Just got off a chat with ASUS Customer Service, in an attempt to clarify operation of the VROC aspects of the Rampage VI Extreme motherboard.
Didn't get any answers, and worse than that, the "Customer Support" person was very rude.
Here's what happened, see what you think (D is me, K is CS):
[To ensure the satisfaction of your experience and improve upon the quality of service we provide, ASUS would like to collect your phone number, mobile phone number, and email address in order to contact you once your service has been completed.
K:Hello!
K: Please give me a moment while I review your inquiry.
😧 Hello Kemar
K: Hello Dennis.
K: Thank you for contacting ASUS, my name is Kemar H. how may I assist you today?
😧 I have 2 questions, both relate to the Intel Virtual Raid on CPU (VROC) aspects of my new Rampage VI Extreme motherboard.
😧 The first question relates to the DIMM.2 riser card. Section 3.6.8 describes the bandwidth as coming from the CPU. Does this mean that both DIMM.2 slots can be used as VROC?
By "slots" I am referring to both positions on the DIMM.2 card.
😧 I am using a 7960X CPU.
K: Just to confirm you would like to know if both your DIMM.2 slots can be used as VROC is that correct?
😧 Yes, more precisely I would like to know if one, both, or neither one can be used as VROC.
K: I am sorry to hear that you’re having this issue. I will be more than happy to assist you.
😧 OK
K: This is a bit of a tricky query and I would need to have the query passed to our Technical Team to confirm. Would that be okay?
😧 Sure. I would appreciate that.
😧 The second part of my question relates to the VROC HW Key described on 1.1.9 par 21.
Are these available for sale, and if so where. Apparently it is required for the VROC to function.
K: OEMs and/or system integrators usually install the hardware key in their servers, as long as end users request a server with a complete Intel VROC solution. OEMs and/or system integrators obtain the keys from Intel or Intel’s distributors.
😧 OK, ASUS is the OEM, so how do I purchase this key?
K: It is built into your unit as an Internal I/O port Dennis: 1 x VROC_HW_Key
It would not need to be purchased separately.
😧 In the User Manual Section 1.1.9, paragragh 21, it states "The KEY module is purchased separately.".
K: If you review page 10 of your manual you would see that your unit comes with 1 x 4 pin VROC Key.
Section xi.
😧 This describes the "Internal I/O connectors" on the mother board. The "Key" connects to the 4 pin connector. It is not included.
K: Sorry you mean the module.
😧 Yes
K: Unfortunately I am not seeing a reseller for the key module I am afraid.
😧 That is unfortunate.
K: I’m sorry for the inconvenience.
😧 It's actually more than an inconvenience, as this renders a significant performance aspect and hardware component that has been paid for as useless.
K: My sincerest apologies I do wish I was able to advise further.
Did you have any other questions for me today?
😧 How can you help me purchase such a key? Is there someone who can at ASUS?
K: You could try to reach out to Intel to try and have the key purchase information provided.
You could also contact resellers to see if they have the key available.
😧 I already did. They said it was up to the OEM to purchase the keys from them, and then resell to retail customers.
K: ASUS would not be a reseller therefore ASUS would not have the key to sell in such a manner.
😧 Can a reseller purchase such a key from ASUS (the manufacturer)?
K: Please see my last message Dennis.
😧 The question was, can a reseller purchase the keys from ASUS?
K: No Dennis as ASUS would not have the keys overall.
Agent left the chat.]
I realize Kemar was frustrated by his lack of knowledge of the system (obviously lack of training or study),
but I don't think that justifies the rudeness...or am I out of line here?:confused: