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    Buying a Tray/OEM CPU. How do u know it's new?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by hendra, Mar 14, 2009.

  1. hendra

    hendra Notebook Virtuoso

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    When you buy a Tray/OEM CPU from a retailer, how do you know that the CPU has never been used? With a boxed CPU, you get Intel Seal on the box and Intel Marked Shrinkwrapped, so you know for sure your CPU is brand new. But with Tray/OEM CPU, how do you know for sure? How does Tray CPU get packaged usually? Does it have any Intel Seal on it?
     
    hendra, Mar 14, 2009
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  2. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    A Retail/Boxed CPU also has a warranty from Intel. OEM CPUs do not. Their warranty is covered by the reseller, or the OEM/ODM.

    There is no way to determine whether the CPU is new or not (visually). OEM CPUs get stripped from systems that have either been parted out, or upgraded. They are usually shipped, seated into a small squarish plastic case. When buying an OEM CPU, try getting one with at least a DOA warranty and test/stress the CPU for a day or two to see if it has any errors or not. CPUs usually work fine for like 10-15 years or so, but there is always a chance of getting a lemon.
     
    Andy, Mar 14, 2009
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