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Thread ID: 70161	2006-06-24 05:04:00	Advice needed - trouble with a PC retailer	Matt (10614)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
465616	2006-06-24 05:04:00	I went into a PC store a couple of days ago to buy a new PC . I found a brochure for a PC that looked something like I wanted, and gave it to one of the sales reps . I told her I wanted to use it for gaming and so I would need a video card & sound card upgrade (and a TV tuner) . She went around the store and found a video card and sound card and TV tuner, and I took the system home, paying $1852+GST . When I went to install the upgrade cards, I found some problems: 1) the video card was DVI but the monitor was analog 2) the motherboard only has 2 PCI slots and 1 PCi-E and they are very close together . 3) After a few hours the CPU fan starts making some bearing noise . In fact there is only about 6mm between the video card (a GeForce 7600) heatsink, and the sound card . I have been advised that this can lead to long-term damage to both cards, even though they appear to be functioning correctly at the moment . Also, the retail store's technician said that there was actually no problem with having cards in such proximity . The CPU fan worked properly when the store's technician was there, and he suggested that it was the fan changing speed (which is rubbish, I know what a bad fan sounds like) . However this is a minor problem . . . To upgrade to a DVI monitor is an extra $215+GST, meaning I would have paid $2067+GST, and still be left with a PC with the long-term problem of the two cards close together . While I was in the store about to do this monitor upgrade, I noticed they had another option called "Gamer PC" . It comes with the upgraded sound and video already, and the monitor has a TV tuner built in . It was $2300+GST but it also was a better video card, and a faster CPU and bigger harddrive . Also, the motherboard had the video card slot way separate from the PCI slots . Perfect, I thought, I'll return the old PC and get this 'Gamer' one and solve all my problems . Unfortunately, the store manager would not allow this . He said that the PC is not malfunctioning so they will not allow a return . He also offered some other lame excuses (he can't re-sell it as it is not brand new; and the Windows XP has been registered on the internet already) . However I think the sales rep should have: 1) not sold me a system with mis-matched monitor, and the card-spacing problem (does that count as a malfunction?) 2) noticed that I wanted a gaming system and pointed out the 'Gamer PC' package in the first place . I'm planning to write to the store manager and see if I can change his mind, but he seemed fairly intransigent when I spoke to him, so I am not holding out much hope . What should I do ??	Matt (10614)
465617	2006-06-24 05:30:00	Sounds like a bit of a bummer. I'm guessing you got it from some retail chain :horrified Writing would definitly be the right thing to do - keep[ a copy - see if you can ask him to resolve the issue ammicably, and considering you're not asking for a refund and are actually spending more than intended, he really should be more reasonble. If you don't get satisfaction, I suppose you'd have a slim chance of invoking the Fair Trading Act, in that the machine isn't ideal for your purposes. You could probably get "expert" opinion from some folks here if it came down to that. But yeah it's lousy when you've spent that kind of cash for something you're dissatisfied with. Regarding the proximity of the two cards to each other, I doubt that'd be much of a problem, as long as the case is adequately ventilated.	Greg (193)
465618	2006-06-24 06:02:00	I went into a PC store a couple of days ago to buy a new PC. I found a brochure for a PC that looked something like I wanted, and gave it to one of the sales reps. I told her I wanted to use it for gaming and so I would need a video card & sound card upgrade (and a TV tuner). She went around the store and found a video card and sound card and TV tuner, and I took the system home, paying $1852+GST. When I went to install the upgrade cards, I found some problems: 1) the video card was DVI but the monitor was analog 2) the motherboard only has 2 PCI slots and 1 PCi-E and they are very close together. 3) After a few hours the CPU fan starts making some bearing noise. What should I do ?? Better research first next time. You can get DVI to VGA adapters. In fact most cards come with them. Ask the shop for one. Get him to change the fan on the CPU. The slots are probably not too close so it won't matter. Are the cards touching? No? Don't worry about it then.	pctek (84)
465619	2006-06-24 06:07:00	Better research first next time. You can get DVI to VGA adapters. In fact most cards come with them. Ask the shop for one. I have one of them . But the monitor is still analog. DVI outputs have digital lines and analog lines; the DVI-VGA adapter just uses the analog lines). It's stupid having a video card that can output nice crisp digital, but not having a monitor that can display it clearly.	Matt (10614)
465620	2006-06-24 06:14:00	I have one of them . But the monitor is still analog. DVI outputs have digital lines and analog lines; the DVI-VGA adapter just uses the analog lines). It's stupid having a video card that can output nice crisp digital, but not having a monitor that can display it clearly.It is common for the lower end LCDs to have only VGA, and if you really wanted digital you should of specifically asked for it at the time. As already stated, apart from the fan noise you really don't have a valid complaint about the system not fit for its intended purpose. Did you give them a budget indication at the time?	Jen (38)
