My Strix 970 caught fire, advice needed.

[BigDan1190]

Hi all,

 

Firstly, PC specs;

Asus Z97 Pro

i7 4790k

Asus STRIX 970

Samsung 840 SSD

Seagate HD

Corsair TX750 PSU

Watercooling;

XSPC Raystorm CPU block, EX 140 XRES with D5 pump, 19/13tubing with alphacool fittings, Acool monsta 360 rad and an EK block for the GPU.

 

So i'm happily using my PC (not even gaming) when it shuts down suddenly. Was only browsing spotify, nothing fancy. I press the button, it doesn't do anything. I take the side panel off, use the button on the mobo and it doesn't do anything. I tested the power supply (used the clip that goes in the 24pin to start the PSU and it works fine.

 

I plug the 24 pin back in, press the button and voila... PC started turning on. Then it happened.

 

No more than a second after pressing the button, something on the back of my GPU made that horrible noise and burst into (very small) flames. I turned PSU off at the wall as soon as possible, but obviously damage is done.

 

There only appears to be damage at the bit where the flame was, it says Q522 under the little chip/block. There is not damage on the other side of the card.

 

Here is a pic of the back of the damage;

http://i.imgur.com/X5hpfEC.jpg

 

I can provide pics of the rest of the card if necessary.

 

I would say its clearly a fault with the card. There are definately no leaks from my watercooling btw, incase someone suggests that. Its been dry since day 1, and I checked again today to confirm. There isn't any tubing passing over this part of the card anyway so definately no droplets. I've not made any changes to the rig since Jan 30th when my block arrived and I installed it.

 

My problem is, the Asus warranty says "any modification with the card" yada yada yada... so I don't know what to do. Surely they can't void the warranty for changing the cooler?! There was a small round white sticker on one of the GPU cooler screws, so i'm assuming thats how they'd know its been changed.

 

Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice from the LTT community. Many thanks in advance!

 

 

 

[Imabigmac]

I would be trying to warranty it regardless.

 

Their industry competitors would let you warranty it, so they should do it as well otherwise (this is where you make some nasty threat about never buying ASUS again, bla bla bla)

[dadasmithywinkle]

That, my friend, is a voltage stabilizer. Considering this, I'd get a new PSU when you replace your GPU...

[Jerakl]

For most companies, taking off the cooler voids warranty.

[flibberdipper]

That, my friend, is a voltage stabilizer. Considering this, I'd get a new PSU when you replace your GPU...

Indeed. Although I think one of those blew on my 6570 and my CX430M works great still.

[cloclo8003]

Even though your warranty is void cause you changed the cooler, I'd contact ASUS anyway, and tell them that you did change the cooler but the damage isn't due to that. They won't refund or replace it, but who knows, tell them anyway.

[Equilibrium_FOOL]

RMA it, you haven't actually modified the card.  As long as it looks the same as when it was new, and includes all parts you should be good.

Asus has lots of documentation on the RMA process.

RMA checklist

RMA Submission

Support

[BigDan1190]

Thanks everyone for the very quick and helpful replies!! God bless this community.

[ProdigyzMined]

Gotta say, this has to be the most interesting thread I've seen on this fourm! Sorry to hear about that man, and unfortunately ASUS's customer service is pretty bad as far as I'm aware. I'd still try to reason with them, and as stated before, make threats about never buying their products again.

[Equilibrium_FOOL]

Warranty information

I read through it, and I couldn't find any explicit warranty voidation from stock cooler removal (although I did not read the entire article, just the part(s) that coincide with the issue).

[CriticalTrees]

Have you tried applying water?

[BigDan1190]

Have you tried applying water?

 

Lol, wait until your GPU sets on fire and then consider jokes  <_<

[CriticalTrees]

Lol, wait until your GPU sets on fire and then consider jokes  <_<

 

My GPU never caught FIRE. But my laptop has.

[BigDan1190]

UPDATE:

 

Absolutely amazing service from Scan Computers here in the UK.

