Missing RC cable, faulty USB ports, and an open box conundrum

[Nevember]

Hello all!

I recently purchased an open box Rampage III Extreme via Newegg. I understand, of course, that open box purchases come with some risks. When it arrived, it came:

• In an inside-out ASUS P658D motherboard box (okay; I don't care about the box);
  
• Missing the 4 SATA cables (okay; I have plenty already);
  
• Missing the ROG Connect cable (this really sucks because ROG Connect was one of the features I'd most wanted).
  

I decided to carry on since Newegg makes a big deal about open box products potentially not coming with all accessories, and since I've not had any trouble whatsoever with prior ASUS products (Crosshair, Rampage Formula, LCD monitor, DVD-R drives, GeForce 570, etc., etc.).

While setting up, I noticed that my keyboard wasn't being recognized when plugged into the USB port(s) labeled KB_USB56.

Thinking it was a fluke, I simply moved the keyboard to another connection and continued setting up my system.

Once Windows was installed, I started checking the USB ports, remembering the initial problem. I have since discovered that, in addition to those ports not working, the USB ports via the onboard headers, USB78, aren't working either.

I've since updated to the newest BIOS (1301), and even tried enabling legacy control in the BIOS to see if it made a difference. I tried with multiple devices. Interestingly, a USB-lit mouse pad that I own does light up, as do the internal LEDs within my Seagate FreeAgent. So it's like the USB ports in question can supply power, but cannot communicate with the board.

I'm okay with the number of USB ports available to me, so I'm somewhat inclined not to return the board per Newegg's refurbished items policy, except not being able to use ROG Connect stinks. My questions are:

• Could the existence of the faulty ports mean potentially more problems later on?
  
• Would you try to get the board replaced/refunded?
  
• Can you think of any other troubleshooting steps I may have missed to get the ports working?
  
• Will a USB cable with 2 male ends effectively substitute for the missing ROG Connect cable?
  
• Finally, if the motherboard indeed requires an RMA - keeping in mind it was purchased as open box (30-day refund) from Newegg - is it best to RMA via Newegg, or by going straight through ASUS; in other words, if ASUS will RMA, will I get a board back that actually works properly and comes with the accessories? Or am I just out of luck?
  

Thanks for your attention, opinions, and help!

[xeromist]

Yes, I would try to get an RMA. Even if you are happy with the number of USB ports now you might find a reason to want more later, or if you decide to sell it this will be a problem.

As to whether to try ASUS? Well it can't hurt to try but usually the manufacturers expect you to go through the dealer within the first 30 days. You're expected to show proof of purchase so it will be obvious that this is an open box within 30 days. I wouldn't expect to get accessories either, though it is possible. When I've sent RMA items to various companies they've usually asked for the bare part and in some cases returned a bare part and in others sent a retail box.

[Nevember]

Thanks, I'll contact Newegg Wednesday and go from there.