Dead pixels - RMA or not to RMA?

[AusWolf]

I've just found two dead red subpixels on my new monitor. Luckily, they're not far from the bottom left corner, so not really visible unless I put on a full red test picture.

The question is simple: would you RMA or not? Things to consider are Amazon's return policy (I'm within the 30-day return window), and that of Dell (I think they do RMAs above 6 dead subpixels, but not for 2), and the fact that the replacement unit may even be more visibly defective.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

I've just found two dead red subpixels on my new monitor. Luckily, they're not far from the bottom left corner, so not really visible unless I put on a full red test picture.

The question is simple: would you RMA or not? Things to consider are Amazon's return policy (I'm within the 30-day return window), and that of Dell (I think they do RMAs above 6 dead subpixels, but not for 2), and the fact that the replacement unit may even be more visibly defective.

I'd swap it till you get one you like. I think a display should have 0 dead pixels.

 

[AusWolf]

I'd swap it till you get one you like. I think a display should have 0 dead pixels.

Do you think it's worth the hassle? It took me two weeks to notice this, and the replacement unit might be even worse.

 

[oxrufiioxo]

Do you think it's worth the hassle? It took me two weeks to notice this, and the replacement unit might be even worse.

That only you can answer for me I would swap it and while it is true you could get a worse one you could also swap that one. Amazon does not have a limit on that AFAIK but after 3 tries I would probably switch to a different brand/model.

 

[AusWolf]

That only you can answer for me I would swap it and while it is true you could get a worse one you could also swap that one. Amazon does not have a limit on that AFAIK but after 3 tries I would probably switch to a different brand/model.

I'm gonna ask what Amazon's return policy is when it comes to dead subpixels, but I'm sort of leaning towards leaving it as it is. I can only see them in a 100% red image, and they're not in front of me at all.

 

[GerKNG]

i have a pink pixel in the top middle on my new 600€ monitor... it's luck of the draw and expected.
less than one dead pixel per 1 million is often not enforceable with manufacturers (ISO 9241-307) and i had two attempts with RMAs which were declined. (Samsung and LG)

 

[Chomiq]

You have the freesync flicker, you have two dead pixels. I don't know why are we even discussing this. Return to amazon.

 

[lowrider_05]

I would absolutely send the Monitor back. Those Pixels will always bother you, now you know that they are there.

 

[VuurVOS]

i have a pink pixel in the top middle on my new 600€ monitor... it's luck of the draw and expected.
less than one dead pixel per 1 million is often not enforceable with manufacturers (ISO 9241-307) and i had two attempts with RMAs which were declined. (Samsung and LG)

Why RMA if you can use the 14 days cooling off period when you bought it online? The product doesn't meet the expectations
Chose a different model monitor at the same shop or ask for a refund (and then buy the monitor somewhere else )

Guarantees, cancelling and returning your purchases - Your Europe

How to claim the 2-year guarantee for EU purchases, get a repair, replacement or refund, how to cancel orders made outside shops (online, by phone, mail order).

europa.eu

 

[AusWolf]

You have the freesync flicker, you have two dead pixels. I don't know why are we even discussing this. Return to amazon.

Dell's policy covers 1 dead pixel, or 6 dead subpixels, as far as I know. I only have 2 dead subpixels, so it's up to Amazon's policy, I guess. I'm just a bit afraid that the replacement unit will be even worse.

As for the freesync flicker, it seems to be natural with most VA panels, so no replacement will help that.

These are both extremely minor gripes, though.

 

[pavle]

It's quite an expensive monitor, but you got warranty and if there are more dead pixels in the future, you can return it then.
By the way - I wonder, when they advertised it, did they mention a buyer can expect dead (parts of the) pixels or company's shoddy quality control?

 

[AusWolf]

It's quite an expensive monitor, but you got warranty and if there are more dead pixels in the future, you can return it then.

That sounds like a reasonable plan.

By the way - I wonder, when they advertised it, did they mention a buyer can expect dead (parts of the) pixels or company's shoddy quality control?

