GPU Warranty Explained: Manufacturer vs Shop vs Certified Second-Hand — Which One Actually Protects You?

2026-10-18 ｜ Guide ｜ 35 min ｜ 作者：Display Card King Editorial

This article is general information only. It is not legal advice and it is not a warranty promise from any shop. All warranty terms are subject to the brand's official local terms and the seller's written documents. Wh

This article is general information only. It is not legal advice and it is not a warranty promise from any shop. All warranty terms are subject to the brand's official local terms and the seller's written documents. Where a shop's specific policy has not been verified from a public source, this article says "please enquire for details" / "subject to the shop's published terms" and does not fill in a duration, scope, or fee. On prices, please check current listings; this article does not treat any individual seller's price as a market price.

Key Takeaways

• "Manufacturer warranty" usually does not come from NVIDIA or AMD directly. For retail graphics cards, the warrantor is normally the board partner brand — for example ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, ZOTAC, Sapphire, PowerColor, PNY, EVGA — not the GPU silicon supplier. NVIDIA's enterprise support documentation likewise states that hardware RMA must be handled through the respective OEM.
• "Manufacturer warranty" does not automatically mean "the warranty follows the card." Several brands state in writing that their warranty is limited to the original purchaser and is non-transferable. EVGA is a notable exception, with a transferable limited warranty subject to suffix conditions. Before buying a second-hand card, check transferability brand by brand and model by model. Do not assume.
• "Shop warranty" and "manufacturer warranty" are two independent promises. A refusal by one does not automatically mean the other is also liable, and vice versa. You need to read the receipt and sales documents to know who promised what.
• The word "certified" has no single legal definition in this context. For any "certified second-hand warranty," you must ask: who certified it, how was it tested, what written report exists, and who honours the warranty?
• The warranty start date is not necessarily your purchase date. Some brands state that if you cannot provide proof of purchase, the manufacturing date will be used as the warranty start date. That is why receipts and proof of purchase matter so much.
• Whether a warranty can actually be used depends less on the headline "how many years" and more on three things all being true at the same time: your purchase documents are complete, the product's origin falls within the warranty's coverage, and the warranty provider still exists and is willing to act on the written terms. If any one of these is missing, a claim can be blocked.

1. How the Three Warranties Differ

1.1 Manufacturer / Brand Warranty

A manufacturer warranty is provided by the graphics card brand or its authorised service network. The warrantor is the brand, not the retail shop.

Typical features (subject to the official terms; individual models and regions may differ):

• The warranty period is counted from the purchase date, and the purchase date shown on the sales receipt is the proof of the purchase date. The buyer may need to show proof of purchase to the place of purchase or to an authorised service provider before warranty service is provided. This point comes from the ASUS Hong Kong official graphics card warranty page.
• If a valid purchase invoice cannot be provided, the warranty may instead be counted from the device shipment date or from the shipment date recorded against the product serial number. This point comes from ASUS's official warranty-status query guidance.
• The warranty generally covers only defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. It does not cover human-caused damage, unauthorised repair or modification, serial numbers that have been altered, cancelled, or removed, or warranty seals that have been damaged or altered.
• Gigabyte's official warranty page requires valid proof of purchase for any warranty claim and states that valid proof of purchase means a dated sales receipt issued by an authorised dealer or retailer that shows the product description and price. The same page lists examples of what does not count as valid proof of purchase, including the barcode on the product packaging, a photograph of the product itself, a certificate of authenticity, a receipt from a non-authorised dealer, an online auction site receipt, a cancelled cheque, and a credit card statement.
• MSI's official warranty page states that if the buyer cannot provide the local warranty card, registration number, or purchase receipt issued by the MSI online store, or if the serial number or label has been defaced or removed, the warranty may not apply. The same page also states that products not purchased from an authorised MSI distributor or retailer may fall outside warranty coverage.

Practical meaning: the manufacturer warranty claim path is relatively clear, but the documentation requirements are strict. Even if you hold a card that is still within its warranty period, you may still be unable to claim smoothly if you have no proof of purchase or if the serial number is unclear.

1.2 Shop / Seller / Retailer Warranty

A shop warranty is a warranty promise made by the selling shop itself. The warrantor is the shop, not the brand. A shop warranty can take the form of the shop repairing the card itself, sending it to the manufacturer on your behalf, sending it to a third-party repairer, or offering a replacement arrangement. The exact approach varies from shop to shop. This article does not assume any particular shop's approach; for any specific shop's shop-warranty duration, scope, or fee, please enquire for details, subject to the shop's published terms.

The Hong Kong Consumer Council reminds consumers to ask the agent / manufacturer about the differences between an extended warranty plan and the manufacturer's warranty, for example in the protection terms, repair arrangements, and procedures involved. The Consumer Council also notes that, generally speaking, retailers do not provide actual repair services themselves; if an "extended warranty plan" is provided by the retailer, you must understand the plan's terms, operating model, and claim procedures before buying. In another Consumer Council press release on extended warranties for electrical appliances, the Council notes that it is not ideal for consumers to have to rely only on a salesperson's oral introduction before buying. After buying such a plan, there can still be considerable uncertainty about whether a fault is covered and, even if it is covered, whether full compensation can ultimately be obtained, and the procedures can be cumbersome. The Consumer Council reminds consumers to think carefully before buying such plans and to consider whether the plan suits their needs.

Practical meaning: the value of a shop warranty depends on the written terms, whether the shop is still in business, and whether the shop is able to honour its promise. An oral promise with no written record is difficult to prove if a dispute arises. The buyer must obtain the written terms before paying and keep a copy.

1.3 Certified Second-Hand / Certified Refurbished Warranty

A certified second-hand warranty is an arrangement under which the seller or a third party claims to provide inspection, certification, and warranty for a second-hand product. The warrantor may be the seller, the inspection body, or a third-party service provider, and it must be stated clearly in the documents. It must not be left vague.

Important finding: in public sources, no unified certification standard or unified certified second-hand warranty definition was found for the Hong Kong graphics card market. This article makes no claims such as "there is an industry-wide standard" or "all certified second-hand cards carry the same protection."

A general principle that can be borrowed (from general discussion of second-hand product transactions and verification, not a GPU-specific standard): the value of certification for a second-hand product lies in whether the inspection report is tied to the specific product, whether the inspection items are specific, and whether the inspection date and the inspector or institution are traceable. Similar principles appear in discussions of second-hand equipment refurbishment standards, which call for the test date, test items, test results, test equipment, inspector or third-party institution details, and a report matching the actual product serial number.

Applied to graphics cards, that principle must be translated into items a buyer can check: a photograph of the serial number, the inspection date, a list of inspection items, inspection results, the warranty provider's name, the warranty start date, the warranty scope and exclusions, and the claim contact method. If any of these items has no written document, it must not be described as certified.

ASUS's official "Certified Refurbished" page (Australia and New Zealand version) sets out its own certified refurbished process: comprehensive testing, replacement of modules found defective during testing, thorough cleaning and inspection, and repackaging (including suitable adaptors, cables, boxes, and similar items). This is ASUS's own certified refurbished process definition. Do not apply it directly to other sellers or regions.

The eBay Refurbished programme (secondary explanation, not GPU-specific) is described as involving vetted sellers, mandatory warranty, and a professional refurbishment process (appearance inspection, thorough cleaning, multi-point functional testing, battery health checks, restoration to factory settings, condition grading, accessories checks, and new or original packaging). This is only an example of one platform programme, not an industry-wide standard.

Practical meaning: the key question for certified second-hand warranty is not the name but the documents. Treat "certified" as a claim that needs to be proved, not as an automatic guarantee.

1.4 Comparison Table

The table below is a conceptual comparison. It does not represent any specific shop's or brand's actual terms.

2. Manufacturer Warranty: RMA Process, Documents, Coverage, Exclusions

2.1 Typical RMA Process

The process below is a common pattern drawn from several brands' official pages. It is not the complete process of any single brand; the specific steps are subject to that brand's official page for that region.

1. Basic troubleshooting first. Brands usually ask the user to provide the product serial number, model name, and proof of purchase, and to cooperate with troubleshooting (for example restoring factory settings, updating drivers / patches, and running diagnostic tools). Gigabyte's Australia warranty page lists these steps in writing.
2. Contact technical support. Gigabyte's Australia page asks the user to have the product in front of them, powered on if feasible, and to provide the serial number, model name, and proof of purchase when contacting support.
3. Obtain an RMA number. If the problem cannot be solved remotely, the product must be returned to a repair centre (this process is called RMA); the brand will issue an RMA number, which should be recorded for tracking. Gigabyte's Australia page states this in writing.
4. Describe the problem clearly. Describe the problem clearly and completely on the RMA application form; attach a copy of the sales invoice / receipt. Gigabyte's Australia page requires a copy of the sales invoice / receipt for the purchased product to be attached, and reserves the right to require the original.
5. Back up and remove private data. Gigabyte's Australia page requires a complete backup of data stored on the product before sending it for repair, and removal of personal, confidential, or proprietary information; the brand may delete data, software, or programs on the product without restoring them and is not responsible for permanent loss.
6. Packaging and shipping. Gigabyte's global warranty page recommends using the original packaging or high-protection packaging for shipping; loss / damage during transport is not the brand's responsibility. The buyer should keep shipping proof and photographs.
7. Inspection and decision. The brand reserves the right to inspect defects in returned products; whether repair is offered depends on whether the fault can be reproduced and on parts availability. Gigabyte's United States warranty page states that repair depends on whether the brand or authorised repair centre can reproduce the fault and on materials availability; intermittent faults must be reproducible before they can be confirmed as product faults covered by warranty.
8. Repair or replacement. Brands generally decide for themselves whether to repair or replace; a replacement may be a new item or a refurbished / functionally equivalent item. ASUS's official page states that within the warranty period the brand will decide for itself whether to repair or replace any defective component; removed spare parts or modules become the property of ASUS. Gigabyte's official page states that if the product fails under normal and correct use within the warranty period, the brand will decide for itself whether to repair or replace; defective parts or the product itself will be replaced with functionally equivalent new or refurbished parts / units; repair or replacement is based on the original configuration.
9. Replacement does not restart the warranty period. Several brands' terms state that a repaired, replaced, or exchanged product is covered only for the remaining time of the original warranty period. Sapphire's older RMA document states that any repaired, replaced, or exchanged product will cover the remaining time of the original warranty period. A secondary report on ZOTAC's United States policy likewise notes that a replacement product continues to be bound by the original product's warranty period and that the warranty does not restart after replacement. The applicable brand's current official terms should be followed; do not assume replacement equals a new warranty period.

