ASUS and Gigabyte compete with extended motherboard warranty periods

Both ASUS UK and Gigabyte UK have contacted eTeknix informing us the source for this story is factually incorrect and as far as they know these changes in product warranty and repairs are false.

Motherboard manufacturers have been competing fiercely in recent times, with a global economic downturn, the only way to survive has been to cut prices and shift more motherboards. Industry sources have stated that since motherboard manufacturers can no longer compete anymore on price, as prices are already very low, they are now trying to win customers over with better after sales support.

Gigabyte have announced that they will offer free motherboard repairs on all Gigabyte branded motherboards during the warranty period even if the problems have been caused by the user doing something wrong. Gigabyte also claims it will extend its motherboard warranty to 4 years by the end of 2012.

ASUSTek have never been a company to sit and rest on its laurels while another company takes over. So to combat Gigabyte’s all out assault on the consumer market ASUSTek is also offering free repair services for user damage on its motherboards and if the motherboards are un-repairable, the company will offer a free exchange as well as free motherboard pick up and delivery. Pretty impressive stuff.

ASUSTek currently offer 3 or 5 year warranties on motherboards depending on the model, with the 5 year warranty being for more expensive Sabertooth TUF motherboards and other similar boards. So Gigabyte definitely has the edge on the mainstream motherboard warranty duration.

However, in the long term the battle of the warranties and replacement services is expected to drive overall costs up and so it is expected motherboard prices may start to rise faster than the natural rate of inflation because of this new after sale service competition.

Source