Computer Replace Questions

Okay, Thank You for everyone's responds.  But if there is more to it please let me know.

1. They send you the replacement first. You have 10 days to return the old one with the prepaid label.

2. It is usually the same or better. If it is worse, call them and explain, and they should send you the components to make it equal or better.

3. You should wipe the hard disk clean before sending it back. If you dont, they will. But for peace of mind, I would wipe it. Or if its the same size drive and nothing is wrong with it, just swap them out instead of reformatting if you want.

4. Depends. If its a refurb/used replacement, probably a week or 2 max. I have had replacements with a refurb that took 3 days. If its a brand new replacement, then it will take about 3 to 4 weeks to build it and ship it. They usually only build new ones in certain circumstances or when an equal or better machine is not available.

Well. also, it would be best if you kept ALL tracking records. When you ship the old computer back, make sure to note the tracking number and proof of drop off/pick up.

I had an incident where Dell replaced my system, and for some reason, they said they never received the old one back, and my new computers service tag became suspended until they got it. Luckily, I kept the tracking and provided proof of delivery, and all was cleared up.

But yea, the only real problem lies with Dell getting the system back. If it is not sent back, it will be handed over to Dell Collections and they will come after you.

Also, just inspect the new computer when it arrives, for any dents, scratches, missing/incorrect components and let Dell know about it so they can either get those parts replaced, or get a different system.

The warranty will also need to be transferred over to your new machine, so when you get the new one, you can call Alienware and have them do that for you. They will eventually do it within a couple weeks once they received the old PC back, but in case you run into problems with the replacement, you will need the warranty transferred before any repairs/replacements can be done again.

Judging from your setup, I am betting its going to be a brand new one, because that is a pretty packed system.

Most likely, you will get a 990X and dual HD 6950s with a 1.2KW PSU. IF there are no refurb systems equal to yours or better.

Find out if they are sending a system with ATI cards. They can give you an order number you can check out on line or they can give you the config info over the phone.

Since you have GTX 295's you could get dual GTX 590's. I know they are not selling systems with DUAL 590's yet but they can do it. Call them and tell them you do not like ATI. If you did you would have bought the system with ATI cards.

You then ask for a supervisor. Once you get them you start it all over. He/She can send you the two GTX 580's and then you send back the ATI cards. Trust me it can be done you just need to stick to your guns. Go through tech support when you call. The super can get the parts # for the 580 and send two of them out.

Make your argument about the 6950's being a downgrade and a brand you did not buy with your system. If/when they say the ATI cards are just as good you come back with quad SLI and you make it known you play games that use PhysX which is why you bought the Nvidia. 

ATI does not support PhysX so they can't do anything but give you Nvidia cards to fix it. When you refer to your cards always say Quad GPU's or Quad SLI...always use the word Quad. Throw around the word PhysX a lot too. Nvidia owns it and that is a brick wall for Dell to bang their head on.

So again the points are PhysX,Quad SLI and Brand. Any system sent with ATI is not an EQUAL but lesser exchange.  And be polite. If you act like a douche on the phone they won't do anything. Do it right and you will get dual GTX 580's.

Morblore, Do I call them before the shipment or when it arrive?

Yep, just called them and they say currently they are planning to ship it with HD 6950s. Have to wait for them to generate a order number first then compare if there is a difference then call them

Then they are most likely getting you a brand new system then instead of a refurb.

You will be getting the 1.2KW PSU and a 990X in your system instead of your current 1.1KW and the i7 975. So they may not be able to get you the nvidia cards. They may argue the point that you got a CPU and PSU upgrade, but I think you can win with the Physx argument like morblore said.

The only thing is, new Area 51 ALX's dont ship with GTX 580s in SLI, so they have to send the system with the 6950s first, then once you get it, you can call them about it.

complain.... inferior video inferior cpu  honestly i would be insulted by that offer  based off original specs

I feel for you man.  I just got finished with a replacement system nightmare.  It took exactly 100 days from my first service call until I finally got a working computer that I am happy with.  Try and try to get a hold of a manager when you call, it seems like that was when I was fianlly able to get some sympathy for my cause and things started to get done.  When they were first going to send me an inferior system they told me just to wait for the system then call them and they will send a tech with parts to upgrade to equal or better.  Eventually that order got canceled for reasons only known to Dell a month and a half after it was put in.  A second system was then put on order for me that I was happy with but that took another 6 weeks to arrive.  Good luck.

Okay finally i got them to replace the Core i7 960 with another Core i7 975 Extreme edition with Dual GTX 480 in SLI some how the dell person offer me GTX 580 in SLI first but later on he told me that they don't carry them any more. Oh well i guess Dual GTX 480 SLI is better than my GTX 295 QUAD SLI

What about your soundcard? You currently have the X-FI Titanium but the order shows integrated sound.

Can i send them back with 2 blank HDDs without OS, because i recently purchase 2 HDDs and installed OS on the new drives.

What about your soundcard? You currently have the X-FI Titanium but the order shows integrated sound.

I have asked them about it and the just said switch the Xeno and the Sound Card then send the old system with the Xeno in it