2.2 What Documents Are Needed

Practical advice (not a brand promise): immediately after purchase, photograph the serial-number sticker, the receipt, and the serial number on the box; back up electronic receipts and registration confirmations in two places. Faded receipts, expired online-shop accounts, and shop closures are common reasons for losing evidence.

2.3 How the Warranty Period Is Calculated

• General principle. Most brands count from the purchase date, evidenced by the receipt.
• Exception 1: no proof of purchase can be provided. Gigabyte's Australia page states in writing that if the required documents cannot be provided for warranty verification, the manufacturing date recorded by Gigabyte will be treated as the warranty start date. ZOTAC's Europe policy page likewise states that if the invoice or other proof-of-purchase documents for a new device from an authorised dealer cannot be shown, the manufacturing date recorded by ZOTAC will be treated as the warranty start date.
• Exception 2: regional rules may use the import / dealer invoice date. A secondary report on a ZOTAC India case quotes ZOTAC India policy as stating that "the warranty period starts from the original purchase date or the dealer import / invoice date," and reports a case in which a user was told about a year after purchase that the warranty had expired, with the brand stating that the graphics card had been sold nearly two years after the seller purchased / imported it. This is a single regional case report. Do not treat it as ZOTAC's global policy, and do not treat it as Hong Kong policy. It can only be used as a reminder: buyers should ask clearly whether "the warranty start date is the purchase date, the manufacturing date, or the dealer import date," and should ask for a written answer.
• Exception 3: registration extension. Some brands' extended warranty is only valid if registration is completed within a deadline. Late registration may mean losing the extended portion.

This article makes no unverified "Brand X Hong Kong warranty is N years" claim. Each brand's Hong Kong duration should be verified against that brand's official Hong Kong page; if it cannot be verified, the applicable rule is "subject to that brand's official Hong Kong page."

2.4 Coverage and Exclusions (Organised by Brand Official Terms)

The brand-by-brand points below reflect only the text of the cited source page. They are not the brand's complete terms. Terms may differ by region, model, and year. Always state that the brand's current official terms for that region apply.

ASUS

• Coverage: limited warranty covers ASUS brand hardware products; it guarantees that a purchased ASUS graphics card is free from defects in materials or workmanship under normal use during the limited warranty period; the warranty period starts from the purchase date.
• Repair or replacement: within the warranty period, ASUS will decide for itself whether to repair or replace any defective component; removed spare parts or modules become the property of ASUS.
• Exclusions (abridged from the ASUS official page): damage caused to the product by the user or a non-authorised third party; serial numbers of the product, components, or accessories that have been altered, cancelled, or removed; obsolescence; damage that does not affect the product's operation and function (for example rust, discolouration, texture or surface change, wear, gradual ageing); damage caused by war, terrorism, fire, accidents, natural disasters, intentional or accidental misuse, abuse, negligence, or improper maintenance, or use under abnormal conditions.
• Another version of ASUS terms further states that the warranty does not apply where the product has been tampered with, repaired, and / or modified by non-authorised personnel; where the serial number has been altered, cancelled, or removed; or where the warranty seal has been damaged or altered.
• Mining. The ASUS warranty card states in writing that the warranty does not cover "damage to the product caused by cryptocurrency mining or related activities, unless the model is specifically designed for mining." This is the ASUS warranty card's own wording. This article quotes it with a note that it is an ASUS warranty card term. It does not claim that all brands write the same thing.

Gigabyte

• Coverage: if the product fails under normal and correct use within the warranty period, Gigabyte will decide for itself whether to repair or replace; defective parts or the product itself will be replaced with functionally equivalent new or refurbished parts / units; repair or replacement is based on the original configuration. If the product is near the end of the warranty period and cannot be repaired / replaced, Gigabyte reserves the right to provide an equivalent or higher-value alternative or a partial refund in proportion to the remaining warranty period.
• General exclusions (Gigabyte global warranty page, abridged): faults caused by improper installation, modification, operation, cleaning or maintenance, accidents and physical damage, misuse or abuse; product serial numbers that have been damaged, altered, defaced, or removed so that the product / warranty status cannot be identified; damage caused by illegal / unlawful software or viruses; damage caused by accidents, natural disasters, intentional or accidental misuse, abuse, negligence, or improper maintenance, or use under abnormal conditions; extreme environmental factors (extreme temperature or humidity, extreme physical stress or electrical interference, power fluctuations or surges, lightning, static electricity, and similar); damage caused by not using the AC adaptor and battery provided by the manufacturer (that page is a general product terms page); damage caused by using materials or equipment not manufactured by Gigabyte or not on the Gigabyte / AORUS website Qualified Vendor List (QVL); software fault correction or BIOS updates are not covered by warranty; if the appearance shows obvious user damage, warranty coverage will no longer apply.
• Third-party warranty: Gigabyte's United States page states in writing that extended service or upgraded warranty provided by suppliers or other third-party dealers will be the responsibility of those third parties themselves, not the responsibility of Gigabyte / AORUS. This matters for understanding "shop warranty": a shop saying "we cover N extra years" does not mean the manufacturer covers N extra years.
• Serial-number sticker: Gigabyte's global warranty page states that if the warranty / serial-number sticker attached to the product is lost or cannot be identified, the global warranty will be void.
• Cross-region service: Gigabyte's Canada page states that the global warranty will provide corresponding warranty services according to each country's local authorised programme; if a consumer requests cross-region warranty service outside the purchase region, service will be provided according to service availability at the warranty service location. Do not promise that "global warranty will definitely work."
• Shipping: Gigabyte's global warranty page states that shipping and tax costs for the global warranty are borne by the purchaser; original packaging or high-protection packaging is recommended for shipping; the brand is not responsible for loss / damage during transport.

MSI

• Warranty period (MSI general warranty policy, secondary republication): graphics card warranty period 3 years, with a note stating that a 36-month warranty period applies to all MSI graphics cards; the same document notes that the warranty period varies by region and that to verify the warranty period of the purchased product, the local office should be contacted. Note: this is a secondary republication of an MSI document. Readers should check it against MSI's official page for that region. Do not treat it directly as a Hong Kong duration.
• Exclusions (same secondary republication, abridged): product damage caused by disasters, lightning, faulty power, and environmental factors; product labels defaced (label alteration and forgery, serial number lost, serial number unrecognisable, serial number invalid), with all serial numbers recorded and tracked for warranty purposes; unauthorised alteration of non-MSI parts, modification or alteration, removal of product internal and external parts; damage caused by operator error or operator failure to follow the user manual, for example improper storage leading to water ingress, corrosion, dropping, crushing, or exposure to inappropriate temperature / humidity; consumables inside and outside the product itself (for example batteries, headphones, and similar); accessories or packaging materials (for example boxes, user manuals, and similar).

ZOTAC

• Warranty period (ZOTAC Europe policy page): for GeForce RTX 30 series and later graphics cards, standard warranty 3 years, extended warranty +2 years; for GeForce RTX 20 series and earlier, standard warranty 2 years, extended warranty +3 years; the same page notes that the warranty period varies by region and that the ZOTAC web page for the relevant region should be consulted. Do not treat the Europe page durations as Hong Kong durations.
• Terms: within the warranty period, ZOTAC or its commissioned third party will choose for itself whether to provide repair service or deliver a replacement product to correct defects in materials and workmanship; delivery of a later model also counts as replacement.
• Proof of purchase: if the invoice or other proof-of-purchase documents for a new device from an authorised dealer cannot be shown, the manufacturing date recorded by ZOTAC will be treated as the warranty start date.
• Non-transferable: the ZOTAC product guide (secondary republication) states that ZOTAC warranty ensures the product is free from factory defects in materials and workmanship, that the warranty applies to the original purchaser and is non-transferable, and that warranty conditions include retaining a copy of the original sales receipt, damage not caused by user installation, and the product not having been damaged by abuse, overclocking, natural disasters, negligence, misuse, modification (including cooling), power supply, damage from other damaged components, and similar causes. ZOTAC also reserves the right to void the warranty if the product has been physically modified (unless otherwise stated), purchased second-hand, the copy of the original sales receipt cannot be shown, or the product is used in a way other than intended.
• Extended warranty: ZOTAC products may obtain extended warranty through online registration within a deadline after purchase; the registration deadline varies by product and region.

Sapphire

• EU commercial warranty policy (official page): the commercial warranty belongs only to the original purchaser personally and is non-transferable unless applicable law requires otherwise; claims must be made through the original retailer or dealer; a proof of purchase is required for a claim (for example the original invoice or other acceptable document showing the purchase date).
• Exclusions (official EU page, abridged): damage caused by misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, improper installation, improper storage, liquid ingress, fire, flooding, power surges, or other external causes; damage directly caused by improper disassembly, repair, modification, or installation of incompatible or unsuitable components, spare parts, accessories, or consumables.
• Statutory rights: Sapphire's EU page states in writing that the commercial warranty is additional to statutory consumer rights and does not affect statutory rights; EU consumers enjoy a minimum two-year statutory conformity guarantee. Do not apply this sentence to Hong Kong; see Section 6 for the Hong Kong statutory framework.

PowerColor

• Warranty start point: the official FAQ states that the warranty period starts from the purchase date shown on the invoice or receipt; proof of purchase should be kept because warranty verification needs it.
• Invoice requirements: the official FAQ states that the invoice or receipt must clearly show the shop name and address, purchase date, customer name and address, billing name and address, product model, and price; incomplete documents may delay or obstruct warranty handling.
• Sticker distinction (a very important detail): the official FAQ states that the PowerColor logo sticker on the fan is decorative and its removal does not affect warranty; but the serial-number sticker on the back of the product must remain intact, and removal or damage to the serial-number sticker will void all warranty; if the sticker is lost, altered, or unrecognisable, the product will not qualify for warranty service.
• Regional limitation: the official FAQ states that PowerColor does not provide global warranty; the warranty period depends on the region where the graphics card was purchased; please enquire with the dealer for details.

PNY

• Older GeForce GTX 10 series warranty document (PNY PDF, old document, only as a clue to the brand's stance): limited warranty 1 year, extendable to the original purchaser's lifetime after completing a registration form on the PNY website; the product must be registered within 90 days of purchase; the warranty is non-transferable; products purchased from second-hand sources are not covered by PNY warranty; PNY only warrants products sold by authorised retailers, system builders, and distributors; the warranty applies only to the original owner. Do not treat a GTX 10-era document as the current RTX 50 policy.

