No need to skip testing when purchasing a motherboard.
No need to skip testing when purchasing a motherboard.
Another post about Black Friday. This time I wanted to check if I should buy a motherboard at a discount. The problem is I don’t have a system to test it or send it back for any reason. Would an RMA be necessary, even if I’m overseas? I think it might depend on the brand.
Warranties often allow you to receive a replacement board for up to a year, sometimes longer, if you opt for the RMA process. The CPU you get will be determined by the motherboard you select, and with upcoming Ryzen releases (as a play on words), it could be smart to wait and see what options are available. It probably hinges more on how quickly you can assemble your build.
Check reviews for each board you're thinking about. Some connectors may require a lot of effort, but you have enough time to focus on what matters. I believe spending on a mediocre board is a better bet than getting a board that fails right away.
I was planning to buy the most affordable option for a 2600, perhaps spending some on Wi-Fi but nothing more. My main worry is finding a DOA part and not being sure which one is faulty. The motherboard and power supply unit are often the usual suspects that can cause issues.
b450(M) pro4 works with the newest CPUs and offers good value. MSI Tomahawk is another solid option if you manage to get it at a comparable or lower cost.