Does upgrading your processor void the warranty? - Page 2

My point was that the manual clearly tells you how to replace/install components, which implies that the owner can replace/install the parts themselves without voiding the warranty.

Don't forget that your computer is setup by default to send usage statistics to Dell, so it could be possible for them to collect that information, although I doubt it would really matter in a warranty claim.

i was reading on another forum how certain manufacturers have a method of detecting the cause of hardware failures that would enable them to tell if a part had been changed/taken and replace/etc. can't remember if this was concerning processors or video cards or what, but it certainly wouldn't apply to warranty claims.

You have proof of this?

Sounds like you're talking out of thin air. What you've implied also steps on most countries' privacy laws.

What if I formatted and installed Linux? Then removed the hard drive if I ever had to send the system back to Dell?

here, a simple search on Dell's site would solve your arguments:

Generally, adding software, external devices, accessories, or parts to your Dell system after the system is shipped from Dell will not void Dell's limited warranty. However, Dell's limited warranty does not cover damage due to external causes, such as problems caused by the use or parts and components not supplied or installed by Dell. Accordingly, you may be asked by a Dell technician when troubleshooting problems with your system to remove any items added to your system after it was shipped by Dell.

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...ent?dn=1057010

The word "generally" leaves it up to Dell in the interpretation, however.

It sounds like you have experience as a technician. Would you still say the above is true if YOU had opened a chassis and replaced parts, but reversed the process, then sent it to Dell? I'm pretty sure you would claim that they would not be able to tell, given your experience and all...

With the right knowledge and experience, it's COMPLETELY possible for a user "trying to scam them [Dell] by putting back in the original part if something goes wrong" to be completely successful.

I have also worked as a tech and caught/suspected many people trying what you have described. The trouble is that most of the time, without blatant evidence, you/your company will give the customer the benefit of the doubt. If you had no evidence, you would be accusing them of something that they MAY not have done at all - it could very well have been another official tech that tampered with the product before it left production. It could all lead to very bad publicity for your company.

It is very easy to suspect something, but actually proving this can be quite hard.

It's a case of moral hazard, something which insurance companies are very familiar with, and will have built in an excess over the actuarially fair premium (with profit) to cover such situations. Big companies (like Dell) will no doubt have this excess warranty cost factored into their prices. Therefore, it's not a case of Dell's techs being idiots, it's just that their business guys have already accounted for these situations.

So, back to the original point. I would say that if done properly, the chassis can be opened and parts be replaced, without affecting warranty, given that the original parts are also put back properly. Dell may suspect something, but will most likely give you the benefit of the doubt.