EVGA (an exception example for transferable warranty)

• Transferable limited warranty: EVGA's official warranty page states that the transferable limited warranty applies to second-hand purchasers holding valid proof of purchase (purchased from a dealer); products originally shipped by EVGA or an authorised dealer as demonstration or prize items have a limited warranty that is not transferable to second-hand purchasers and is not covered by the transferable limited warranty.
• Transferable warranty period is determined by the product suffix: qualifying products have a 3-year or 2-year transferable limited warranty counted from the product's original shipment date; some suffixes are not covered by the transferable limited warranty (for example -B1, -BR, -BX, -DR, -RX, -RB, and similar; the complete list is subject to the official page).
• Definition of second-hand purchaser: EVGA's official page defines a second-hand purchaser as a person who purchases an EVGA product from a non-authorised dealer; a second-hand purchaser needs to provide valid proof of purchase for the transaction between the current owner and the previous owner.
• Exclusions (EVGA official page, abridged): products modified beyond factory specifications and / or not in factory condition; serial numbers and / or factory identification labels removed, moved, forged, defaced, damaged, altered, or rendered unrecognisable; PCBs cut, scratched, twisted, bent, cracked, dented, or broken; component, hardware, and / or assembly damage caused by negligence, abuse, accidents, misuse, or unusual physical, electrical, or electromechanical stress (including damage caused by uninterrupted use of the product, or using the product for blockchain processing, cryptocurrency mining, or similar purposes); lost hardware, components, and / or assemblies; cosmetic damage considered beyond reasonable use; exposure to liquids, liquid residue, or excessive moisture leading to rust, dampness, moisture, stains, corrosion, or liquid splashed onto components, hardware, or electronic parts.
• Note: EVGA is one of the few brands that states a transferable warranty in writing. Do not treat its approach as the industry-wide approach. Most other brands state that their warranty is non-transferable.

AMD (original reference card document, not AIB retail cards)

• AMD Radeon RX 7000 series graphics card warranty information document (AMD official document): the limited warranty applies only to the original purchaser and lasts only for as long as they still own the product; entitlement to the limited warranty requires the purchase date; AMD may require the original purchase receipt or a copy as proof of the purchase date. This is AMD's own document for its RX 7000 series cards. Do not apply it to AIB brands' Radeon cards.

ASRock

• Official repair / RMA policy page: the manufacturer warranty will be void if the product has been modified, damaged, or otherwise tampered with, for example if the casing has been opened or additional optional parts / components have been installed / removed.
• Return policy: all returned products must carry the original manufacturer serial-number label (barcode sticker); products without this serial-number label will not be accepted for return.
• Customer-induced damage (CID): ASRock's United States page defines CID as any damage caused by accidental behaviour not directly caused by a manufacturing defect or fault, and therefore not covered by the product warranty; CID products will be treated as out of warranty and returned to the customer as-is; circumstances include improper installation, connection, or modification; war, terrorism, fire, accidents, natural disasters, intentional misuse, abuse, negligence, improper maintenance, abnormal use conditions, obsolescence, rust, appearance change, wear, or gradual ageing; fraud, theft, unexplained disappearance, or intentional acts; cosmetic damage that does not affect the product's function or operation.
• Note: ASRock's United States page states that ASRock provides a 1-year warranty service to authorised dealers and that users should refer to the retailer's or original supplier's RMA and refund policy. This shows that "manufacturer warranty" can in some regions be honoured through the dealer, not necessarily by the brand directly to the consumer.

2.5 Registration for Extended Warranty: No Registration May Mean No Extended Portion

• ZOTAC: products may obtain extended warranty through online registration within a deadline after purchase; the registration deadline varies by product and region; registration must be successfully submitted within the deadline after purchase of the new product.
• PNY (old document): the product must be registered within 90 days of purchase to be extended; the registration form is completed on the PNY website.
• ASUS: the official support page mentions that registering a device makes it easier to manage product warranty, obtain technical support, and track repair status; but whether registration extends the warranty is subject to that model and region's terms. Do not assume registration automatically equals extension.
• Readers should "register immediately after purchase and keep a screenshot of the registration confirmation," and note that "extended warranty is not available for all models, and the registration deadline varies by brand and region."

2.6 Regional Differences: Why "the Same Brand" Does Not Mean "the Same Warranty"

• PowerColor: does not provide global warranty; the warranty period depends on the purchase region.
• ASUS: warranty applies to the country of purchase; service procedures may vary by country; some services and / or spare parts may not be available in all countries; some countries may have fees and limitations at the time of service.
• Gigabyte: global warranty provides corresponding services according to each country's local authorised programme; cross-region requests are provided according to service availability at the service location; third-party extended warranty is the third party's own responsibility.
• ZOTAC: the warranty period varies by region; consult the web page for the relevant region.
• MSI: the warranty period varies by region.

Hong Kong practical meaning: if you buy a grey / parallel-import card in Hong Kong, even if the brand has warranty in other regions, the Hong Kong agent / repair centre may not accept it. Before buying, ask clearly: "Which region's which organisation honours this card's warranty? Will Hong Kong accept it?" This article does not invent any brand's Hong Kong authorised RMA address or telephone number; please enquire for details, subject to the brand's official Hong Kong page.

2.7 Replacement Items, Refurbished Items, Equivalent Alternatives

• ASUS: within the warranty period, it decides for itself whether to repair or replace defective components; removed spare parts belong to ASUS.
• Gigabyte: replacement items may be new or refurbished parts / units, functionally equivalent; if repair / replacement is not possible near the end of the warranty period, it reserves the right to provide an equivalent or higher-value alternative or a partial refund in proportion to the remaining warranty period.
• ZOTAC: a later model may be delivered as a replacement.
• This article does not promise "if it breaks, you will definitely get a brand-new card"; most terms state that the brand may choose to repair, replace with a refurbished item, or provide an equivalent alternative.

3. Shop Warranty: Questions a Buyer Should Ask

The questions below are a researcher-suggested question list, not a promise from any shop. The buyer should ask the shop to write the answers on the receipt.

1. Who is the warrantor? Does the shop honour it itself, or does the shop handle manufacturer RMA on the buyer's behalf? What happens to the warranty if the shop closes?
2. How long is the warranty, and from which date is it counted? Purchase date, invoice date, or another date? Is there a written term?
3. What is covered, and what is not covered? Does it cover only defects in materials and workmanship, or also fans, heatsinks, connectors, and accessories? How are human-caused damage, water ingress, and drops treated?
4. What is the remedy? Repair, replacement with the same model, replacement with an equivalent item, refund, or a loan card? Are repairs done with new or refurbished parts? How long will it take?
5. Who pays return shipping and inspection fees? If inspection finds the fault is not covered, how are inspection fees and shipping charged? Is there a cap?
6. What are the receipt requirements? Must the original receipt be produced? What fields must the receipt show? What happens if the receipt is lost? Can an electronic receipt / transfer record be used?
7. How is the serial number handled? Are the serial numbers on the box and on the card the same? Will the shop write the serial number on the receipt?
8. How is second-hand / certified card warranty counted? Is it shop warranty, the remaining manufacturer warranty, or both? If the manufacturer warranty is non-transferable, is the shop warranty the only protection?
9. What is the return / exchange policy? How many days for DOA (dead on arrival) replacement with a new item? Replacement or repair? Is complete packaging and accessories required?
10. What is the written evidence? Can the answers above be written on the receipt or on a separate sheet, with a stamp / signature? Do not accept oral promises alone.

Consumer Council reminder: consumers should not rely entirely on a salesperson's oral promises; the Council recommends insisting that promises be recorded on the receipt; at the time of transaction, check the transaction amount on the receipt and ensure that the information on the receipt and the warranty card (for example model, serial number, and similar) matches the product.

4. Certified Second-Hand Warranty: What Counts as "Certified"?

4.1 Elements "Certification" Should Include (General Principles, Not Any One Shop's Standard)

The elements below are a "should have" list drawn from official certified refurbished processes and platform refurbishment programmes. A buyer can use them to question the seller; if the seller cannot meet them, the seller should not use the word "certified" to sell.

• Identity of the certifier. Which organisation certified it? The manufacturer, an authorised repair centre, a retailer, or the seller's own claim?
• Scope of inspection. Was the appearance, PCB, power delivery, fans, heatsink, connectors, screws, and sticker integrity inspected?
• Functional testing. Was there a power-on test, display output test, stress test, temperature test, VRAM test, and fan-speed test? How long was testing carried out? Is there a test report?
• Repair history. Were any parts replaced (for example fans, thermal paste, thermal pads)? Were original or third-party parts used for replacement? Is there a repair record available for inspection?
• Cleaning. Was dust removed and the heatsink cleaned? Was thermal paste / thermal pads replaced? (Note: some brands' terms treat disassembly / heatsink replacement as behaviour that may affect warranty.)
• Condition grading. Is there a clear grading standard (for example appearance, function, hours of use)? How is the grade defined?
• Accessories and packaging. What accessories are included? Are they original or substitutes? Is the packaging original or repackaged?
• Written report. Can the buyer obtain a copy of the inspection report? Does the report state the serial number, test date, and test results?
• Warranty warrantor and term. Who honours the certified warranty? How long is it? What does it cover? How is a claim made? How does it relate to any remaining manufacturer warranty?

4.2 Common Traps in Certified Second-Hand

• Only the word "certified," with no process, no report, and no warranty warrantor. This kind of "certification" is only a marketing word.
• Using "tested" as a substitute for "certified." A card that shows a picture when powered on has not necessarily passed comprehensive testing; a secondary explanation notes that "renewed" sometimes means only that the seller powered the card on and saw display output.
• Not disclosing mining history, repair history, or modification history. Mining history does not necessarily equal damage, but the buyer has a right to know. The ASUS warranty card lists damage caused by mining as an exclusion (unless the model is specifically designed for mining). If the seller does not disclose, the buyer's later claim may be blocked.
• Inconsistent serial numbers. Inconsistency among the box, card, and receipt serial numbers is a major red flag.
• Using "manufacturer warranty still remains" as a selling point, when the manufacturer warranty is actually non-transferable. For example, ZOTAC and Sapphire state in writing that their warranty is non-transferable. If a seller says "there is manufacturer warranty" but cannot explain how transfer works, press for an answer.
• Warranty period based on "the seller says so" rather than in writing. All warranty promises must be put in writing.

4.3 Documents a Certified Second-Hand Buyer Should Keep

• Purchase receipt / invoice (showing shop name, date, full model, serial number, price, warranty terms)
• Inspection / certification report copy (showing serial number, test date, test items, results)
• Written warranty terms document (warrantor, term, coverage, claim process)
• Communication records before and after the transaction (for example screenshots of the seller's promises; the Consumer Council recommends keeping transaction and conversation records as evidence in case of disputes)
• Photographs / video at handover (front and back of the card, serial-number sticker, connectors, fans, cosmetic damage)
• Test results (for example the buyer's own test screenshots, temperatures, benchmarks — for personal records only, not warranty proof)

5. Warranty-Voiding Behaviour: Opening the Card, Stickers, BIOS, Cooling, Mining

Every item in this section is sourced. Key point: "may affect warranty" does not mean "will automatically void warranty," and "United States law" does not mean "Hong Kong law." Brand terms and the law are two different things.

