Should I Get This (possibly defective) MSI Lightning R290X?

[flexy]

Someone here (in Europe ) is selling a possibly defective MSI Lightning R290X for a VERY good price.

The guy said the card is recognized in Windows, all LEDs light up and the fans spin but it gives no picture. Now, it could be his board or PSU and the card possibly working on my PC. I dont think the guy is too tech-savvy.

I called MSI and sent them the serial nr. and told them I might get this card and whether I could RMA the card even without having the original bill of purchase. MSI told me that would be no problem, except I would have to pay for shipping (at least €32!) from here to the Netherlands where they do the RMAs. And of course I would have to wait 3 weeks in case the card needs the RMA.

I am extremely torn even since I would want a GTX 970/GTX 980 much more although such would be WAY more expensive - but a MSI Lightning of course would be a fantastic card, probably the best R290X which can be had.

And: Let's speculate that the card would be working (after a BIOS update maybe)...or after the RMA....I would likely be able to sell this card for about €400 and could actually buy me a 970 or possibly even a 980. (I could even keep this card for a while and still be able to sell once 970/980 TI comes out?)

So what should I do? Get this possibly defective MSI lightining for a good price, but risk I might need to go through some hassles in case it is really defective?

 

[nurturedhate]

If it is a steal of a price (including shipping) AND msi is willing to accept the RMA then go for it if you can inspect it.

 

[Udgnim]

question is why the seller isn't RMAing and instead choosing to sell at what I assume is a significant loss

 

[flexy]

question is why the seller isn't RMAing and instead choosing to sell at what I assume is a significant loss

He told me since he doesn't have a bill he would have to RMA via a vendor since a vendor can RMA without a bill. (A vendor then of course would want some fee for his hassles). But I found out he's wrong since I asked MSI and I can very well RMA without the bill and w/o needing to give the card to a vendor.

Also, he already got a GTX 970 instead and told me for him its easier just to sell the MSI and have the buyer do the RMA (in case it's needed) rather than driving 100km to the next town with a vendor for RMAing the card.

 

[Subyman]

Wait, so the 970 works for him but the 290X doesn't? Doesn't sound like a PSU or motherboard problem then. I'd only consider it if the deal is awesome and you can wait for RMA.

 

[flexy]

Wait, so the 970 works for him but the 290X doesn't? Doesn't sound like a PSU or motherboard problem then. I'd only consider it if the deal is awesome and you can wait for RMA.

Well, let me give you some numbers:

MSI lightning here in EU, the cheapest new would be €425
I see them sold on boards for €400 ish, let's say €375-€400.

He wants €185 for it (plus maybe €10 s/h) and then possibly me having to pay €35 for RMAing it, total cost for me would be €230 if the card would be defective.

OTOH....I could get a WORKING 970 (which I really would like a lot more) for €285 if I look long enough. Ah...heck..I seriously don't know...

 

[Majcric]

Op, buy the 970 or card that can has more of a chance of instant gratification. Don't mess with a maybe especially if you're not saving that much.

 

[wand3r3r]

I would never pay 230 for a potentially damaged card. Just buy a used 290 for that range. The only way it's worth it is if either it's a guaranteed RMA (if that other guy damaged the card physically you're SOL), or cheap. In your case neither are guaranteed.

 

[DownTheSky]

+1 Majcric.

 

[Kenmitch]

I would never pay 230 for a potentially damaged card. Just buy a used 290 for that range. The only way it's worth it is if either it's a guaranteed RMA (if that other guy damaged the card physically you're SOL), or cheap. In your case neither are guaranteed.

I would also pass on the deal. Also thinking physical damage is a high possibility....Not worth the risk.

 

[blastingcap]

Well, let me give you some numbers:

MSI lightning here in EU, the cheapest new would be €425
I see them sold on boards for €400 ish, let's say €375-€400.

He wants €185 for it (plus maybe €10 s/h) and then possibly me having to pay €35 for RMAing it, total cost for me would be €230 if the card would be defective.

OTOH....I could get a WORKING 970 (which I really would like a lot more) for €285 if I look long enough. Ah...heck..I seriously don't know...

How much do you value your time? Because it sounds like signing up for a headache, to me.

 

[sam_816]

If I were you I'd guide that chap and help him get his card RMA'ed..

& buy a 970 for myself.

 

[Magic Carpet]

Well, let me give you some numbers:

MSI lightning here in EU, the cheapest new would be €425
I see them sold on boards for €400 ish, let's say €375-€400.

He wants €185 for it (plus maybe €10 s/h) and then possibly me having to pay €35 for RMAing it, total cost for me would be €230 if the card would be defective.

OTOH....I could get a WORKING 970 (which I really would like a lot more) for €285 if I look long enough. Ah...heck..I seriously don't know...

You want a 970 more, but not ready to pay a little extra? Hmm. 970 isn't exactly super expensive, to be even thinking that hard. Personally, I'd avoid this unless you don't value your time. Too much hassle for questionable gain.