Question New Motherboard CPU retention bracket looks worn. Is this normal?

[chumgums]

Dear all,

Noticed the CPU retention bracket on my new Asus TUF B650 Plus Wifi motherboard has a few scuffs and dents.

Is this normal? Maybe perhaps a result of tedious QC process? Box looks new although no seal on Mobo boxes, all the accessories are unopened and IO shield stickers, M.2 thermal pad stickers are still there.

I apologize if I come across as picky, just putting my first PC together in a long time and a bit worried and bummed out about possibly receiving something that looks worn out after paying full-price. Would just like to clarify if this is normal for new motherboard purchases.

Thanks fellow builders.

 

[faalin]

Since the marks are directly across from each other i would say its from the stamping process when they made the bracket.

If everything else looks fine and no bent pins in the socket i wouldn't worry to much about it.


Edit looking at the last picture, do the marks on the bracket line up to the heat sink? if it does is there any scratches on the heat sink? If they do line up, there are multiple question to ask. Was it a used board? Did someone just let go of the retention arm and the lid flip open and hit the heat sink. Did it happen at the factory?

 

[chumgums]

Since the marks are directly across from each other i would say its from the stamping process when they made the bracket.

If everything else looks fine and no bent pins in the socket i wouldn't worry to much about it.


Edit looking at the last picture, do the marks on the bracket line up to the heat sink? if it does is there any scratches on the heat sink? If they do line up, there are multiple question to ask. Was it a used board? Did someone just let go of the retention arm and the lid flip open and hit the heat sink. Did it happen at the factory?

Thanks for the reply.

I ordered the motherboard brand new. When I opened it up, the accessories such as M2. Screws, sata cables and the Wifi dongle were still in sealed bags, and the M.2 heatsink panels still had stickers on the thermal pads, IO shield plastic film was still unpeeled.

As for lining up with the heatsink, I believe it would be a little bit higher than where a heatsink contact point may be, I'm also using an aftermarket heatsink as the 7800X3D doesn't come with one, nor does the motherboard. I haven't installed any heatsink prior to taking the photos.

So I'm hoping that it happened at the factory and they didn't give me a used board.

 

[faalin]

I was talking about the heat sink on the motherboard, your last picture the bracket is resting against the black heat sink on the motherboard.

It could have been from the factory, when they went to close the lid they slipped on the locking the retention arm and the lid flipped back open and smacked the black heat sink on the board.

But from what your saying i would also agree it is a brand new motherboard. Plus once you put a heat sink on the socket you wont be able to see those two marks anyway.

 

[geofelt]

Such small indentations on a very hard piece of metal could only come from the factory stamping process.
Probably from the mis adjustment of the stamping machine.
It would take considerable force to cause them.

They do not impact anything.
I would not worry about it and would assume the product was absolutely new.