I think I might be cursed when it comes to buying PC parts

This post isn’t really about anything important. I just want to vent a bit.

Back in December 2024, I got back into building PCs after being away from it for a long time. I had a very specific idea for my build: solid black, no glass panels, and no RGB. Unfortunately, there are not many options like that on the market anymore.

For a long time, the case I had my eye on was the North XL Mesh.

After I finally got one and started building in it, I noticed something strange. The rear honeycomb grille was visibly bent. It looked like a manufacturing defect and seemed too severe to be caused by normal handling or hand pressure.

I contacted the dealer about it, but they refused the RMA because the issue was discovered after the system had already been assembled. Honestly, that part was my mistake, so I accepted it.

But the feeling kept bothering me.

Eventually I ordered another North Mesh (Not XL), this time from a different store and making sure to carefully inspect everything on camera.

When the first replacement case arrived, it was even worse:

• the side panel was bent
• several motherboard screw points had rust
• some paint was chipped

I filed for a replacement and this time it was approved. The store sent me another unit. The new one still had some minor cosmetic issues such as a bit of orange peel texture and tiny paint chips, but at that point I decided to just accept it.

I eventually sold the North XL.

Still, the dissatisfaction about my case never really went away. I kept waiting to see if any new solid black or mesh-focused cases would come out, but nothing really caught my attention.

Then today happened.

Today I decided to try the Asus ProArt PA602 Wood Edition - Metal Panel. On paper it looked amazing and very premium, exactly the kind of case I like.

But while inspecting the case today before installing anything, I noticed the front wooden slats were clearly misaligned. Not slightly, but very noticeably crooked. There was also a small paint defect. I have already contacted the dealer and they are currently checking with ASUS about a possible claim. I still do not know if it will be approved.

And as if that was not enough, today I also received the Noctua NH-D15 G2 chromax black, which I had been waiting for since it was originally expected around 2025 Q2.

When I opened the box today, I found that a lot of the heatsink fins were badly bent. It looked pretty ugly. Thankfully, I was able to return it and get a refund.

Just to be clear, I am not trying to discredit any of these brands. I understand that defects can happen with any product, whether it is cheap or expensive.

But somehow I feel like I am stuck in a never-ending streak of bad luck when it comes to PC parts, especially PC cases.

Please tell me I am not the only one this unlucky.