MSI has apologized after a motherboard sent in for a paid repair was returned to its owner with CPU socket pin damage still visible, raising concerns about repair quality and service checks.
The case involves an MSI MAG B760M MORTAR WiFi II motherboard owned by a user in Japan. According to the user’s public complaint, the board originally had a bent CPU socket pin and was submitted for paid repair because the damage was considered customer-induced and therefore not covered as a standard warranty claim.
The repair was handled through ASK Corporation, MSI’s official distributor and service partner in Japan. ASK also provides support services for several other major PC hardware brands in the region.
After the repair process, the motherboard was returned to the customer and reportedly marked as having passed functional testing. However, the user claimed that the board still had a bent pin issue after it came back. In a message shared by the customer, ASK allegedly stated that the motherboard had passed testing and warned that if it were sent back again, MSI could classify it as NTF, meaning “No Trouble Found.”
The situation gained attention after the user posted about it on X. Once the complaint began circulating widely, MSI Japan issued a public apology and explained its repair policy for motherboards with bent CPU socket pins.
MSI stated that for paid repairs involving damaged or bent CPU socket pins, its standard process is not to straighten individual pins one by one. Instead, the company says it replaces the entire CPU socket with a new one. The repaired product is then supposed to be returned only after confirming that there is no remaining pin deformation.
In this case, however, MSI acknowledged that a motherboard recently returned to a customer still had pin deformation. The company apologized for the inconvenience and concern caused by the incident.
MSI also said it is working with ASK Corporation to review its repair and verification procedures. The company stated that it is strengthening its support system to improve reliability and reduce the chance of similar repair issues happening again.
The company reminded customers that paid repairs carried out by MSI include a three-month warranty starting from the repair completion date. Customers with concerns are advised to contact either ASK Corporation’s support center or MSI’s support desk.
The incident highlights how frustrating motherboard repair cases can be, especially when CPU socket pins are involved. Bent socket pins are one of the most delicate issues on modern motherboards, and even a small deformation can potentially cause boot problems, memory detection failures, CPU errors, or unstable system behavior.
For PC builders, the case is also a reminder to carefully inspect repaired hardware immediately after it is returned. Taking clear photos before sending a motherboard for service, keeping all repair documents, and testing the board as soon as it comes back can help if a follow-up claim becomes necessary.
MSI’s response suggests the company is treating the matter seriously, especially because its own stated process requires a full socket replacement rather than a simple pin adjustment. If that process was followed correctly, a returned board should not show visible socket pin damage.
For now, MSI says it is reviewing the repair workflow with its service partner and improving checks to ensure customers receive properly repaired products after paid motherboard service.
