The thread title says it all.  I took a really good look and even used my wife's reading glasses to inspect for bent pins.  There weren't any.  What do you guys think?  I've enclosed pics -- can you take a look?  It was in a little booklet to the left of the socket that looked liked it was supposed to come over top of the protector which is supposed to be over the socket.  

I've attached a pic of the whole motherboard, with the booklet positioned approximately where it was (containing the protector); also a pic of the socket.  
 
If you wouldn't mind here is a link to my image shack album containing much higher res versions.  
 
It doesn't look bent to me.  Should I RMA it anyway to be on the safe side or give it a try?  The packing seemed secure and there didnt seem to be any objects above it small enough to get into the socket itself through the retainer to bend them.
 
Album link: http://img846.imageshack....=20111209195058559.jpg
 
Just click a handful of times on the pics to get to their uber high res version. (Well, about as uber as it can be on a 720p Droid X Camera).

you need to speak to customer support at evga, if you have to rma this mother board in the future it must be sent wth the cpu socket cover plate

I apologize for the situation.  It should be fine if there are no bent pins but if you wish we can do an RMA on it as it should not have shipped without the cover attached.  Please contact us regardless so we can note it on the board's record and if you wish we can discuss RMA options.  We are here 24/7 at 888-881-3842.  We will have some holiday hours soon and you can see them at http://www.evga.com/holiday/.

The pins look good so I would build it, I would just put it on record with EVGA in case you ever have to RMA it, they'll know why you don't have the protective plate.

HarryD

What retailer did you buy it from? Don't all new boards come with the protector?

 
I bought it direct from EVGA.

EVGATech_MatthewM

I apologize for the situation.  It should be fine if there are no bent pins but if you wish we can do an RMA on it as it should not have shipped without the cover attached.  Please contact us regardless so we can note it on the board's record and if you wish we can discuss RMA options.  We are here 24/7 at 888-881-3842.  We will have some holiday hours soon and you can see them at http://www.evga.com/holiday/.

This is why I buy EVGA, not because I'm a fanboy, but because of great customer service.

 

I'll test it this week or sometime this weekend.  I have a couple projects to finish up this week for grad school.  If I get them done expeditiously I can test Friday.  If it doesn't post into bios after doing the 1 dimm, 1 vidcard, cpu waterblock and psu test, I'll let you know and we can do an RMA.
 
Fortunately, I have a spare Asus x79 motherboard I can use even if the rma is delayed by the Christmas holiday.  I'd ask that if it is delayed by the Christmas holiday, you give me a free EAR plan equivalent to the one I currently own (Saturday priority) on the replacement board so I don't have to buy yet another EAR.  Only fair if you ask me (assuming the first one is necessary and delayed by holiday).

the stickers were on it and such. how could it be used? I preordered from evga it's a brand new model. I just think whoever packed it together and put it in the electrostatic bag didn't do very good job.

Whaaaaat?
 
Excuse me, but what?
 
"it's been used"
 
And you base this on a cover, that EVGA themselves admit to being not as secure as on previous socket types, having come off either during packing or transit when to all other appearances this brand new board is indeed brand new? yeah, ok...
 
As to "you never know what happens when stock is low" ... I do, they order more and celebrate because the product is selling well ;)
 
This is EVGA, not FORD lol

Being tested by manufacturer != used.