Graphics card failed after 2 years - who is responsible retailer or manufacturer?

[collateral]

Hi everyone,

I bought an Asus gtx 670 graphics card in May 2012. Asus has a 3 year warranty on most of its electronics AFAIK and I bought it from Dabs.com.

Now, Ive never been in a situation where its been so long after a component has failed but they do have a 3 year policy. I contacted asus (and I know they have a poor customer service rep) but fair dos to them, they got back quite quickly and this is what they sent me:

 

For the hardware problem, if your retailer is still trading, please send it to your retailer for RMA service first. The retailer has to legally assist the customer, as they are the place of purchase. If they can't do this, please call 08454 04 05 06. They will be able to advise the customer on the legal aspect.

The RMA process is customer – retailer – distributor

But on Dabs website (they havent replied yet) it automatically instructs me to go contact the manufacturer. I can see a potential run around going on which I want to avoid so please advise.

[MaxxPower]

The retailer is responsible under the Sales of Goods act, regardless of what any warranty or their own Terms and Conditions say.