MAXIMUS XI came without M2 heatsinks

[86kotek]

As per title, did anybody else experienced this? My retailer assured me the board was brand new and i already contacted Asus Customer Support in regards of this.
Im wondering what could happen there. The worst is that i only noticed it should have those heatsinks after a month and my retailer cant do anything about it

[xeromist]

Here is the accessories list for XI HERO (WiFi). What makes you think you are missing something? Does the box list contents that are missing?

Accessories
User's manual
4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x M.2 Screw Package
1 x Supporting DVD
1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M)
1 x ROG big sticker
1 x Q-Connector
1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
1 x ROG coaster(s)

[86kotek]

Here is the accessories list for XI HERO (WiFi). What makes you think you are missing something? Does the box list contents that are missing?

Accessories
User's manual
4 x SATA 6Gb/s cable(s)
1 x M.2 Screw Package
1 x Supporting DVD
1 x ASUS 2T2R dual band Wi-Fi moving antennas (Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compliant)
1 x SLI HB BRIDGE(2-WAY-M)
1 x ROG big sticker
1 x Q-Connector
1 x Extension Cable for RGB strips (80 cm)
1 x Extension cable for Addressable LED
1 x ROG coaster(s)

My board have M2 heatsinks missing, they are physically not present on the board. All pictures found online and on the box shows them, that board is advertised to have them, all unboxing videos shows those heatsinks.
I wouldnt even know if i didnt watch unboxing video

[xeromist]

Ah, so you're talking about the slot covers that match the rest of the heat sinks? Unfortunately I doubt those could be acquired separately after the fact. The good news is that M.2 drives don't need them to function (and work better uncovered anyway) but I understand you wanting to have everything.

It sounds like the retailer is mistaken. Those covers are attached to the board from the factory so the only way they could be missing is if someone removed them (possibly when installing drives) and then repackaged the board. Perhaps the retailer accepted it as a return and didn't realize something was missing. But if they have a 30 day return window and you passed it I don't think there's anything you can do. The ASUS warranty covers defects but since these are just decorative covers you wouldn't be able to do anything with an RMA.

[86kotek]

Ah, so you're talking about the slot covers that match the rest of the heat sinks? Unfortunately I doubt those could be acquired separately after the fact. The good news is that M.2 drives don't need them to function (and work better uncovered anyway) but I understand you wanting to have everything.

It sounds like the retailer is mistaken. Those covers are attached to the board from the factory so the only way they could be missing is if someone removed them (possibly when installing drives) and then repackaged the board. Perhaps the retailer accepted it as a return and didn't realize something was missing. But if they have a 30 day return window and you passed it I don't think there's anything you can do. The ASUS warranty covers defects but since these are just decorative covers you wouldn't be able to do anything with an RMA.

Thank You for your reply.
I did ask the retailer and he assured me it wasnt a return which i doubt myself, and their return window of 72 hours is just ridiculous. If they are decorative i dont really need them i only wanted to know if thats common, thanks again!

[JustinThyme]

Not common at all. Its expected that things will be missing with open box buys but not new in original packaging.

[86kotek]

Not common at all. Its expected that things will be missing with open box buys but not new in original packaging.

Thanks for confirmation. I guess i will have to change my supplier. It bothers me that after 10 years they cant help me with this. I mean i spent couple grand with them over those years

[xeromist]

Thanks for confirmation. I guess i will have to change my supplier. It bothers me that after 10 years they cant help me with this. I mean i spent couple grand with them over those years

Well, in my experience most retailers aren't going to do anything after a month. But if they require you to report issues within 72 hours I agree that you can probably find better.

Regarding cooling the drives, I run mine naked and they work fine. Technically GamersNexus discovered the controllers are better cooled and the nand cells are better hot, so take that for what you will.

[86kotek]

Well, in my experience most retailers aren't going to do anything after a month. But if they require you to report issues within 72 hours I agree that you can probably find better.

Regarding cooling the drives, I run mine naked and they work fine. Technically GamersNexus discovered the controllers are better cooled and the nand cells are better hot, so take that for what you will.

Thats good to know thanks