 

Filled out RMA form on Asus website, it said this product needs to be returned via the retailer. Took it back to Scan today (within driving distance for me) and visited the return desk. He asked what the problem was, I explained how my PC suddenly turned off, then when I turned it back on it made a horrible noise and shut off again. He filled out an exchange form, I got my replacement! He didn't even expect the product, just a no quibble exchange.

 

Now theres service. Not like Apple stores where they make you feel under trial when your iPhone breaks.

[Tacitus]

UPDATE:

 

Absolutely amazing service from Scan Computers here in the UK.

 

Filled out RMA form on Asus website, it said this product needs to be returned via the retailer. Took it back to Scan today (within driving distance for me) and visited the return desk. He asked what the problem was, I explained how my PC suddenly turned off, then when I turned it back on it made a horrible noise and shut off again. He filled out an exchange form, I got my replacement! He didn't even expect the product, just a no quibble exchange.

 

Now theres service. Not like Apple stores where they make you feel under trial when your iPhone breaks.

 

Glad you got it sorted, I was about to link you to an OCUK thread by a staff member there who basically said retailers never have issues when stock coolers are removed, so that's one great benefit of RMA through them

[ikashi]

UPDATE:

 

Absolutely amazing service from Scan Computers here in the UK.

 

Filled out RMA form on Asus website, it said this product needs to be returned via the retailer. Took it back to Scan today (within driving distance for me) and visited the return desk. He asked what the problem was, I explained how my PC suddenly turned off, then when I turned it back on it made a horrible noise and shut off again. He filled out an exchange form, I got my replacement! He didn't even expect the product, just a no quibble exchange.

 

Now theres service. Not like Apple stores where they make you feel under trial when your iPhone breaks.

that's great! excellent customer service..

 

unfornately the standard of service isn't consistent globally. personally i had my worst RMA process with Asus in my country (Singapore).

[Mew]

UPDATE:

Absolutely amazing service from Scan Computers here in the UK.

Filled out RMA form on Asus website, it said this product needs to be returned via the retailer. Took it back to Scan today (within driving distance for me) and visited the return desk. He asked what the problem was, I explained how my PC suddenly turned off, then when I turned it back on it made a horrible noise and shut off again. He filled out an exchange form, I got my replacement! He didn't even expect the product, just a no quibble exchange.

Now theres service. Not like Apple stores where they make you feel under trial when your iPhone breaks.

Technically the guy at Scan isn't doing his job. But, congrats on getting a new card and getting your system running again!

[Gofspar]

Hi all,

 

Firstly, PC specs;

Asus Z97 Pro

i7 4790k

Asus STRIX 970

Samsung 840 SSD

Seagate HD

Corsair TX750 PSU

Watercooling;

XSPC Raystorm CPU block, EX 140 XRES with D5 pump, 19/13tubing with alphacool fittings, Acool monsta 360 rad and an EK block for the GPU.

 

So i'm happily using my PC (not even gaming) when it shuts down suddenly. Was only browsing spotify, nothing fancy. I press the button, it doesn't do anything. I take the side panel off, use the button on the mobo and it doesn't do anything. I tested the power supply (used the clip that goes in the 24pin to start the PSU and it works fine.

 

I plug the 24 pin back in, press the button and voila... PC started turning on. Then it happened.

 

No more than a second after pressing the button, something on the back of my GPU made that horrible noise and burst into (very small) flames. I turned PSU off at the wall as soon as possible, but obviously damage is done.

 

There only appears to be damage at the bit where the flame was, it says Q522 under the little chip/block. There is not damage on the other side of the card.

 

Here is a pic of the back of the damage;

http://i.imgur.com/X5hpfEC.jpg

 

I can provide pics of the rest of the card if necessary.

 

I would say its clearly a fault with the card. There are definately no leaks from my watercooling btw, incase someone suggests that. Its been dry since day 1, and I checked again today to confirm. There isn't any tubing passing over this part of the card anyway so definately no droplets. I've not made any changes to the rig since Jan 30th when my block arrived and I installed it.