465621	2006-06-24 06:15:00	I went into a PC store a couple of days ago to buy a new PC. I found a brochure for a PC that looked something like I wanted, and gave it to one of the sales reps. I told her I wanted to use it for gaming and so I would need a video card & sound card upgrade (and a TV tuner). She went around the store and found a video card and sound card and TV tuner, and I took the system home, paying $1852+GST. When I went to install the upgrade cards, I found some problems: 1) the video card was DVI but the monitor was analog 2) the motherboard only has 2 PCI slots and 1 PCi-E and they are very close together. 3) After a few hours the CPU fan starts making some bearing noise. In fact there is only about 6mm between the video card (a GeForce 7600) heatsink, and the sound card. I have been advised that this can lead to long-term damage to both cards, even though they appear to be functioning correctly at the moment. Also, the retail store's technician said that there was actually no problem with having cards in such proximity. The CPU fan worked properly when the store's technician was there, and he suggested that it was the fan changing speed (which is rubbish, I know what a bad fan sounds like). However this is a minor problem... To upgrade to a DVI monitor is an extra $215+GST, meaning I would have paid $2067+GST, and still be left with a PC with the long-term problem of the two cards close together. While I was in the store about to do this monitor upgrade, I noticed they had another option called "Gamer PC". It comes with the upgraded sound and video already, and the monitor has a TV tuner built in. It was $2300+GST but it also was a better video card, and a faster CPU and bigger harddrive. Also, the motherboard had the video card slot way separate from the PCI slots. Perfect, I thought, I'll return the old PC and get this 'Gamer' one and solve all my problems. Unfortunately, the store manager would not allow this. He said that the PC is not malfunctioning so they will not allow a return. He also offered some other lame excuses (he can't re-sell it as it is not brand new; and the Windows XP has been registered on the internet already). However I think the sales rep should have: 1) not sold me a system with mis-matched monitor, and the card-spacing problem (does that count as a malfunction?) 2) noticed that I wanted a gaming system and pointed out the 'Gamer PC' package in the first place. I'm planning to write to the store manager and see if I can change his mind, but he seemed fairly intransigent when I spoke to him, so I am not holding out much hope. What should I do ?? Unfortunately for you, the store has every right to refuse to refund, based on the reasons which they gave you - ie. Windows being activated etc. There is also nothing illegal about not pointing you to the "Gamer system" which costs more, because technically with the upgrades you got you would fall into that category anyway. I don't quite understand your comment about using Analog lines only - if your monitor is analog only, you're not going to get any better than what you're getting. If they sold you a video card with an analog VGA output as well, you'd still get the same quality. The problem is the monitor, which you knew you were getting anyway. In regards to the CPU fan, I would pursue them on this issue if it crops up again. It's should be covered under warranty, and you're well within your rights to ask for it to be reparied/replaced (provided of course, you have better luck when you take it into them with the noise).	somebody (208)
465622	2006-06-24 06:21:00	Yes, a sorry state of affairs, I have no extra advice to offer . However I would like to know what the name of the store is so that I may avoid their premises as far as possible . cheers chiefnz	chiefnz (545)
465623	2006-06-24 06:40:00	The cards being close together are not a problem. I am very suprised that they sold you a box with a decent DVI video card/TV tuner and only an analog display when you told them you wanted it for gaming... digital makes a difference to gamers. You might be out of luck getting them to take the whole system back, but ANY retailer worth their name should be bending over backwards when a customer spends a few grand on something and isn't happy with it. Doesn't matter a bit that they activated Windows over the net already, I'm sure it wouldn't have been the first time that a retailer has taken a system back already activated. My advice is- don't give in. Point out to them that you are not happy politely, especially with the display being non-digital as you made it clear you wanted the system for gaming. If you're willing to pay extra- make it clear to them that you are willing to pay 'a bit extra' for a digital display, but that you would be really grateful if you could 'upgrade' to the more expensive gamer system they have there (sometimes you've just got to pay extra to get the right thing!) Try not to give up on it- I am continually amazed at computer retailers attitudes about helping their customers, if you're polite and persistent you might get somewhere.	Shortcircuit (1666)
465624	2006-06-24 06:51:00	And without question,you should get a name of a reputable supplier before anything. Endless supply of mediocre ones about and it seems you have managed to find one,but I hope it all ends up well for you.	Cicero (40)
465625	2006-06-24 08:44:00	I would just say that it is not capable of running the game you wanted it to - pick some ridiculously high end game and say it can't run it smoothly, or doesnt play at all. Its not your problem that windows had been paid for - its not like they will loose money - its just that they dont want to have to apply for the refund. In situations like this where they are being unreasonable, the lowest common denominator is unfortunately a good way to get things done. They should be trying to keep your business by making you happy. I know of people who had such situations - and a malfunction in the unit was "found", and thus a return was given. Its all a bit mafia like - and you might not want to go down that path, just putting it out there. :badpc:	Feelers (10034)
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