5.1 Opening / Disassembly

• ASRock. Official policy states that the manufacturer warranty will be void if the product has been modified, damaged, or otherwise tampered with, for example if the casing has been opened or additional optional parts / components have been installed / removed.
• Sapphire (old document). The older RMA document states that if the product is disassembled or the heatsink / cooling fan is removed, the warranty will be void and repair costs will be borne by the user.
• ASUS. Official terms state that the warranty does not apply where the product has been tampered with, repaired, and / or modified by non-authorised personnel.
• MSI (secondary republication). Unauthorised alteration of non-MSI parts, modification or alteration, and removal of product internal and external parts are warranty exclusions.
• Practical meaning: even "well-intentioned" operations such as cleaning or replacing thermal paste may be treated as disassembly / modification. Before doing anything, read that brand and model's terms and keep the original parts.

5.2 Serial-Number Stickers / Warranty Stickers

• PowerColor. The decorative PowerColor logo sticker on the fan can be removed without affecting warranty; but the serial-number sticker on the back of the product must remain intact, and removal or damage to the serial-number sticker will void all warranty; if the sticker is lost, altered, or unrecognisable, the product will not qualify for warranty service. This distinction matters: not all stickers are the same.
• Gigabyte. Product serial numbers that have been damaged, altered, defaced, or removed so that the product / warranty status cannot be identified are general exclusions; loss or unidentifiability of the warranty / serial-number sticker will void the global warranty.
• ASUS. Product, component, or accessory serial numbers that have been altered, cancelled, or removed are exclusions; another version of the terms states that the warranty does not apply where the warranty seal has been damaged or altered.
• EVGA. Serial numbers and / or factory identification labels that have been removed, moved, forged, defaced, damaged, altered, or rendered unrecognisable are not covered by the limited warranty.
• MSI (secondary republication). Product labels defaced (label alteration and forgery, serial number lost, serial number unrecognisable, serial number invalid) are warranty exclusions.
• ASRock. Returned products must carry the original manufacturer serial-number label (barcode sticker); products without this label will not be accepted for return.
• United States law comparison (not applicable to Hong Kong, for contrast only). The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warning letters in 2018 to six major companies, stating that tying warranty to the use of specific brand parts or services may violate the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act; the FTC stated that warranty language implying that consumers must purchase specific brand articles or services to maintain warranty coverage is misleading and prohibited. To be clear: this is United States law and the FTC position. Do not treat it as "Hong Kong law says the same" or "a broken seal sticker is definitely void in Hong Kong." Hong Kong buyers should follow the brand's Hong Kong terms plus Hong Kong law. Do not use FTC news to guarantee that a Hong Kong claim will definitely succeed.
• Practical advice: when buying a second-hand card, first check whether the serial-number sticker is intact, clear, and has not been lifted or re-applied; photograph the serial-number sticker; do not remove any serial-number sticker yourself.

5.3 BIOS Modification / BIOS Flashing

• Gigabyte. Software fault correction or BIOS updates are not covered by warranty; damage caused by illegal / unlawful software or viruses is a general exclusion.
• MSI (secondary republication). Unauthorised alteration, modification, or change is a warranty exclusion.
• ASUS. The warranty covers only technical hardware problems under normal use conditions within the warranty period, applies to firmware problems, but does not apply to any other software problems or customer-induced damage. This sentence does not mean "flashing BIOS is definitely covered." The specific terms and the cause of damage must be examined.
• ZOTAC (secondary republication). If the product is damaged due to modification, the warranty may be void; warranty conditions include that the product has not been damaged due to modification.
• Practical meaning: flashing a non-official BIOS, modifying power limits / clocks, unlocking limits, and similar operations may lead the brand to refuse warranty on "modification" grounds if a fault later appears. When buying a second-hand card, ask the seller whether the BIOS has ever been flashed, whether it has been restored to the factory BIOS, and ask for written confirmation.

5.4 Third-Party Cooling / Cooling Modification

• ZOTAC (secondary republication). Damage caused by modification (including cooling) may void the warranty; warranty conditions include that the product has not been damaged due to modification (including cooling).
• EVGA. Products modified beyond factory specifications and / or not in factory condition are not covered by the limited warranty; PCB cutting, scratching, and similar damage are also not covered.
• ASRock. Installing / removing additional optional parts / components may void the warranty.
• MSI (older United States limited warranty document, secondary republication). The product must be free from physical damage caused by improper installation or any kind of modification (including installation of third-party parts), otherwise the warranty will be void; the product must be returned to MSI in its original factory configuration and condition; all third-party modifications must be restored before sending for repair.
• Practical meaning: replacing the heatsink with a third-party heatsink, fitting a water block, modifying the backplate, and similar operations should, before sending for repair, be restored to the original factory configuration as far as possible, with the original parts kept. But restoration itself does not guarantee that the brand will accept the claim; the terms and the inspection result matter.

5.5 Overclocking / Mining / Improper Use

• ASUS. The warranty does not cover damage to the product caused by cryptocurrency mining or related activities, unless the model is specifically designed for mining.
• EVGA. Damage caused by unusual physical, electrical, or electromechanical stress (including damage caused by uninterrupted use of the product, or using the product for blockchain processing, cryptocurrency mining, or similar purposes) is not covered by the limited warranty.
• ZOTAC (secondary republication). Warranty conditions include that the product has not been damaged due to overclocking.
• Gigabyte. Damage caused by extreme environmental factors (extreme temperature or humidity, extreme physical stress or electrical interference, power fluctuations or surges, and similar) is a general exclusion.
• Do not assume "a mining card will definitely be broken" or "a mining card is definitely not covered." The position is: "Some brands' terms list damage caused by mining as an exclusion. Buyers should ask the seller to disclose usage history and follow that brand's terms."

5.6 Physical Damage, Water Ingress, Power Problems

• Common across brands' terms: accidents, drops, water ingress, liquid seepage, power faults, lightning, improper installation, and operation or storage conditions that do not comply with the user manual are all common exclusions (see the ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, EVGA, and Sapphire sections).
• Gigabyte: repair depends on whether the fault can be reproduced; intermittent faults must be reproducible before they can be confirmed as product faults covered by warranty. Reminder for readers: before sending for repair, record the fault reproduction steps, error messages, and test environment. Do not settle for only "sometimes broken."

6. Hong Kong Legal Background (General Information, Not Legal Advice)

6.1 Sale of Goods Ordinance (Cap. 26)

The Community Legal Information Centre (CLIC) states that the Sale of Goods Ordinance requires goods sold to: be of merchantable / satisfactory quality, with quality reaching a standard that a reasonable person would consider satisfactory, taking into account the description of the goods, the price, and all other relevant circumstances; quality includes appearance and finish, safety, and durability; goods must be free from defects, even minor defects, unless the seller has drawn the defect to the buyer's attention (Section 16). The same page states that goods must be fit for their purpose, including any particular purpose the buyer mentioned to the seller; must be consistent with the description on the packaging or display markings or as stated by the seller (Section 15); and if sold by sample, must correspond in quality with the sample (Section 17). If the seller fails to meet any of these conditions, it is a breach of contract; the consumer has the right to reject the goods and demand a full refund. A Law Reform Commission document quotes Section 16 of Cap. 26: where the seller sells goods in the course of business, there is an implied condition that the goods supplied are of merchantable quality, except where: the defect was specifically drawn to the buyer's attention before the contract was made; the buyer examined the goods before the contract was made and that examination ought to have revealed the defect; or, if the contract is a sale by sample, the defect would have been apparent on a reasonable examination of the sample. Note: the implied condition applies to sellers "in the course of business"; transactions between private individuals do not necessarily carry the same application; "the buyer has examined" and "the defect has been drawn to attention" are important exceptions. Do not assume "Hong Kong law guarantees you can get a refund in any circumstances."

6.2 Trade Descriptions Ordinance

The Consumer Council states that under Section 7(1)(a) of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who in the course of trade or business applies a false trade description to any goods, or supplies or offers to supply goods to which a false trade description has been applied, commits an offence; the Ordinance also makes it an offence to have in possession for sale or for any purpose of trade or manufacture goods to which a false trade description has been applied; but the Ordinance may not necessarily apply to transactions between consumers, and whether a seller is regarded as a "trader" depends on various factors. Practical meaning: if a seller claims in advertising or orally that "manufacturer warranty still has N years," "certified second-hand," "never mined," and similar claims that do not match the facts, it may involve a false trade description. Buyers should keep advertising screenshots, conversation records, and receipts.

6.3 Consumer Council Practical Advice (Verified)

• Do not rely entirely on a salesperson's oral promises. The Council recommends insisting that promises be recorded on the receipt; at the time of transaction, check the transaction amount on the receipt and ensure that the information on the receipt and the warranty card (for example model, serial number, and similar) matches the product.
• When purchasing or repairing electrical appliances, confirm with the trader the delivery date, warranty period, repair completion date, and refund policy or alternative arrangements; fully understand the terms and conditions of any "extended warranty," or ask the salesperson to explain them fully; list important repair scope on the receipt or booklet to strengthen protection; if the delivery date and the warranty effective date differ, keep the delivery note as evidence and contact the retailer or repair service provider as soon as possible.
• When trading on online second-hand platforms, the Consumer Council recommends: checking the other party's user profile before trading; keeping transaction and conversation records, which can be used as evidence in transaction disputes; protecting privacy and not readily disclosing personal, financial, or credit card information to third parties.
• If negotiation with the trader fails, consider seeking help from the Consumer Council; the Consumer Council FAQ states that if no settlement can be reached, options such as filing a claim with the Small Claims Tribunal (for claims not exceeding HK$75,000) can be considered. Do not assume "the Consumer Council will definitely help you recover your money"; the Consumer Council itself has no power to order a trader to do anything, and the FAQ also states that it at most conveys views and encourages improvement.

7. Real Pain Points Hong Kong Buyers Encounter

The pain points below all come from publicly sourced terms, guidance, or discussions. They are not invented cases. This article does not cite any unsourced case story as a "true story."

