Apogee gtx quality issues?

I just got the apogee gtx. I was pretty excited at first. Then upon closer examination, I see that the contact heatsink has parallel scratch lines from on side to another and dust under the protective plastic film. Some of the bolt screws seems to have a little dirt on them as well as some wear on threads. It didin't come with a backplate. The opening on the box it came in isn't taped. The thermopaste is half filled as if this product has been used before and returned. I got it at jab-tech btw.

Right now I am a little upset seeing that my product wasn't up to my expectations.

So what do you guys think? Was it a returned item that they shipped out to me or swiftnet really has some quality control problems?

Doesn't sound like a manufacturer issue. If you bought an Xbox, whose tape wasn't intact, was missing a cable, had a scuffed up case, would you blame it on Microsoft or the retailer you bought it from?

I am not blaming the manufacturer, but I am asking if what I got isn't what I ordered which is a brand new apogee gtx.

Now that I am worried, I also checked the mcp655 pump. the insides chamber has some small orange stains. I used my finger to scratch at it and it came off easily. Has this pump also been used before.

If you are unhappy with the waterblock, send it back and ask for a new one. As for the pump, it was almost assuredly tested before being sent out from the factory, which could account for the stains inside the pump.

Sounds like you got someone else's returned purchase. I'd RMA it for a replacement.

Erasmus354 said:

If you are unhappy with the waterblock, send it back and ask for a new one. As for the pump, it was almost assuredly tested before being sent out from the factory, which could account for the stains inside the pump.

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I think that they probably test it with water don't you think? Maybe even they might add in a UV tracer, but orange?

OlIv0rIolI said:

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So where did you get it from so we can avoid them?

Chances are you got a returned unit from Jab-Tech. I always order directly from Swiftech, it's a little more expensive and I get charged tax, but you can't beat the direct customer service from Swiftech. Swiftech's customer service answers email and will get you RMA if your not happy, plus quick shipping too.

Jab-Tech is a great company with great customer service, if you have a problem with a item, contact them and they will make it right. As with any company, any company can make a mistake, I'd give them a chance to correct the issue before you go around complaining. Have you even bothered to contact them about the issue yet???

Yea, I contacted them and their customer service was excellent btw. I got a response right away. Their chairman answered my email. I did not expect that.

Anyway, the chairman posted my problems along with answers directly from swiftech CEO!!
The problem as explained by the CEO is that the scratch could be polish grain marks. The dirt under plastic film was due to swiftech getting copper from the factory and they take off the film in order to attach it to the gtx housing. The thermal paste is supposed to be half filled.

However I didn't get the backplate so I emailed the CEO asking about it. its late so I will probably hear more about it tomorrow.

My question right now is that I can see my reflection fine on the heatsink but will the polish mark affect performance? Is an RMA exchange worth the hassle and waiting? or Is lapping necessary and if so where can I get high grits sandpaper? Home depot only has 400 highest?

I would get the new part. All manufacturer's have QC issues or they wouldn't be in business as 100% inspection is way too costly for mass marketed items.

From the sound of it there are a couple light scratches. Run your fingernail lightly over it, see how deep it is. It most likely will not make the slightest bit of difference. I would not RMA it, it should work fine.

Swiftech is fantastic.
If you feel the GTX is not up to your liking they will cross ship you another one in a heartbeat.
That guy Gabriel is the boss. He's emailed me a bunch on an issue I had.
I was more than satisfied with everything they did for me, and they always offered an RMA if I wasnt completely happy with their solution for a fix.

I have to say that was the best customer service experience I ever had.

OlIv0rIolI said:

I have to say that was the best customer service experience I ever had.

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They're known for that. Petrastechshop.com is also known to be great for its customer service as well.