DFI DK X38 T2R - PCIE 2.0 16x stuck at 1x width

[Shaolin_K]

Hi, not sure where to post this.

I'm at a loss here. For the moment, I will not be disclosing the retailer from where I purchased these mobos.

To cut a long story short(ish), I bought 2 DFI LP DK X38 T2R's; one of which is working properly, the other has a problem with running graphic cards at 1x link width as opposed to 16x.

http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile....6320&showlnk=0
http://www.uploadhouse.com/viewfile....6321&showlnk=0

I've extensively tested the faulty motherboard, using a variety of graphic cards, PSUs and memory. I've tried reseating cards on the top slot and bottom slots. Tried memory modules in yellow slots, then orange slots, and even tried single sticks.

To be consistent, I used the following (which works perfectly on FULLY WORKING X38)

C2D E6320
Corsair TX650W
8800Gt 512mb
4gb OCZ Reaper X modules (2 x 2gb)
Maxtor 300gb Sata II HDD

As far I can see, both boards have the same BIOS, dated 25/07/08, same operating system, system and graphic card drivers. All that has changed is the swap-out between the mobos.

When I RMA'd the defective board to my reseller, they reported back the board is fully functional (providing an A4-sized screenshot of GPUZ with an 8800GT running at 16x @ 16x. However, I don't think this proves anything - do you agree? They then charged me a testing and return shipping fee! I've received the board back, but so annoyed at the situation, I left it for a while.

This weekend just gone, I had the opportunity to perform further tests on the returned board they claimed 'no fault found'. Well what do you know, it's still faulty! I've taken the issue up with them again; they were adamant their tests were accurate and that I must have incompatibility issues (but how could that be if it's a straight swap between the two X38's I've got?).

I proposed that I will most likely RMA direct with DFI, but this will incur further costs (I'm from UK), and asked the quesion 'what if DFI validates my claim of the board being faulty - are they going to refund me all my costs incurred to date?'

They've now invited me to return the board back to them for their supplier to perform further tests. As you could imagine, I'm not comfortable with this - who is their supplier, how independent are they?

At least with DFI, I will get an independent diagnosis. What would you do in my situation?

Anyone RMA'd from the UK - how much will it cost to ship to DFI?

Sorry for the long post - any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

[kalniel]

When I RMA'd the defective board to my reseller, they reported back the board is fully functional (providing an A4-sized screenshot of GPUZ with an 8800GT running at 16x @ 16x. However, I don't think this proves anything - do you agree?

It proves just as much as your screenshots do!

[Sputnik]

I'd RMA directly with DFI. Their RMA service centre is only in Holland so not going to cost a fortune to send it there.

[Webby]

My first port of call would be DFI support send them an email and see what they say.

http://www.dfi.com.tw/portal/CM/cmsu...xcmSupportTeam

It may be an easy fix or a known issue who knows.

But make sure you tell them everything you have tried so they don't suggest something you have already done and tell them that the supplier (include their name to DFI) claim that it works fine for them.