Possible bad GPU slot 1 on my M18x R1? Tech heads please converge.

I installed in November 2013 two 780Ms into my R1, The first cards I received one of them never worked just a 8 beep error code. It went into slot 1. I sent it back and got a replacement. Both cards worked up until this month. I opened up the R1 for its scheduled dust cleaning and repasting. I put everything back together and powered on. Lines started showing up on the screen during the Windows 7 logo at boot. Once the Windows 7 logon screen appeared it was in the glorious 16 color 800x600 mode. GPU 1 was not functioning. Thought it to be the X bracket short issue so I replaced the X bracket with a new updated bracket which has more protection. I took apart the R1 and inserted GPU 2 into slot 1 and left slot 2 empty for testing. Turned it on and I heard a spark. I examined slot 1 and 3 pins have a scorch mark and the GPU as well. I looked over at the original GPU and it had those 3 pins also scorched. I realized that first GPU I sent back probably also got nailed. Bad GPU slot 1? I find it odd my original 780M fried and then the second I inserted worked for almost 6 months. Open it up to clean. reinsert GPU and it fries. Has anyone come across a faulty slot like this? Attached a photo where you can clearly see the 3 burned pins. AW has agreed to replace the motherboard, but I wanted to run this by you guys. I have been doing PC desktop and laptop repairs and upgrades for two decades and I have never come across such a problem like this before. Thanks.

 

I've ran across bad mxm slots, some I fixed with a reflow, but NEVER this. That's crazy. I have no idea where to go from here, but this is looking like new motherboard territory. Really high priced they are. =(
They can be around 450USD+, so I see why you would want to be absolutely certain.

 

Luckily my 3 year accidental covers the motherboard. It's on the way.

 

Nice! Do you have to send it in? Or will they just send a part? Back when I worked IT dell sent the parts no questions thats why I ask. (That was a corporate deal obv)

 

From what I was told, yes, I will need to return the faulty motherboard. I think both my 780Ms might be toast though. I will find out soon enough. I am pretty positive one is gone, but the other I will have to test when the new motherboard comes in. Very sad weekend since I was going to be doing another Elder Scrolls Online beta test this weekend. Oh well. There are worse first world problems. Right?

 

Yea there is. 780ms aren't cheap though. If the second one works then at least you'll be able to game until you replace the other.