on / off. Looked into tuning utilities but no real tuning I could do.

 

I have to assume it's a hardware issue. My friend guessing it's damaged VRAM. The card was sent halfway around the world, after all (Melbourne, Australia). I'll get in touch with support and see if they can help me return it. Hopefully they'll be able to cover return shipping etc. so that I'm not out of pocket on this. Will post updates in this thread.

 

Edit: just tried a third driver version, earliest available from https://www.amd.com/en/support/previous-drivers/graphics/amd-radeon-6000-series/amd-radeon-6800-series/amd-radeon-rx-6800-xt. Still getting artifacts. I give up. Back in the box it goes.

 

I'm very sad 😞

Edited by SuperMrBlob
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Posted
3 hours ago, SuperMrBlob said:

...how does warranty work?... 😕

You need to ask LTTStore support about that. These cards are different from LTT merch which they have their own supply and for which they don't do repairs and such. For Asus, the support is supposed to go through retailer, so Store support is the only source of any info on this.

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Posted

Oof. Just received my card, hopefully it’s just one bad apple and not a batch. I’ll know further when it’s installed tonight. 
 

But, man, this thing is massive. It dwarfs the Strix 970!

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Posted
18 hours ago, TomPot said:

Dear LMG staff,

I’m in the middle of building my new setup right now and am in desperate need of a GPU. Specifically the RTX 3080 Founder’s Edition. And I want it for MSRP so I thought the “Gamer Gauntlet” would be a great place to get one. Yet I don’t know if this specific card, or others, will be released. So I was wondering which cards will be released there soon. It would be great to hear from one of y’all if you do peruse the forums. Thanks!

 

-TomPot 

Pretty sure RTX FE cards are Best Buy exclusive in north america since the Nvidia site stopped selling them directly and the initial batch sold out elsewhere.

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Posted
20 hours ago, Dorfff said:
21 hours ago, Ruslanets said:

So my 6800XT is finally here, but from what I've read about customs clearance, it looks like I got a week or even two of bureaucracy ahead of me.
Need to fill a lot of papers, prove that it costs $910, and not $2000 like here in our stores, and only then I can pay the VAT and customs fee and finally get it.
 

That's also my biggest worry, mine should also arrive today, but I'm afraid it'll take like 2-3 weeks of customs clearance until I'll actually get it.

So it turned out far better than I expected, cleared the customs already. Should be here by Monday.

Ryzen 9 5900X, 32 Gb of 3200 RAM, Radeon RX 6800XT from VAG

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Posted

3070 Arrived! - Massachusetts, USA

For reference I got the notification the shipping label was created 7 days ago.

gpu.png

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Posted

Mine 6800xt arrived to Poland today. massive compered to 1070ti. I have around 5 millimiters of clearance to AIO radiator:p It works so far, but haven't tested it under heavy load yet. FedEx taxed me 75PLN for customs on arrival, which supprised me and i have to look into it ( i was expecting around 900 PLN). 

IMG_20210520_172251.jpg

IMG_20210520_165732.jpg

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Posted
53 minutes ago, lutherdex20 said:

3070 Arrived! - Massachusetts, USA

For reference I got the notification the shipping label was created 7 days ago.

gpu.png

Nice. How was it packaged? Such that you can't tell what's inside I hope?

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Posted
48 minutes ago, Chuckthe5th said:

Nice. How was it packaged? Such that you can't tell what's inside I hope?

This is what the packaging looked like, can't show the label, but there is a small line item which identifies it as a 3070. It's just large enough to fit the gpu box, no bigger. Overall doubt most people would be able to tell what's inside unless they specifically check the entire label for it. 

 

packaging.png

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Posted

Linus just said on stream that he doesn't have any cards for VAG. He suspects it's related to LHR release, Nvidia withholding stock to produce more cards with LHR.

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