GTX580 - Sold a refurb/return?

[Arf!]

Hi,

I ordered a PNY GTX580 XLR8 over the weekend with a certain reputable UK hardware supplier but after unboxing it, I'm wondering whether I've been sold a refurb or return.

It's not so much scuffing/scratches on the protective film (although I thought it was on the actual card at first) that's made me suspicious but the fact that the (fairly worn looking) box wasn't shrink wrapped but taped with a security sticker and inside was just a simple resealable anti-static bag as opposed to the foam/plastic cases that everybody else's card seems to come in.

There could be a good reason for the state of the packaging but I can't figure out why the card inside isn't the model listed on the website OR the box.

I've tried to search for the PNY model/product IDs to try and clarify things but coming up with any reliable information seems impossible, although I've emailed PNY to seek clarification.

I've uploaded pictures of the card/packaging/IDs at imgur.com/a/Bqccx (can't post links). Sorry about the whole upside down thing; not sure why Imgur has done that but I'm guessing it's something in the EXIF data.

The product ID on the box (and website): GMGTX58N2H15ZPB
The actual product ID of the card: GMGTX58N2H15Z-OTE (zero info on what this actually is)

Could anybody possibly shed any light on this? If not, opinions will do. I haven't named the retailer as I'm not sure if they've done anything wrong, yet.

Thanks in advance!

[razer121]

hm i would contact the retailer and ask whats going on, you cannot assume anything untill then as it may well be just damaged packaging which if it is if you really wanted to you could ask for a replacement but it depends if you feel it is worth it?

[kalniel]

Firstly, selling a second hand item as new is illegal, and I think returns, even DSR returns, would come under that category, however unboxed items might still be able to be classed as new.

This seems to occur with a small % of transactions - there are several reports on this forum of it happening, the store has usually apologised and claimed it happens by mistake, which given the volume of transactions it's quite likely, though there's no way of knowing if they're just saying that

BUT.. I don't think that's actually the case here. The enthusiast edition (your card) is the new name for the performance edition I think (http://www.xlr8gaming.net/?page=topic&id=144879). Looking at PNY themselves, they sell the OC version of the 580 as enthusiast edition now (http://www3.pny.com/GTX-580-OC-1536M...P3000C451.aspx). What could have happened is someone had returned a performance edition card, your retailer has sent it back to PNY and received a new version card to put in the box. If this happened at the switch over you'll get an old box with a new card. Or PNY simply had more old boxes to use up!

edit: Infact - this is the same question here:
http://www.xlr8gaming.net/?page=topic&id=146173

[Arf!]

Seems like you're right. I was about to call it a day and install the card until I noticed that the plate is slightly bent out of shape where you'd screw it in.

I guess I'll wait for a reply from the retailer/PNY before touching it just to cover my back in the unlikely event that there is something amiss.

Thanks for the advice and links. I'll be sure to post the outcome which will hopefully include PNY's response for the sake of anybody else that might stumble across this post in the future.

[Arf!]

Reply from PNY:

Dear customer,

There is no difference between these two product codes :
- GMGTX58N2H15ZPB is the standard product code
- GMGTX58N2H15Z-OTE is a PNY internal product code

Regarding the Professional Edition and Enthusiast Edition, we are currently changing
our packaging.
The next box will be Enthusiast Edition as the card inside.

To resume, everything is normal. You have a real PNY GeForce GTX 580 in your hands.

Have a good day.

Best regards

Elodie ARBEY
Assistant Product Manager
PNY Technologies Europe

That settles that! Thanks again Razer121 and Kalniel especially.

[Saracen]

.... but after unboxing it, I'm wondering whether I've been sold a refurb or return.

....

I'm glad you git it sorted out and are satisfied. Had you not been, it's worth remembering that you can return most products ordered (from a business) via a "distance method", provided you act quickly enough (usually 7 working days) and do so the right way (i.e. cancel in writing, not by phone) within that period.

It's academic in this case, but worth bearing in mind if that kind of thing happens, and it's a major advantage to ordering via phone, catalogue, website, etc.