Good idea? Would you do this?

[VW_Factor]

I have a smallish amount of time left for 1 of these cards.. I have two 8800GTS 320s. I have the stepup option at eVGA open to me. It appears that the card is going to be cheaper, but I understand the performance should better..

Would you do this?

[seadude99]

If you mean trade for two 8800GTs, then yes, do it.

[VW_Factor]

If you mean trade for two 8800GTs, then yes, do it.

Being the case, I would stepup both. However, one at a time, so Im not left hanging without any card to use in the meantime.

[Xerogen]

eVGA really does that? Any extra cost to it? I would definetly trade in my 8800 320 gts for a gt.

[VW_Factor]

No more input on this?

[m3talc0re]

According to their website, you can only do this once. So, you wouldn't be able to do it with both cards.

[VW_Factor]

According to their website, you can only do this once. So, you wouldn't be able to do it with both cards.

where does it say that?

Upon further reading, Ive found that each purchase can be stepped up only one time. So you cant step up, then do it again with that same card..

This is two seperate cards, from two different purchases.

Q: Can I Step-Up more than once?
A: No.
Only new purchases can be entered for sumbission for the Step-Up™ Program. Cards received through the Step-Up™ Program cannot be upgraded.

[VW_Factor]

Just got off the phone with a rep this evening. Says no problem.

Im likely going to do this.

[VW_Factor]

Participants in the EVGA Step-up™ Program are welcome to use the program one (1) time per new card purchase. Once you have received your Step-up™ card, the Step-up™ card is not allowed to be used in this program.

Just figured I would add that.. From the terms and conditions.

[Cjl64]

do it!!!! this is a no brainier man! I would do it if i was in your situation. I would also just send them both in.... EVGA is really fast about getting your cards back.

[SirBaron]

I'd do it for sure, especially if you get 2 of them, you're talking a huge increase in performance.

How much are they going to charge you for the step up? Considering the cards are pretty cheap to begin with...

[VW_Factor]

I'd do it for sure, especially if you get 2 of them, you're talking a huge increase in performance.

How much are they going to charge you for the step up? Considering the cards are pretty cheap to begin with...

Ive started the process on the one that was close to its step up time. Its looking like Im going to end up paying only shipping. One of the cards was purchaced new however lacking a box (I didnt care at the time) Talked with eVGA support on the phone about it, and thats like a 15 dollar charge not having the original box.

Anyway, definately moving forward with it. Just turns out to be a timely process after starting the whole deal on the web. It needs to be reviewed and accepted. Afterwards, I will definately let you guys know how long it takes after its accepted, and I ship my card out.

[Cjl64]

should not take too long.... i think my step-up from a 7900GTO to 8800GTX was about 1 week and 2 days.... not too bad giving the distance EVGA dept. is to where i live.

[SirBaron]

I think my next two cards will be EVGA so when the next big cards come out after those 2 i can step up.

[Cjl64]

I think my next two cards will be EVGA so when the next big cards come out after those 2 i can step up.

This with the step-up.... if you do get the top card at launch then there is a good chance you wont have a refresh in 3 months. In the case of the step-up... might be good for people that want to go from a GTS to a GTX in that 3 months span. This would only be ideal as a kinda half-arsed layaway method.

[SirBaron]

Hmmm good point forgot about that , i'll just get EVGA anyway to match my mobo

[Cjl64]

Hmmm good point forgot about that , i'll just get EVGA anyway to match my mobo

I would not even consider a different brand other than EVGA for an Nvidia card anyways.... the company is just to solid and great to deal with.

[Uber_Tiny]

EVGA is a kick ass brand!!

[Tyler582]

What do they do with all the traded in cards anyways? I wouldnt mind buying a cheap 8800GTX .

[VW_Factor]

Update to whats up.

My first card was sent in, and it was promptly turned around and the new card shipped out the same day my old was signed for upon arrival. Brand new step up card arrived 3 days later (paid for the 3 day shipping) and overall seemed to be a very smooth experience.

Second card. I was in the middle of a move, so I made sure I was established at my new residence before shipping the old card away. It was close into the 14-day RMA number validity thing, but no worries, it was shipped with time to spare (I spoke with RMA on the phone about it).
It arrived there early yesterday morning, with signature verification (I have a copy of that, I saved the first one too). After my first experience, I expected to see at their website near immediate verification that they received it, and hopefully same day get the new one shipped out.

Of course its now afternoon the day after. Still no verification according to their website. I sent RMA a couple emails asking about it, and Ive gotten no response. On their website its the "preferred method" as its fast and easy. Anyway, I may end up calling them again to ask whats up. It worries me when Im pretty schitzo about sending stuff like this away in the mail to begin with. After the first card, I felt better about it. Now this, and to me, its just about a nightmare it seems. I hate to think that somehow there is going to be troubles with this.

Anyway. I would be willing to bet that this is just some bad luck and its just going to take some time to get resolved or something. :/ Just knowing how fast and easy it was the first time has me discouraged. :(

[Cjl64]

Update to whats up.

My first card was sent in, and it was promptly turned around and the new card shipped out the same day my old was signed for upon arrival. Brand new step up card arrived 3 days later (paid for the 3 day shipping) and overall seemed to be a very smooth experience.

Second card. I was in the middle of a move, so I made sure I was established at my new residence before shipping the old card away. It was close into the 14-day RMA number validity thing, but no worries, it was shipped with time to spare (I spoke with RMA on the phone about it).
It arrived there early yesterday morning, with signature verification (I have a copy of that, I saved the first one too). After my first experience, I expected to see at their website near immediate verification that they received it, and hopefully same day get the new one shipped out.

Of course its now afternoon the day after. Still no verification according to their website. I sent RMA a couple emails asking about it, and Ive gotten no response. On their website its the "preferred method" as its fast and easy. Anyway, I may end up calling them again to ask whats up. It worries me when Im pretty schitzo about sending stuff like this away in the mail to begin with. After the first card, I felt better about it. Now this, and to me, its just about a nightmare it seems. I hate to think that somehow there is going to be troubles with this.

Anyway. I would be willing to bet that this is just some bad luck and its just going to take some time to get resolved or something. :/ Just knowing how fast and easy it was the first time has me discouraged. :(

just give them a little time... they are really busy with step-ups and other things like the launch of the new 780i mobo. If anything give them a call and talk to them.. they are always pleasant when i talked to them on the phone.

[Uraloserface101]

Step up to GTX, just save up a LIL BIT MORE, you will be happy

[Cjl64]

Step up to GTX, just save up a LIL BIT MORE, you will be happy

His current new cards are great and will be a good boost when in SLI. At this point its a smart move. Anything more is kinda pointless as its best now to wait for the 9 series.... god knows i can't wait to get one

[VW_Factor]

GTX's are just a little on the rich side for my current platform. I dont plan on dumping big cash into more video horsepower until I finally get around to upgrading my platform to something more on the modern side.

Otherwise, after speaking with RMA on the phone, they are still busy with the holidays, and product launches.. As well, seems they are adjusting things on the website as well, so its not reflecting everything in a timely manner (atm anyways).

Today they show as received, so the step up is now just a few days out. Just in time for my birthday..

[VW_Factor]

Well. Another update..

They finally did get shipped. However they shipped to the wrong address. I made sure they knew and were completely aware of my address change before shipping out to begin with. My profiles and all my communications with them reflected my new address in California. Yet they shipped to my old address instead.

For most people thats hardly an issue.. I mean, how many people do a stepup in the middle of a move? I was just disappointed to see it get handled like this. Everytime I spoke with someone on the phone, I got excuses how its really very busy around there. Yanno, I can understand that. With new product launches and the holidays about, sure.. Its to be expected, but really. Dont ignore your other responsibilities too.

As far as it is now, I guess its out of eVGAs hands. They've done what they were supposed too, with the exception of having horrible communication, via either email or phone calls. To get any good responses from them, I ended up sending and email to a sales rep, who seemed to have lit a fire up under their asses. lol

Guess it just goes to show, how depending on automated software for shipping and all that, can really screw things up and make people unhappy. Especially when they are ignored otherwise. My experience was just made more difficult because I was moving, however.. Keep in mind, if someone over there would have checked their email, and gotten back to me in a timely manner (like not 4 days later, same day is good) then all this could have been avoided.

[VW_Factor]

Yet another update.

Im pretty ******* pissed off now. eVGA was given plenty of warning about my move. They mis-shipped it. After bugging them for 4 friggin days, they finally get around to responding to my emails, and requesting a re-route. (at this point, I know its not their fault, but they could have not fucked up to begin with)

UPS STILL attempted delivery at my old address. After watching all the tracking bounces. Its due here, to me on the second of January. Why am I pissed? I paid for the 3 day delivery. Its ******* taking 2 god damned weeks to get here.

FUCK ME..

[VW_Factor]

After gettin on the phone with them today, they did end up refunding my money for shipping.

The guy on the phone, who will remain nameless here, spewed forth the excuse multiple times, that once the step up is requested, its an automated process that they dont have control over.

Yanno. Some employee there has to put the smurfing thing in a box, and put a label on the smurfing thing too. How hard is it, for someone who has received my prior calls, and emails to go out to where this guy is, and change the stupid label on the box.

I mean, I know Im an exception in this case, as who is changing houses in the middle of a step up. But honestly. Why would a company that is up on customer service want a system, they have little control over? Or maybe its not that they dont have control over it, but lazy employees that are relying on the automation to take care of things? Perhaps its just that the employees were afraid to take action, and actually do the right thing, and relay the smurfing information I gave them 18 times over.

Otherwise.. At least I got my money back for 3 day shipping. As its going to take like 2 smurfing weeks to get here, because eVGA RMA and customer service there were lazy and didnt solve a problem their departments were faced with.. (Changing shipping address)

/end rant

[Uber_Tiny]

The majority of the people that are handling your calls are in a call center though and with such they do not have as much control to be able to just walk down and change a label. So it was from what I understand it to be, a system glitch that did not notify the shipping department in time.

[VW_Factor]

The majority of the people that are handling your calls are in a call center though and with such they do not have as much control to be able to just walk down and change a label. So it was from what I understand it to be, a system glitch that did not notify the shipping department in time.

When speaking with the people in RMA department, they may be offsite, however no.. These were honest to goodness eVGA employees. They didnt even have that many people answering calls, there was usually a large wait time.

And their system is designed to do exactly what it did. Its supposed to carry on automagically without user invention. When I repeatedly asked for them to intervene and change the shipping address, they were lazy and didnt bother doing it, until the 4th day of calling/emailing.