 

My problem is, the Asus warranty says "any modification with the card" yada yada yada... so I don't know what to do. Surely they can't void the warranty for changing the cooler?! There was a small round white sticker on one of the GPU cooler screws, so i'm assuming thats how they'd know its been changed.

 

Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice from the LTT community. Many thanks in advance!

PICS PLS

[Alibaladin]

UPDATE:

 

Absolutely amazing service from Scan Computers here in the UK.

 

Filled out RMA form on Asus website, it said this product needs to be returned via the retailer. Took it back to Scan today (within driving distance for me) and visited the return desk. He asked what the problem was, I explained how my PC suddenly turned off, then when I turned it back on it made a horrible noise and shut off again. He filled out an exchange form, I got my replacement! He didn't even expect the product, just a no quibble exchange.

 

Now theres service. Not like Apple stores where they make you feel under trial when your iPhone breaks.

He just doesn't want to stir the shyt up while there's many stocks left to clear.

[Guest]

Hi all,

 

Firstly, PC specs;

Asus Z97 Pro

i7 4790k

Asus STRIX 970

Samsung 840 SSD

Seagate HD

Corsair TX750 PSU

Watercooling;

XSPC Raystorm CPU block, EX 140 XRES with D5 pump, 19/13tubing with alphacool fittings, Acool monsta 360 rad and an EK block for the GPU.

 

So i'm happily using my PC (not even gaming) when it shuts down suddenly. Was only browsing spotify, nothing fancy. I press the button, it doesn't do anything. I take the side panel off, use the button on the mobo and it doesn't do anything. I tested the power supply (used the clip that goes in the 24pin to start the PSU and it works fine.

 

I plug the 24 pin back in, press the button and voila... PC started turning on. Then it happened.

 

No more than a second after pressing the button, something on the back of my GPU made that horrible noise and burst into (very small) flames. I turned PSU off at the wall as soon as possible, but obviously damage is done.

 

There only appears to be damage at the bit where the flame was, it says Q522 under the little chip/block. There is not damage on the other side of the card.

 

Here is a pic of the back of the damage;

http://i.imgur.com/X5hpfEC.jpg

 

I can provide pics of the rest of the card if necessary.

 

I would say its clearly a fault with the card. There are definately no leaks from my watercooling btw, incase someone suggests that. Its been dry since day 1, and I checked again today to confirm. There isn't any tubing passing over this part of the card anyway so definately no droplets. I've not made any changes to the rig since Jan 30th when my block arrived and I installed it.

 

My problem is, the Asus warranty says "any modification with the card" yada yada yada... so I don't know what to do. Surely they can't void the warranty for changing the cooler?! There was a small round white sticker on one of the GPU cooler screws, so i'm assuming thats how they'd know its been changed.

 

Anyway, I'd appreciate any advice from the LTT community. Many thanks in advance!

You know sir, I'm going to share the hell out of this. If Asus doesn't help you, contact the VP of GeForce. He helped me just yesterday and is great. If you decide to contact him, I can message you his email (it doesn't need to get spammed by everyone since it would be public). Good luck. I hope it all works out great.

[Guest]

You know sir, I'm going to share the hell out of this. If Asus doesn't help you, contact the VP of GeForce. He helped me just yesterday and is great. If you decide to contact him, I can message you his email (it doesn't need to get spammed by everyone since it would be public). Good luck. I hope it all works out great.

Oh wait it got fixed, glad it all worked out for you.

[BigDan1190]

Someone asked for pics, here ya go!! This is the link with all the pics and text along each pic - http://imgur.com/a/ewZFg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MrTiC]

Simpel but sexy! Gj sir

[Poohy14]

Happened to my friends Galaxy HOF 780, Just warranty it out and they will send you a new one. Its really simple.

[cranky]

Dude, no shitting you, MY Windforce GTX 970 JUST caught fire too.  Horrible noise.  Computer shut off tried to reboot itself, shut off again.  The smell is horrendous.  I am so sad :[