Author: Xaltar
Subject: X99 Extreme 4/3.1 - wrong firmware flashed
Posted: 14 Aug 2016 at 4:23pm
There are numerous reasons it could happen ranging from mistaken packaging in the factory to the reseller accidentally or purposefully mixing up packaging when testing the board (some test most don't). Regardless of the reason, if Umart refuses an exchange try contacting ASRock Tech Support directly, I am sure they will help you out. This is not the first time I have seen a board not match the packaging, however in the other instance (here on the forums) the board was purchased used and clearly the previous owner had removed the sticker covering the screen printed model number.
Edited by Xaltar - 35 minutes ago at 4:25pm
Subject: X99 Extreme 4/3.1 - wrong firmware flashed
Posted: 14 Aug 2016 at 4:23pm
There are numerous reasons it could happen ranging from mistaken packaging in the factory to the reseller accidentally or purposefully mixing up packaging when testing the board (some test most don't). Regardless of the reason, if Umart refuses an exchange try contacting ASRock Tech Support directly, I am sure they will help you out. This is not the first time I have seen a board not match the packaging, however in the other instance (here on the forums) the board was purchased used and clearly the previous owner had removed the sticker covering the screen printed model number.
In some cases several board models will use the same base PCB, sometimes the PCB may have already been screen printed with a different model number so the manufacturer covers it with a sticker with the correct designation. It is quite common for users to remove this sticker and try to pass off the board as a more expensive model, this happens with most manufacturers in my experience.
This could not be the case in your situation, the board layout is actually different. It must have been miss packaged at some point. The only concern I have is the mismatched serial number, that could cause issues (accusations that you swapped out the board). Hopefully it is not an issue. Most decent resellers check to make sure the numbers match at the point of sale/shipping but if Umart does not then you may be OK. Again, contact ASRock directly if you run into problems.
[edit] Also, have Umart run the serial number of the board you have (the one on the board itself) if they have it on record that should be enough to convince them of an error on their part. How could you swap out a board with another one they have in stock or sold to someone else, they may even try to contact whoever got the other (correct) board for your packaging.
Edited by Xaltar - 35 minutes ago at 4:25pm