There was no mention of it, which means that the company's base policy applies, I guess - which I can't find, so I'll have to ask.

 

[VuurVOS]

@AusWolf
Are you sure those pixel are dead? They can also be stuck in their off state.
Did you attempt to "fix" those pixels?

You can use an online tool which changes the state of the pixels rapidly:

JScreenFix - Pixel Repair

Repair stuck pixels using the JScreenFix algorithm.

www.jscreenfix.com

 

[AusWolf]

@AusWolf
Are you sure those pixel are dead? They can also be stuck in their off state.
Did you attempt to "fix" those pixels?

You can use an online tool which changes the state of the pixels rapidly:

JScreenFix - Pixel Repair

Repair stuck pixels using the JScreenFix algorithm.

www.jscreenfix.com

I did a 15-minute run with that tool - no change.

 

[FoulOnWhite]

I've just found two dead red subpixels on my new monitor. Luckily, they're not far from the bottom left corner, so not really visible unless I put on a full red test picture.

The question is simple: would you RMA or not? Things to consider are Amazon's return policy (I'm within the 30-day return window), and that of Dell (I think they do RMAs above 6 dead subpixels, but not for 2), and the fact that the replacement unit may even be more visibly defective.

Unlucky, i bought mine second hand and have no dead pixels on it. If they are not in your direct view, i would leave it for a while and see if you get anymore. As for the flicker, i just think it is a freesync problem, maybe a consequence of a AMD GPU, i don't know really just guessing as i don't have a AMD GPU and don't have freesync turned on.

 

[VuurVOS]

I did a 15-minute run with that tool - no change.

I think the last resort is applying some pressure with a piece of cloth....try at own risk.

Stuck Pixel Fixing Guide (Diagnose, Fix, Prevent!)

Concerned about stuck pixels (or dead pixels) on your monitor? Learn how to diagnose, fix and prevent them from happening again in this helpful guide.

shotkit.com

 

[Vayra86]

Do you think it's worth the hassle? It took me two weeks to notice this, and the replacement unit might be even worse.

If you are still in the grace period return the monitor with no reason. Just cancel the sale, get a new one. You pay shipping. Its worth it.

Otherwise you're swapping under warranty, not the same thing - then you would need clear indication of the contract including a no dead pixel guarantee... Tread carefully.

Personally I would not accept a monitor with dead pixels, unless we're talking budget range.

Why RMA if you can use the 14 days cooling off period when you bought it online? The product doesn't meet the expectations
Chose a different model monitor at the same shop or ask for a refund (and then buy the monitor somewhere else )

Guarantees, cancelling and returning your purchases - Your Europe

How to claim the 2-year guarantee for EU purchases, get a repair, replacement or refund, how to cancel orders made outside shops (online, by phone, mail order).

europa.eu

^ this

 

[lowrider_05]

If you are still in the grace period return the monitor with no reason. Just cancel the sale, get a new one. You pay shipping. Its worth it.

Otherwise you're swapping under warranty, not the same thing - then you would need clear indication of the contract including a no dead pixel guarantee... Tread carefully.

Personally I would not accept a monitor with dead pixels, unless we're talking budget range.


^ this

But he is from the UK, so not EU anymore, I don´t think he can return the Monitor on EU Consumer rights.

 

[Vayra86]

But he is from the UK, so not EU anymore, I don´t think he can return the Monitor on EU Consumer rights.

Online and distance selling

Rules for online and distance selling for businesses

www.gov.uk

EDIT: had wrong link, that was for services. The above is the right one

 

[RJARRRPCGP]

I've just found two dead red subpixels on my new monitor. Luckily, they're not far from the bottom left corner, so not really visible unless I put on a full red test picture.

The question is simple: would you RMA or not? Things to consider are Amazon's return policy (I'm within the 30-day return window), and that of Dell (I think they do RMAs above 6 dead subpixels, but not for 2), and the fact that the replacement unit may even be more visibly defective.

