Asus Z270E hardware issue

[Markpud]

Hi,

I recently configured my new setup, replacing the mobo, CPU and RAM but keeping the rest of my setup as-is. Full spec list here: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/user/markpud/saved/#view=zgvFTW

Initially all was OK but I started getting Windows BSOD's "clock watchdog timeout". After investigating online it indicated either a driver or hardware issue. I updated all drivers, BIOS etc and eventually sent the board back to the supplier as faulty, they in turn sent it to Asus, and the end result now I'm being told that I have irreparably damaged the board and they won't replace it. They sent me an image of the "damage" which looks like a small scratch from one of the mounting holes for the heatsink. Image https://ibb.co/n1LbSk

I would appreciate some advice on the likelihood of this damage being fatal to the board, and what options I have, since I clearly don't want to be left out of pocket.

 

[DRagor]

Well, if the scratch was deep enough to reach circuits on the PCB (and of course impossible to tell just by this picture), it would indeed be irreparable. If you did the scratch, then it counts as physical damage caused by user and is not covered by warranty.

 

[Markpud]

Thanks @DRagor - not the answer I wanted to hear, but I appreciate the info! There's no way for me to prove or disprove that it's my fault as I didn't see the damage before I sent the board back.... frustrating!

 

[DRagor]

I'm quite surprised supplier did not send it back to you, claiming physical damage. Unless they just repacked box and sent it to Asus without checking what's inside.