So, it's not just ASUS that is looking for minor scratches on the PCB, but ZOTAC too, which denied an RMA request for a card that is reportedly fully functional.
User Sends ZOTAC RTX 5070 Ti for RMA for a Fan Issue; Spends $40 to Ship, but RMA Gets Denied as ZOTAC Claims the Card Has Scratches Near PCIe Interface
This is very similar to the case we just reported a few hours ago. Similar to ASUS, which denied the RMA request for the RTX 5090 Astral, citing a crack near the PCIe interface, ZOTAC also denied the RMA request of an RTX 5070 Ti user. As per the Reddit user u/I_Main_TwistedFate, his ZOTAC RTX 5070 Ti started making weird noises due to bad fans. The GPU was reportedly fully functional, but the user sent it for a fan repair.
However, after inspection, ZOTAC contacted the user, saying they have "Limited Tools" to repair the card. ZOTAC didn't mention whether they lacked the tools for repairing the fan or the PCB, but it appears that they were referring to the PCB scratches near the PCIe interface. ZOTAC informed him in a second email that they have identified a "crack" near the PCIe connector, which is irrepairable, and therefore, they have no other option but to refuse the warranty service.
However, the most interesting part is that the company offered him two solutions: Either get back the card as it is without any fan fixes or let ZOTAC dispose of the card at their facility for "FREE". User already claimed that the card is fully functional, and he is now trying to send it to Gamers Nexus for further investigation. This is something we have previously seen with ASUS, which refused to repair something, as the card supposedly had a defect in another place, which the user didn't want to be fixed or didn't care about.
ZOTAC did the same. It appears that they deliberately put the GPUs under the microscope, which is fine for comprehensive analysis, but if the repair request is for something other than such "scratches" or PCB damages, they really don't need to investigate every itty-bitty detail that doesn't affect the functionality of the card.
From a consumer's perspective, it's surely an important aspect of RMA to fully investigate the GPU, but such small scratches that don't even affect the GPU's functionality shouldn't be used as grounds to deny a warranty claim.
News Sources: Reddit, Reddit (Update), Via Videocardz
About the author: Sarfraz Khan is a hardware reporter with a focus on PC components and the builder community. With years of experience writing about PC hardware and laptops, his work has been featured on several reputable technology publications. Sarfraz's hands-on experience is demonstrated through his first-person accounts of using and comparing different hardware configurations, providing practical and relatable insights for everyday users. His technical analysis is respected by peers in the enthusiast community and has been cited by specialized hardware sites such as Germany's Igor's Lab.
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