7.1 Lost Documents or Insufficient Proof of Purchase

Buyers lose receipts, receipts fade, receipts do not show the product model or price, or buyers keep only a credit card statement with no receipt — any of these can block a claim. ASUS Hong Kong's official graphics card warranty page states that the sales receipt shows the purchase date, is proof of the purchase date, and that the buyer may need to show proof of purchase to obtain warranty service. ASUS official guidance states that if the user cannot provide a valid purchase invoice, the warranty will be counted from the device shipment date. Gigabyte's official warranty page states that valid proof of purchase must be a dated sales receipt issued by an authorised dealer or retailer and must show the product description and price; a credit card statement is one of the examples of what does not count as valid proof of purchase. MSI's official warranty page states that if the buyer cannot provide the local warranty card, registration number, or purchase receipt, the warranty may not apply. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) reminds consumers in its electrical safety guidance to keep receipts after buying electrical appliances so that they can be shown if a recall refund is needed. The Consumer Council's complaint guidance states that when complaining, the complainant should prepare copies of relevant documents, for example contracts, receipts, credit card charge slips, and correspondence with the trader. Practical lesson: a receipt is not a piece of paper to "throw away after buying." It is a key document for warranty claims. Buyers should photograph and back it up on the day of purchase and keep the original.

7.2 Second-Hand Cards With No Original Proof of Purchase, or Warranty Belonging Only to the Original Purchaser

A second-hand buyer holds a seller's oral claim of "warranty still remains," but has no original purchase receipt, or the brand's terms recognise only the original purchaser, so no claim can be made. Several third-party round-up pages state that Gigabyte warranty is generally non-transferable, meaning the warranty belongs to the original purchaser; MSI warranty is in most cases non-transferable to another person and generally only valid for the original purchaser; ASUS warranty is also described in some third-party round-ups as generally non-transferable. Because these are secondary sources, this article labels them as "secondary sources." Please follow the brand's official local terms and ask the brand directly. Do not treat secondary round-ups as official conclusions.

A third-party graphics card warranty explanation states that PowerColor warranty in the United States and Canada applies only to the original owner; Sapphire also states that its limited warranty is non-transferable and requires the original buyer's proof of purchase. Before buying a second-hand graphics card, buyers should ask for the original invoice and check the manufacturer's transfer rules. A screenshot showing an expiry date alone is not enough. The same explanation also warns that a seller's advertisement claiming a second-hand graphics card "still has two years of warranty" does not guarantee that the next owner can use that warranty. Exception: EVGA's official warranty page provides a transferable warranty arrangement for second-hand purchasers, but with strict conditions, for example the product must remain in factory condition and retain all original factory labels and stickers, the transferable warranty will not exceed three years from the product's shipment date from EVGA, and will not exceed the product's original warranty. Some suffix models fall outside the transferable warranty scope. EVGA also requires second-hand purchasers to provide valid proof of purchase.

Practical lesson: second-hand warranty questions must be checked brand by brand, model by model, and region by region. Do not apply EVGA's transferable arrangement to other brands, and do not apply one brand's non-transferable description to all brands. Everything here is subject to the brand's official local terms.

7.3 Parallel Imports / Grey Imports: Unclear Warranty Coverage

A buyer buys a parallel-import graphics card at a lower price and only discovers after a fault that the local authorised service network will not accept it, or that it can only be sent back by the grey-import importer to the country of export for repair, with unclear time and cost. A public encyclopaedia definition of parallel-import goods states that parallel-import goods, commonly called grey imports, are goods imported without going through the official agent. Grey imports are not necessarily counterfeits, but because the origin is unclear, there is a risk of buying a counterfeit, and because they were not imported through an agent directly or indirectly authorised by the head office, there may be nowhere to turn if there is a problem with the goods. The same source states that the difference between grey imports and authorised goods is generally in after-sales service: authorised electronic and electrical products generally come with a time-limited free or paid warranty service provided by the agent. Grey imports may have no warranty service at all, or warranty provided by the grey-import importer. Usually, such warranty only means that after the goods are damaged, the grey-import importer will send the goods back to the country of export for repair on the buyer's behalf, or the importer will provide repair service itself. Some agents provide repair service for grey imports on the condition that the consumer bears the cost. Some manufacturers provide global warranty service for their products, in which case grey imports can enjoy the same after-sales service as authorised goods. A Hong Kong legal commentary states that parallel imports are generally lawful, but consumers need to pay attention to product origin and authorisation questions. A trademark owner may in some circumstances argue that the condition of parallel-import goods has been altered or damaged. A trader that misrepresents parallel-import goods as authorised products may be involved in false trade descriptions under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. TP-Link Hong Kong's official warranty terms provide an example of a Hong Kong local authorised channel: the terms state that products purchased through non-official authorised dealer or personal online shop channels, or products not sold in the Hong Kong / Macau region, may have quality problems, compatibility problems, and a risk of being unrepairable, and remind customers to choose a proper authorised dealer when buying. Although this example concerns networking products, not graphics cards, it illustrates the general logic of Hong Kong brand authorised warranty: authorised channel and region are important conditions for whether warranty can be established. PowerColor's official FAQ states that the brand does not provide global warranty, that the warranty period depends on the region where the graphics card was purchased, and that buyers should enquire with the retailer about warranty and repair details. Practical lesson: before buying, ask clearly "authorised or parallel import," "who is responsible for warranty," "where is warranty performed," and "who bears shipping costs." If the seller cannot answer clearly, treat it as a high-risk signal.

7.4 Serial-Number Stickers Damaged, Altered, or Removed

Graphics card serial-number stickers can become blurred or fall off due to long-term use, heat, handling, or cleaning, or can be deliberately altered or removed, leading to warranty claims being refused or requiring additional proof. ASUS official warranty terms state that if the product serial number is altered, cancelled, or removed, the warranty will not apply. Gigabyte's official warranty page states that if the receipt is not the original, is illegible, has been tampered with, is incomplete, altered, copied, stolen, forged, counterfeited, or irregular or improperly marked, Gigabyte may treat the relevant registered product as edited, transferred, invalid, or deleted. MSI's official warranty page states that if the product serial number or label has been defaced or removed, the warranty may not apply. PowerColor's official FAQ states that the serial-number sticker on the back of the product must remain intact, and that removal or damage to the serial-number sticker will void all warranty. If the sticker is lost, altered, or illegible, the product will not qualify for warranty service. EVGA's official warranty page states that if the product's original identification information or warranty sticker has been altered, defaced, or removed, the warranty will not apply. Recent reporting on NVIDIA Founders Edition cards states that an RTX 5090 owner said NVIDIA returned the card and refused a repair application because the serial number on the metal output bracket was unrecognisable. Several Founders Edition owners and reporting found that similar grey printed serial numbers on RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 cards showed fading, with heat and touching considered possible causes. The reporting also noted that handling results were inconsistent: at least one owner said that even with a faded bracket serial number, repair was still successfully obtained, reflecting that some claims can continue to be processed while others are refused. This incident is an individual report. There is no public widespread recall or service announcement, and it cannot be inferred as a general result for all cards of the same model. The same reporting recommends that owners photograph the serial number before claiming and keep the original packaging and receipt. Practical lesson: buyers should immediately photograph the serial-number sticker clearly on the day of purchase and keep photographs of the serial-number label on the original packaging. Second-hand buyers must check at handover whether the serial-number sticker is intact, clear, and has not been altered or covered.

7.5 Modification, Self-Repair, Mining, and Other Exclusions

Buyers replace heatsinks themselves, replace thermal paste, flash non-official firmware, overclock, or use a card for mining, and only discover after a fault that these fall within exclusions. ASUS official warranty terms state that if the product has been tampered with, repaired, or modified by non-authorised personnel, the warranty will not apply. MSI's official warranty page states that if the product is damaged due to alteration, modification, change, repair, or other service by a third party not authorised by MSI, the warranty will not apply. The same page also states that damage caused by mining or related uses, for example cryptocurrency mining, Bitcoin mining, and similar, is not within warranty coverage, except for products specifically designed for mining. A third-party graphics card warranty explanation states that Sapphire says removing the graphics card or removing the heatsink will void the limited warranty; other manufacturers may have different rules, but damage caused during disassembly is unlikely to be covered. Before removing a heatsink, installing water cooling, replacing thermal pads, flashing a custom BIOS, or making any physical modification, the official regional policy should be checked first. The same explanation states that standard consumer warranties are generally written around general desktop use. Cryptocurrency mining, blockchain computing, server deployment, and other commercial workloads may be excluded. Gigabyte states that using a standard desktop graphics card for blockchain computing or cryptocurrency mining will void the warranty. ZOTAC and PNY also include restrictions on mining or enterprise-style use in some regional policies. ZOTAC's official warranty policy states that the warranty does not apply to products sold as second-hand or refurbished, and does not cover faults caused by improper installation, operation, cleaning or maintenance, accidents, damage, misuse, abuse, non-ZOTAC modification, third-party software programmes, normal wear, and similar causes.

7.6 Long Repair Times and Non-Equivalent Replacements

After a graphics card is sent for repair, a long wait may be needed, or because the original model has been discontinued, only a different-specification model can be offered as a replacement, and buyers dispute whether the replacement is equivalent. No Hong Kong local official statistics on graphics card repair times or brand-published Hong Kong local average repair times appear in public sources. This article does not invent figures such as "average wait is N days." A third-party round-up of general repair processes states that graphics card repair time varies by manufacturer, retailer, and the nature of the problem, and can range from several days to several weeks. The manufacturer or retailer will provide an estimated timetable. An individual overseas case report states that a Turkish player said his ROG Strix RTX 4090 had been waiting for more than nine months after being sent to a repair centre, and was later offered a refund of the original purchase amount or a choice of one of three RTX 5080 models as a replacement. The player considered that the RTX 5080 has only 16GB of video memory, different from the original card's 24GB, and therefore could not be considered an equivalent replacement. The report also emphasises that this is only a case publicly shared by the player and cannot be directly inferred as the same approach ASUS takes for all RTX 4090 repair applications. Gigabyte's official warranty page states that if the product cannot be repaired or replaced near the end of the warranty period, Gigabyte reserves the right to provide an equivalent or higher-value alternative or a partial refund in proportion to the product's remaining warranty period. Practical lesson: before sending for repair, buyers should ask clearly about the estimated processing time, follow-up method, and handling plan if the original model is out of stock (repair, replacement with the same model, replacement with an equivalent model, or refund), and ask for it in writing. Whether a replacement is equivalent should be compared on specific specifications such as video memory capacity, memory bandwidth, architecture, and use case (for example local AI models, CUDA rendering, gaming), not only on the model number.

7.7 Oral Promises That Differ From Written Terms

A salesperson orally promises "there is warranty," "we will replace it," or "we will repair it," but the receipt or warranty document contains no such content, making it difficult to prove if a dispute arises. The Consumer Council's extended warranty survey notes that it is not ideal for consumers to have to rely only on a salesperson's oral introduction before buying. The Consumer Council's press release on home repair services recommends that consumers ask for repair details to be recorded on the receipt or invoice to avoid disputes. A Legislative Council document on the Trade Descriptions Ordinance states that the Trade Descriptions Ordinance covers goods and services and prohibits unfair trade practices. Unfair trade practices include false trade descriptions, misleading omissions, aggressive commercial practices, bait-and-switch selling, bait advertising, and wrongly accepting payment, and apply equally to the commercial conduct of physical and online traders. Practical lesson: all warranty promises must be obtained in writing before payment, and the model, serial number, warranty period, warranty scope, and claim contact method on the receipt or warranty document must be checked for completeness. An oral promise with no written record should not be treated as a promise made.