When was the month and/or year of build (printed on the back, usually) I noticed that early-pandemic-era-built monitors are the most likely to have bad pixels! Especially '20 and '21 or at least sometime before later-'21 or later-'20. I received two monitors with bad pixels before '22. But I got one in later '21 that had no bad pixels.

I have one where the time-of-build was March, 2020, and that was the first one I received with a bad pixel. IIRC, I have zero bad pixels on all my two-thousand-'teens monitors.

I feel very sad for the early-pandemic-era workers.

 

[AusWolf]

Unlucky, i bought mine second hand and have no dead pixels on it. If they are not in your direct view, i would leave it for a while and see if you get anymore. As for the flicker, i just think it is a freesync problem, maybe a consequence of a AMD GPU, i don't know really just guessing as i don't have a AMD GPU and don't have freesync turned on.

I just watched a Youtube video in full screen with the outright intention to look for the two dead subpixels... I couldn't see them. The only time they're visible seems really to be when I've got a solid red fill.

I can also spot them on a white fill if I'm looking really hard (they appear to be cyan, which is hardly distinguishable from white on such a high PPI display).

As for the flicker, I updated my GPU driver to the latest 23.10.1. I didn't think it would do anything, but the Youtube video I just watched didn't seem to flicker as much as it has before.

If you are still in the grace period return the monitor with no reason. Just cancel the sale, get a new one. You pay shipping. Its worth it.

Otherwise you're swapping under warranty, not the same thing - then you would need clear indication of the contract including a no dead pixel guarantee... Tread carefully.

Personally I would not accept a monitor with dead pixels, unless we're talking budget range.

I'm just over the 14-day grace, but I think Amazon has a 30-day return window on this one. I'll need to check.

Normally, I wouldn't accept any dead pixels, either, but these are only the red sub-pixels, and they're completely undetectable under normal use, even if I'm looking for them. This is only why I'm not sure now.

When was the month and/or year of build (printed on the back, usually) I noticed that early-pandemic-era-built monitors are the most likely to have bad pixels! Especially '20 and '21 or at least sometime before later-'21 or later-'20. I received two monitors with bad pixels before '22. But I got one in later '21 that had no bad pixels.

I have one where the time-of-build was March, 2020, and that was the first one I received with a bad pixel. IIRC, I have zero bad pixels on all my two-thousand-'teens monitors.

I feel very sad for the early-pandemic-era workers.

Interesting.

Mine is June 2023, so I guess it's just bad luck. It's been a while since I last had any device with pixel errors on its screen, although that one (also a monitor) was a lot worse (3 bright pixels if I remember right).

 

[Athlonite]

As for the freesync flicker, it seems to be natural with most VA panels, so no replacement will help that.

I've never had that in any VA panel I've owned

as for the dell monitor you have you've been advised multiple times to return it to Amazon it's not fit for purpose so do so
I don't know why anyone in their right mind would buy a dell monitor in the first place most are rubbish if you're buying their cheaper models and HUB don't give them a very good rating either

 

[AusWolf]

I've never had that in any VA panel I've owned

as for the dell monitor you have you've been advised multiple times to return it to Amazon it's not fit for purpose so do so
I don't know why anyone in their right mind would buy a dell monitor in the first place most are rubbish if you're buying their cheaper models and HUB don't give them a very good rating either

I never had an issue with Dell before. I bought this model because of its dual input picture-in-picture function that other monitors in this price range don't seem to have.

 

[Athlonite]

I never had an issue with Dell before. I bought this model because of its dual input picture-in-picture function that other monitors in this price range don't seem to have.

You should check out AOC then my 24G2 has pip and it was a cheap monitor and IPS/144Hz to boot

 

[AusWolf]

You should check out AOC then my 24G2 has pip and it was a cheap monitor and IPS/144Hz to boot

Not a bad idea. I could save a bit on a CU34V5CW (although it's "only" 100 Hz) if I sent this one back. The question remains, though: is it worth it? (I seriously like this monitor)

I guess Amazon answered my RMA issue without really answering it: