Sooooo I guess this isn't going to be covered by RMA...

[drdrewnatic]

So, when I built this PC (my first time), I accidentally used the fan screws to screw in my motherboard (don't ask me how I managed to get them in there). All seemed fine, turned it on and everything worked. Once I realized that I had used the wrong screws I thought, "oh well, it's working fine, why bother?" Well, fast forward three years later and I needed to RMA my motherboard. Fortunately, seven of the eight screws came out with only a little bit of force required (I have a centre peg). The eighth screw (centre right) however, did not feel like coming out. I got it 90% out of the standoff when it got very stuck and started to strip. Trust me, I tried everything in the book, it only got worse and worse. After so much effort I managed to get the entire standoff unscrewed from the case. Now, I have a screw stuck to a motherboard that will not budge, the nearby fan connectors key has been bent, and various scratches have been left in the motherboard.

 

Now, in my eyes I see there being 3 options.

 

a) I still send it for RMA and just pay them to fix/replace it.

b) I try and find a used z390 motherboard to replace this one

c) I buy a brand new motherboard/cpu

 

What do you think is the best way to go forward? Thanks.

[freeagent]

B, or C.

 

Nice one..  nice to have some back story to the carnage. 

[Bouncewasp]

Surely you can't RMA that now anyhow. Chalk it up to experience and go hunting for another mobo.

[drdrewnatic]

Just now, Bouncewasp said:

Surely you can't RMA that now anyhow. Chalk it up to experience and go hunting for another mobo.

It sucks cause that was a Maximus XI Hero. Another new builders mistake: spending too much on a motherboard.

[An0maly_76]

8 minutes ago, drdrewnatic said:

It sucks cause that was a Maximus XI Hero. Another new builders mistake: spending too much on a motherboard.

Yup... You wouldn't believe the catcalling I heard about using a mid-level B550 for my 5900X as opposed to an X570... But it does the job and runs cool. Why spend the extra $100 if you're not bouncing off the throttling threshold?

[drdrewnatic]

12 minutes ago, An0maly_76 said:

Yup... You wouldn't believe the catcalling I heard about using a mid-level B550 for my 5900X as opposed to an X570... But it does the job and runs cool. Why spend the extra $100 if you're not bouncing off the throttling threshold?

So, I guess the next question to ask is, do I buy used or buy new. I've never bought used before so I don't know the risks doing it.

 

Tbh I don't really need more performance. I'm pretty happy with what I had. I mainly do video editing/after effects, some 3d modeling, and a little gaming. I was thinking if I were to go new, I'd probably get something like a 12600k. What do you think? Current (was current) specs in signature.

[An0maly_76]

I only buy used if I can see it running and I have some kind of knowledge of the seller. What would be your budget?

[Spotty]

1 hour ago, drdrewnatic said:

Well, fast forward three years later and I needed to RMA my motherboard.

Why? What's wrong with it (aside from the damage you caused)?

[drdrewnatic]

21 minutes ago, Spotty said:

Why? What's wrong with it (aside from the damage you caused)?

Talked to EVGA and they said that it is very unlikely that my issue could be caused by the power supply. Talked to some other experienced people and determined that it was likely the motherboard. I still had a warranty on it so I had nothing to lose. Well, untill now.

 

[Mark Kaine]

The good (bad) news is this can easily happen with the correct screws as well… its a standoff /quality thing…  removed my board 10 times from my inwin case, never an issue , removed my board once from an NZXT case, immediately had issues with the screws and standoffs and 1 screw + standoff simply got stuck in the motherboard… fun! 

 

Got it removed with 2 pliers though … but was a scarry maneuver for sure!