7.8 Private Transactions and Limits of Complaint Channels

A buyer buys a second-hand graphics card through a private transaction and only discovers after a dispute that complaint channels may not accept private transactions. The Consumer Council FAQ states that complaints handled by the Consumer Council concern goods or services purchased by individual consumers from traders for private use or consumption. Complaints of the following nature may fall outside the Consumer Council's scope: goods or services purchased in the course of business operations or in the name of a business entity, private transactions between individuals not conducted in the course of business, goods or services provided by the government, complaints arising purely from investment performance, and complaints unrelated to consumer issues, for example gambling and auctions. The Consumer Council also states that it handles complaints by mediation, providing a platform for consumers and traders to resolve disputes through a mutually acceptable agreement. The Consumer Council is not a law enforcement body and does not have investigative or adjudicative powers. Consumer Council complaint channels include an electronic form, the telephone hotline 2929 2222, the elderly hotline 2110 2288, and Consumer Council Service Centres. Practical lesson: private second-hand transactions themselves already fall partly outside the Consumer Council's scope. Buyers in private transactions need to handle document preservation and handover checks themselves and must not assume that a third party will necessarily help pursue a claim if a dispute arises.

8. Buyer Checklists

8.1 Before Buying

• Confirm the full model + SKU. Do not rely only on the family name.
• Confirm who the warrantor is: manufacturer, shop, or both? What does each cover separately?
• Confirm the warranty start-date definition: purchase date, manufacturing date, or dealer import date? Is there a written answer?
• Confirm whether the warranty is transferable: if buying second-hand, does the manufacturer warranty follow the new buyer? If not, does the shop warranty have written terms?
• Confirm the claim process: whom to claim from? What documents are needed? Who pays shipping? How long will it take?
• Confirm registration requirements: must registration be completed within a deadline to obtain extended warranty? How many days is the deadline?
• Confirm regional limitations: will a grey / parallel-import card be accepted in Hong Kong?
• Ask for written terms: all promises in writing on the receipt or a separate sheet. Do not accept oral promises alone.

Before buying — new card checklist:

1. Is this card authorised stock or a parallel import? Who provides warranty? Where is warranty performed?
2. From when is the manufacturer warranty period counted? From the purchase date or the shipment date? What proof of purchase is required?
3. Is online registration required to enjoy the full warranty or extended warranty? How long is the registration deadline? What documents are needed for registration?
4. If there is a shop warranty, who provides it? From when is the warranty period counted? What does the warranty scope include? What is excluded?
5. Is the shop warranty honoured by the shop itself, or sent by the shop to the manufacturer or a third party? Who bears shipping costs? What is the estimated processing time? Is there a written tracking number?
6. If the original model is discontinued or out of stock, is the handling plan repair, replacement with the same model, replacement with an equivalent model, or refund? How is "equivalent" defined?
7. Does the warranty document state the product model, serial number, purchase date, warranty period, warranty provider name, and contact method?
8. If the shop closes, how is the shop warranty handled? Is there a third party to take over? If not, is the buyer left with only the manufacturer warranty?
9. Has any oral promise been written into the receipt or warranty document? Does the receipt show the product model, price, and purchase date?

Before buying — second-hand card checklist:

1. Is the seller the original purchaser? If not, how did the seller obtain this card? Is there an original purchase receipt?
2. Is the original purchase receipt complete? Does the receipt show the authorised dealer name, purchase date, product model, and price?
3. Is the manufacturer warranty transferable to the second-hand buyer? What do the brand's official local terms say? Does the seller have a written reply from the brand's enquiry?
4. Is the graphics card serial-number sticker intact, clear, and unaltered? Can the seller provide a photograph of the serial number and a photograph of the original packaging serial-number label?
5. Has the graphics card ever been repaired, modified, had its heatsink replaced, had thermal paste replaced, had firmware flashed, been overclocked, been used for mining, or been used for commercial purposes?
6. Is the graphics card authorised stock or a parallel import? What was the original purchase region?
7. Who provides the seller's "certified second-hand warranty"? What items were inspected? Is the inspection report tied to that card's serial number? From when is the warranty period counted?
8. Is the transaction by handover or by post? Can the card be powered on and tested on the spot at handover? For postal transactions, is there unboxing video and a return arrangement?
9. If a fault appears shortly after the transaction, will the seller accept a return or assist with a claim? Has the relevant promise been written into the transaction record?

8.2 At Handover (Applies to New and Second-Hand)

• Check that the serial numbers on the box, card, and receipt all match.
• Check that the serial-number sticker is intact, clear, and has not been lifted or re-applied; take a photograph.
• Check appearance: is the PCB bent, scratched, burnt, or showing liquid marks? Are fan blades broken? Are connectors oxidised or damaged? Are screws showing signs of having been removed?
• Check accessories: are original accessories complete? Are there substitutes?
• Second-hand cards: ask the seller whether there is mining history, repair history, modification history, or BIOS flashing history; ask for a written answer.
• Second-hand cards: ask for a copy of the inspection / certification report; if there is no report, record in writing that "no inspection report was provided."
• Test on the spot (if feasible): power on, display output, fan rotation, temperature, basic stress test; record the test results.
• Confirm receipt fields: shop name, address, date, full model, serial number, price, warranty terms (PowerColor's official FAQ lists the fields an invoice should show and can be used as a reference).

Second-hand handover inspection checklist (drawn from second-hand transaction inspection guidance and warranty document requirements; for buyer reference at handover only, not a guarantee of detecting all problems):

• Check appearance: any obvious impact damage, missing parts, rust, disassembly marks, loose heatsink, or burnt or oxidised gold fingers?
• Check serial number: is the serial-number sticker intact, clear, and unaltered? Does the original packaging serial number match the card's serial number?
• Check documents: are the original purchase receipt, warranty card, and original packaging complete?
• Power-on confirmation: do the model and capacity shown by the computer match the seller's description? Do fans operate normally? Is there a black screen, frequent crashes, or abnormal noise?
• Record the transaction: keep chat records, transaction records, handover photographs, serial-number photographs, and unboxing video.

8.3 After Purchase

• Register immediately (if the brand requires registration for extended warranty) and keep the registration confirmation.
• Back up receipts, serial-number photographs, registration confirmations, and inspection reports in two places.
• Keep the original packaging and accessories until the end of the warranty period, to make future repair shipping packaging easier.
• Do not remove serial-number stickers yourself; do not disassemble the card, replace cooling, or flash BIOS before reading the terms.
• Record fault reproduction steps, error messages, and test environment to help with any later claim.
• If a fault appears, contact the warranty warrantor first. Do not disassemble and repair the card yourself and then claim.

8.4 Documents to Keep Checklist

Buyers should create a dedicated folder on the day of purchase and keep originals and digital copies of the following documents:

• Original purchase receipt or invoice: must show the shop name, purchase date, product model, and price. If the receipt handwriting fades, photograph and back it up immediately.
• Shop written warranty terms: including warranty provider, warranty period, scope, exclusions, claim procedures, and contact method.
• Printout or screenshot of the brand official warranty terms: including the warranty page link and access date for that model and region.
• Product serial-number photographs: including a photograph of the serial-number sticker on the graphics card itself, a photograph of the serial-number label on the original packaging, and the serial number on the warranty card (if applicable). Photographs must be clearly legible and show the photograph date.
• Original packaging: keep the original box, warranty card, manual, and accessories until the end of the warranty period. The serial-number label on the original packaging may need to be checked at claim time.
• Registration confirmation: if the brand requires online registration, keep the registration confirmation email or screenshot and record the registration date.
• Transaction records: including shop name, address, telephone, transaction date, transaction amount, payment method, payment proof, and correspondence records with the seller.
• Repair records (if applicable): including repair date, repair order number, fault description, estimated processing time, tracking number, collection date, and repair report.

9. Model Precision: Do Not Conflate Models

For quotations, comparisons, and warranty discussions, always use the full model + SKU + VRAM capacity (for example "Gigabyte Eagle GeForce RTX 5070 12GB," not "5070"). Do not treat "same family" as "same warranty."

9.1 RTX 4090 vs RTX 4090D

These are different SKUs. Do not call them both "4090." A secondary explanation states that the RTX 4090D is an export-compliant version designed for the China market, not a rebrand and not a fake card; it is a genuine AD102 card with fewer shaders but the same VRAM. The page states that the 4090D has 14,592 CUDA cores, compared with 16,384 for the full version, about 11% fewer; 24GB GDDR6X, 384-bit bus, the same memory bandwidth, and the same 2.52 GHz boost clock. Warranty meaning: warranty follows the full model + SKU + serial number, not the family name; do not assume that buying a 4090D carries the same warranty treatment as a 4090, or vice versa; regional limitations may also differ.

Red flag: listings in the market claim "4090D 48GB" or "4090 48GB." The standard VRAM for retail RTX 4090 / 4090D is 24GB. Any listing claiming a retail version has 48GB should be treated as a major red flag: it may be a modified card, a non-standard item, or an incorrect description. Ask the seller to show the full model, SKU, serial number, and official specification comparison. Do not buy it directly as a retail version. This article makes no truth judgment on 48GB listings; it only reminds buyers to verify.

9.2 RTX 5070 vs RTX 5070 Ti

These are different SKUs. Do not call them both "5070." Retailer listing examples (secondary / retailer sources, only as evidence that the two are different SKUs, not as price or warranty promises): Gigabyte Eagle GeForce RTX 5070 is shown as a 12GB graphics card; PNY GeForce RTX 5070 Ti OC is shown as a 16GB GDDR7 graphics card. Do not copy retailer listing specifications or prices directly; always check back against the brand official specification page. Warranty meaning: as above, warranty follows the full model + SKU, not the family name.

9.3 RTX 4060 Ti 8GB vs 16GB

These are different SKUs with different VRAM capacities. Do not call them both "4060 Ti." This article does not list the full specifications or warranty durations for the two, because the brand official comparison page was not found in public sources; specifications are subject to the brand official page, and this article does not fill them in from memory. Warranty meaning: as above, warranty follows the full model + SKU + serial number; buyers should check that the box, card, and receipt all consistently state 8GB or 16GB.

10. Practical Decision Framework: When Manufacturer Warranty Matters Most, When Shop / Certified Second-Hand Warranty Matters

The framework below is a decision aid, not a recommendation for any specific product or shop. Buyers should decide according to their own use case, budget, and risk tolerance, and follow the written terms.

10.1 When Manufacturer Warranty Matters Most

• The buyer is buying a brand-new graphics card and wants the warranty to be the brand's direct responsibility, with a clear claim path.
• The buyer plans to use the graphics card long-term and wants the brand authorised service network's repair or replacement arrangements within the warranty period.
• The graphics card model the buyer is buying is relatively new, the same model is still in stock in the market, and replacement arrangements are relatively clear.
• The buyer can properly keep purchase receipts, serial-number photographs, original packaging, and registration confirmations, meeting the manufacturer warranty's document requirements.
• The buyer does not want to rely on a single shop's continued existence to obtain warranty.

10.2 When Shop Warranty May Matter

• The graphics card the buyer is buying is a product for which the shop provides warranty itself, while the manufacturer warranty coverage is limited or the claim path is more indirect, and the shop can provide more direct local follow-up.
• The buyer values local immediate follow-up, for example wanting to go directly to the shop to ask about progress rather than only through the brand hotline or online form.
• The buyer has obtained the shop's written warranty terms, and the terms clearly state the warranty provider, warranty period, scope, exclusions, claim procedures, shipping arrangements, and estimated processing time.
• The buyer has verified the shop's physical address, contact method, and business status, and understands how the shop warranty is handled if the shop closes.
• Note: if the shop warranty terms are vague, there is no written document, or the shop cannot explain arrangements after closure, the substantive value of the shop warranty should be treated as unverified. It must not be treated as protection already obtained.

10.3 When Certified Second-Hand Warranty May Matter

• The buyer has a limited budget and wants to buy a second-hand graphics card, but wants a degree of inspection and warranty rather than a private transaction with no warranty at all.
• The seller can provide an inspection report tied to that card's serial number, and the report states the inspection items, inspection date, and inspection results.
• The warranty document clearly states the warranty provider, warranty start point, warranty scope, exclusions, claim procedures, and contact method.
• The buyer has checked the serial number, documents, appearance, and power-on operation at handover and has kept copies of all documents and transaction records.
• Note: if "certification" is only a slogan, with no inspection report, no written warranty terms, and no warranty provider name, the certified second-hand warranty should be treated as unverified. It must not be treated as equivalent to manufacturer warranty.

10.4 Decision Steps (Before Buying)

1. Confirm use case and budget: what does the buyer need the graphics card for? Does the budget include potential repair time costs within the warranty period?
2. Confirm origin: authorised stock or parallel import? Does the manufacturer warranty apply in Hong Kong?
3. Confirm documents: are the purchase receipt, serial number, and warranty terms complete? Does a second-hand transaction have an original receipt?
4. Confirm warranty provider: manufacturer, shop, or certified seller — which one is responsible? Is there a written document?
5. Confirm exclusions: are modification, repair, mining, serial-number damage, parallel import, and similar circumstances exclusions?
6. Confirm claim procedures: have the claim contact method, shipping costs, estimated time, tracking number, and replacement or refund arrangements been recorded in writing?
7. Confirm shop continuity risk: does the shop warranty depend on a single shop? If the shop closes, does the buyer still have manufacturer warranty?
8. Confirm price framework: is the price based on the latest public quotations at the time? Have warranty terms been included in the total-cost comparison?
9. Keep all documents: photograph and back up on the day of purchase and keep the originals.

10.5 Decision Steps (When Claiming)

1. Prepare documents: purchase receipt, serial-number photographs, warranty documents, inspection report, transaction records.
2. Record the fault: fault symptoms, time of occurrence, troubleshooting steps already tried, and related photographs or video.
3. Contact the warranty provider: contact them using the contact method on the warranty document, and record the contact date, contact person, and reply content.
4. Ask for written confirmation: ask the warranty provider to confirm in writing the repair order number, estimated processing time, shipping arrangements, and replacement or refund plan.
5. Keep repair records: repair order, tracking number, collection date, and repair report.
6. If a dispute arises: negotiate directly with the trader first and keep all written records. If you need to enquire with the Consumer Council, refer to the Consumer Council's complaint channels, but note that the Consumer Council handles complaints by mediation, is not a law enforcement body, and private transactions may fall outside its scope.

11. Red Flags (If You See Any of These, Stop and Ask Before Buying)

1. Serial-number sticker lost, lifted, re-applied, blurred, or unclear.
2. Box, card, and receipt serial numbers do not match.
3. Receipt has no shop name, no date, no full model, no serial number, and no warranty terms.
4. Seller will only make oral warranty promises and will not write them on the receipt.
5. Seller cannot answer "who honours the warranty," "from which date is the warranty counted," or "how do I claim?"
6. Seller says "there is manufacturer warranty," but the brand states in writing that it is non-transferable, and the seller cannot explain how transfer works.
7. "Certified second-hand" has no inspection report, no test scope, and no warranty warrantor.
8. Seller refuses to disclose mining history, repair history, modification history, or BIOS flashing history.
9. Claims to be a retail version but the VRAM capacity does not match the official specification (for example claiming a retail 4090 has 48GB).
10. Warranty start date is defined as the manufacturing date or dealer import date, without the buyer being told in advance.
11. Price is unusually low, but the warranty terms are vague.
12. Seller asks for an untraceable payment method and provides no receipt.
13. Product has obvious physical damage, water-ingress marks, a burnt smell, or a bent PCB, but the seller says it "does not affect use."
14. Fan blades broken, heatsink deformed, or connectors oxidised, but the seller says it is "normal."
15. "Lifetime warranty" with no written definition: who honours it? What does it cover? What does "lifetime" mean? (PNY's old document defines "lifetime" as the original purchaser's lifetime, but other sellers' "lifetime" may have a completely different definition. A written definition must be required.)

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the manufacturer warranty provided directly by NVIDIA or AMD?

A: No. For retail cards, the warrantor is usually the board partner brand, not the GPU silicon supplier. NVIDIA's enterprise support documentation states that hardware RMA must be handled through the respective OEM.

Q: When buying a second-hand card, the seller says "manufacturer warranty still remains." Can I trust that?

A: Do not trust oral claims alone. You must check whether that brand's local terms allow transfer, whether the seller is the original purchaser, whether there is an original purchase receipt, and whether the serial number is intact. Many brands state in writing that their warranty is non-transferable; EVGA is an exception, but its conditions are strict. Always follow the brand's official local terms.

Q: Are shop warranty and manufacturer warranty the same thing?

A: No. Shop warranty is the shop's own promise; manufacturer warranty is the brand's promise. The two promises are independent. One party's refusal does not automatically mean the other is also liable. Read the receipt and sales documents to know who promised what.

Q: Does "certified second-hand" equal new-card warranty?

A: No. "Certified" has no single legal definition. You must ask the seller to provide written documents for the inspection report, warranty warrantor, warranty start point, coverage, and claim process. If there are no documents, it must not be treated as equivalent to manufacturer warranty.

Q: Can I still claim without a receipt?

A: Very likely it will be blocked. Some brands will use the manufacturing date as the warranty start point, shortening the remaining warranty period; some brands require valid proof of purchase, and a credit card statement does not count as valid proof of purchase. Photograph and back up the receipt on the day of purchase and keep the original.

Q: Will opening a graphics card to clean it or replace thermal paste immediately void the warranty?

A: "May affect warranty" does not mean "will automatically void warranty," but do not assume opening has no consequences either. Several brands' terms list non-authorised disassembly, modification, heatsink replacement, and similar acts as circumstances that may lead to refusal. Before doing anything, read that brand and model's terms and keep the original parts.

Q: What if the serial-number sticker has fallen off or become blurred?

A: The serial number is key to warranty identification. If the sticker is lost, altered, or unrecognisable, many brands will refuse warranty. Photograph the serial-number sticker clearly on the day of purchase and keep photographs of the serial-number label on the original packaging. Do not remove any serial-number sticker yourself.

Q: Do grey-import cards definitely have no warranty?

A: Not necessarily, but the risk is high. Grey imports may have no warranty service at all, or only warranty provided by the grey-import importer to send the card back to the country of export for repair or to repair it itself. Some manufacturers provide global warranty, but do not assume it will definitely apply. Before buying, ask clearly whether the origin is authorised or parallel import, who is responsible for warranty, where warranty is performed, and who bears shipping costs.

Q: How long will repair take? Will I get an equivalent model as a replacement?

A: No Hong Kong local official statistics on graphics card repair times appear in public sources, so this article does not invent an "average wait is N days." Before sending for repair, ask clearly about the estimated processing time, follow-up method, and handling plan if the original model is out of stock, and ask for it in writing. Whether a replacement is equivalent should be compared on specific specifications such as video memory capacity, memory bandwidth, architecture, and use case, not only on the model number.

Q: If there is a dispute with a trader, will the Consumer Council definitely help?

A: Not necessarily. The Consumer Council handles complaints by mediation, is not a law enforcement body, and does not have investigative or adjudicative powers. Transactions between private individuals may fall outside the Consumer Council's scope. If no settlement can be reached, options such as filing a claim with the Small Claims Tribunal (for claims not exceeding HK$75,000) can be considered. For specific cases, seek professional legal advice.

Q: What is a specific shop's warranty duration?

A: This article does not fill in any specific shop's warranty duration, scope, or fee. Please enquire for details, subject to the shop's published terms. Before buying, please ask the shop for a written quotation and written warranty terms.

Sources

The links below are the public sources cited in this article, quoted verbatim, without shortening or modification. Labels are shown in parentheses.

Technical sources (S1–S30)

• S1 — ASUS official graphics card warranty policy page: https://www.asus.com/bt/supportonly/gamerosd/helpdesk_warranty/ (Verified)
• S2 — ASUS warranty card (VGA Warranty Card PDF): https://www.asus.com/support/images/upload/warranty/no_Graphic Card.pdf (Verified; some content cross-checked via secondary republication)
• S3 — Gigabyte Australia warranty page: https://www.gigabyte.com/au/Support/Consumer/Warranty/AI-TOP-PC (Verified)
• S4 — Gigabyte global warranty page: http://www.gigabyte.com/support/warranty (Verified)
• S5 — Gigabyte Puerto Rico warranty page: https://www.gigabyte.com/pr/Support/Warranty (Verified)
• S6 — Gigabyte United States warranty page: https://www.gigabyte.com/us/Support/Consumer/Warranty (Verified)
• S7 — MSI general warranty policy (secondary republication): https://mans.io/files/viewer/2296302/1 ; https://us.msi.com/page/warranty/networking ; https://files.bbystatic.com/diDsJfBsYJvCAhnxE4MxaQ==/MSI-SUMMITE15207-Warranty (Secondary source)
• S8 — PowerColor official FAQ: https://PowerColor.com/faq65.htm (Verified)
• S9 — ZOTAC product guide (secondary republication): https://manuals.plus/m/6e80a13e6ae49171dd190dee1ad8b3195ab83490a2150f226623dab1727c4d69 ; https://manualspro.net/46516-zotac-889704-graphic-card-installation-guide (Secondary source)
• S10 — ZOTAC Europe product warranty policy page: https://www.zotac.com/ee/page/product-warranty-policy (Verified)
• S11 — ZOTAC RMA replacement warranty period secondary report: https://windowsforum.com/windows-news.4/zotac-rtx-5090-rma-replacement-keeps-original-warranty.442012/ (Secondary source)
• S12 — Sapphire EU customer service page: https://www.sapphiretech.com/en/cs_consumer_eu (Verified)
• S13 — Sapphire older RMA / warranty document (secondary republication, old document): https://static-data1.manuals101.net/1/pdf/244/115805/sapphire-rma--warranty-information-original.pdf (Unverified / old document)
• S14 — PNY warranty documents (old documents): https://pny.cloud.dev.iapps.com/file%20library/company/support/product%20brochures/geforce%20graphics/warranties%20and%20policies/geforce-graphics-cards-warranty.pdf ; http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71SN37ZxPmS.pdf (Unverified / old documents)
• S15 — EVGA official graphics card warranty page: http://www.evga.com/warranty/graphics-cards/ ; https://www.evga.com/warranty/eu/graphics-cards/ (Verified)
• S16 — AMD Radeon RX 7000 series graphics card warranty information document: https://docs.amd.com/api/khub/documents/yKzSbdePnkqlResbE66oFQ/content (Verified)
• S17 — ASRock official repair / RMA policy page: https://asrock.com/support/index.la.asp?cat=Policy ; https://pg.asrock.com/support/index.us.asp?cat=RMA (Verified)
• S18 — FTC "Warranty Void If Removed" warning secondary reporting (United States law, not applicable to Hong Kong): https://legalclarity.org/are-warranty-void-if-removed-stickers-legal/ ; http://engadget.com/2018-04-11-ftc-warranty-warning.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVkZGl0LmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALe--GbjOvvzb9XLjZuJWuHKKceq70JMKPm33UQ2NNrC_rJqMFrsz9iT-KyhGWlLYlw6bY0oJ_9ZAiPVOdPkVBOyObzKUo7dmJ1Bj32e5UM1ZDmJOo7bisOsjTzoKRnPLonYtkoYMvs8qOYIFJxr8JWd41PPksG3dF-vTbl46imQ (Secondary source)
• S19 — Hong Kong Consumer Council pages: https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/page/detail/300013 ; https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/press-release/p-550-after-sales-services ; https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/press-release/p-560-online-second-hand-platforms ; https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/complaints-and-services/faq (Verified)
• S20 — CLIC Community Legal Information Centre and Law Reform Commission documents: https://www.clic.org.hk/en/topics/consumer_complaints/consumer_protection/q1 ; https://www.clic.org.hk/en/topics/consumer_complaints/consumer_protection/q6 ; https://www.info.gov.hk/archive/consult/2001/supply-e.pdf (Verified)
• S21 — NVIDIA enterprise support documents: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/agreements/enterprise-services/gpu-expert-support-policy/ ; https://docs.nvidia.com/enterprise-support-and-services-user-guide/support-details/ (Verified)
• S22 — Manufacturer warranty vs retailer warranty legal explanation (secondary source): https://www.upcounsel.com/manufacturer-warranty-law (Secondary source)
• S23 — Manufacturer warranty vs seller warranty comparison (secondary source): https://www.accio.com/supplier/manufacturer-warranty-vs-seller-warranty (Secondary source)
• S24 — ASUS Certified Refurbished product limited warranty service (Australia and New Zealand version): https://rog.asus.com/au/support/article/1212/ (Verified)
• S25 — Refurbished vs Recertified explanation (secondary source): https://www.refurb.me/blog/refurbished-vs-recertified-whats-difference/ (Secondary source)
• S26 — eBay Refurbished standard explanation (secondary source): https://greenwaveelectronics.com/refurbished-terms-explained (Secondary source)
• S27 — ZOTAC India warranty case reporting (rumour / single incident, not policy): https://wccftech.com/zotac-denies-warranty-on-one-year-old-rtx-3060-blames-seller-for-selling-it-two-years-after-import/ ; https://techenclave.com/t/zotac-denies-warranty-support-to-rtx-3060-owner-in-india-after-just-one-year/443596 (Rumour / single incident)
• S28 — Second-hand / refurbished GPU buying strategy explanation (secondary source): https://mygwl.com/hardware/refurbished-gpus-in-2026-safe-buying-strategies-on-the-secondary-market/ (Secondary source)
• S29 — RTX 4090D explanation (secondary source): https://primcast.com/rtx40 (Secondary source)
• S30 — Retailer listing examples (only as evidence that SKUs differ, not as price or warranty promises): https://www.newegg.com/gigabyte-gv-n5070eagle-oc-12gd-geforce-rtx-5070-12gb-graphics-card-triple-fans/p/N82E16814932776?Item=N82E16814932776&cm_sp=Homepage_SS-_-P1_14-932-776-_-08252025 ; https://www.ultratech.com.bd/pny-geforce-rtx-5070-ti-oc-triple-fan-graphic-card (Unverified / retailer listing)

Market sources

• ASUS Hong Kong — DUAL-GTX1650-O4G graphics card warranty policy: https://www.asus.com/hk-en/motherboards-components/graphics-cards/dual/dual-gtx1650-o4g/helpdesk_warranty?model2Name=DUAL-GTX1650-O4G
• ASUS — Warranty status query and purchase invoice upload guidance: https://rog.asus.com/se/support/FAQ/1041323
• Gigabyte — Warranty (global): http://www.gigabyte.com/support/warranty
• MSI — Warranty (motherboard / graphics card related warranty page): https://www.msi.com/page/warranty/mb
• MSI — Warranty (general warranty page): https://se.msi.com/page/warranty
• EVGA — Warranty — Graphics cards: http://www.evga.com/warranty/graphics-cards/
• Zotac — Product warranty policy: https://www.zotac.com/ee/page/product-warranty-policy
• PowerColor — FAQ: https://PowerColor.com/faq65.htm
• TP-Link Hong Kong — Warranty repair terms (authorised channel and region example, not graphics cards): https://www.tp-link.com/zh-hk/support/replacement-warranty/?app=decoIt
• Consumer Council — Extended warranty survey: https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/press-release/487-extended-warranty
• Consumer Council — Extended warranty and after-sales service reminder: https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/press-release/505-complaint-after-sales
• Consumer Council — Home maintenance service reminder: https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/press-release/484-home-maintenance
• Consumer Council — FAQ: https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/complaints-and-services/faq
• Consumer Council — Complaint and enquiry channels: https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/complaints-and-services/complaint-and-enquiry-channels
• Consumer Council — Complaint figures: https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/complaints-and-services/complaint-figures
• CLIC — Sale of Goods Ordinance: https://www.clic.org.hk/en/topics/consumer_complaints/consumer_protection/q1
• CLIC — Consumer complaint channels: https://www.clic.org.hk/en/topics/consumer_complaints/channels_for_consumer_complaints/q1
• EMSD — Electrical safety handbook: https://www.emsd.gov.hk/en/electricity_safety/publications/general/household_electrical_safety_handbook/part_2/2_4/index.html
• Legislative Council — Trade Descriptions Ordinance implementation: https://www.legco.gov.hk/yr2023/chinese/panels/edev/papers/edev20230327cb4-193-3-c.pdf
• Wikipedia — Parallel import goods: https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B9%B3%E8%A1%8C%E9%80%B2%E5%8F%A3%E8%B2%A8%E5%93%81
• OLN Law — Hong Kong parallel import brand protection: https://oln-law.com/protecting-your-brand-from-parallel-imports-in-hong-kong/
• FixGamingChannel — GPU warranty explanation: https://www.fixgamingchannel.com/gpu-warranties-explained/
• UDN News — Second-hand computer parts buying guide: https://tech.udn.com/tech/story/123152/9770274
• HardwareZone Forum — Second-hand GPU buying tips: https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/sharing-my-observation-second-hand-gpu-prices-tips-when-buying-used-gpu.6522887/
• Tom's Hardware Forum — Second-hand ASUS GPU warranty discussion: https://forums.tomshardware.com/threads/warranty-2nd-hand-asus-gpu.2924896/
• Coolaler — Overseas player RTX 4090 repair case report: https://www.coolaler.com/%e5%9c%8b%e5%a4%96%e7%8e%a9%e5%ae%b6-rtx-4090-%e5%a3%9e%e6%8e%89%e6%b2%92%e6%b3%95%e7%b6%ad%e4%bf%ae%e5%8f%aa%e8%83%bd%e6%8f%9b-rtx-5080-%e6%88%96%e9%80%80%e5%8e%9f%e6%ac%be/
• Particle News — NVIDIA Founders Edition serial fading and repair application report: https://particle.news/story/nvidia-rejects-some-rtx-founders-edition-rmas-over-faded-bracket-serial-numbers
• WindowsForum — RTX 5090 FE owners document serials before warranty RMA reminder: https://windowsforum.com/news/rtx-5090-fe-owners-document-serials-before-warranty-rma.444652/
• Abit — Sapphire graphics card warranty extended to five years (individual region) report: https://abit.ee/en/graphics-cards/sapphire-graphics-card-warranty-5-years-amd-radeon-nitro-gpu-en
• UMA Technology — Gigabyte graphics card warranty check round-up: https://umatechnology.org/gigabyte-graphics-card-warranty-check/
• SoftwareG — MSI graphics card warranty check round-up: https://softwareg.com.au/blogs/computer-hardware/msi-graphics-card-warranty-check
• MobileStalk — ASUS graphics card warranty transferability round-up: https://mobilestalk.net/asus-graphics-card-warranty-transferable/
• SoftwareG — Graphics card RMA process round-up: https://softwareg.com.au/en-gb/blogs/computer-hardware/what-is-rma-graphics-card
• Second-hand forklift refurbishment standard comparison (general reference for certification and inspection report principles, not a GPU-specific standard): https://zh-tw.containerreachstacker.com/news/how-to-compare-refurbishment-standards-among-used-forklift-suppliers.html

*This article cites only publicly available sources. Anything not supported by a public source has not been invented. For any specific shop's warranty terms, please enquire for details, subject to the shop's published terms. For prices, please check current listings.*

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本文由 Display Card King Editorial 撰寫，報價數據來自 Display Card King 每日全港監測，只供參考。