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OEM vs. Retail Intel CPUs.....

G

gman

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jan 24, 2001
Messages
1,887
I'm sure this has been discussed, but since you can not longer search here I thought I'd ask.

I usually by retail because I figure Intel would put there best CPUs as retail and maybe sell ones that might not be as top quality as OEMs. Any merit to this theory?
 
Originally posted by gman
I usually by retail because I figure Intel would put there best CPUs as retail and maybe sell ones that might not be as top quality as OEMs. Any merit to this theory?
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I doubt it. The truth is, most OEM processors must meet the very same strict standards as retail-boxed processors. And even mighty Intel has only so many resources to retail-box their CPUs - they make far more processors than they could afford to retail package them. And most of those total number of CPUs will have already been snatched up by big-name OEMs and computer brands (such as Dell) anyway.

The biggest reason to buy a retail-boxed CPU is to ensure getting what the CPU maker deems as the appropriately matched heatsink/fan with that CPU.

Also, the "ones that might not be as top quality" really gets sold at a lower rated speed or as Celeron CPUs, not as OEMs.
 
I noticed the OEM processors installed in Dell systems usually are the most desirable ones. The TDP rating is usually lower and the CPUs are usually the freshest steppings. I've received sSpec CPU that didn't show up online for a couple of weeks on intel's processor finder in Dell systems I received.

Many OEM CPUs are also the exact same ones that are in retail boxes. For example, Fry's sells OEM P4s with 1 year warranties. I picked up a bare P4 2.66GHz and it's a SL6PE. The processor finder shows that is both an OEM and retail product. There is no difference in TDP, voltage or thermal spec for processors that are same sSpec when available in both OEM or retail.

http://processorfinder.intel.com/scripts/list.asp?ProcFam=483&PkgType=ALL&SysBusSpd=ALL&CorSpd=ALL

I'll buy retail packaged P4s when the cost difference is very small. But most of the time, bare CPUs are much cheaper at Fry's. That P4 2.66GHz I described above with a motherboard was $129.99 today when I bought it.

I don't think you have to worry about OEM processors. The bad ones mostly become Celerons. But some sSpec/steppings are better than others.
 
There is alot of speculation on oem vs retail and the general thought is that oem overclocks much less. I have no idea if its true as I always buy retail, a few bucks more you get a much better warranty and you get a heatsink/fan.
 
Like he said,for only $3-4 more just get the retail and you get a cool fan and sink you can mod later to use on somethiing else.
 
I'll just repeat what's been said and repeated. Buy the retail. Even if you're not going to use the heatsink, the extra 2 years on the warranty is nice to have.
 
Originally posted by E4g1e
The longer warranty is of negligible importance anyway - if you switch motherboards, you'll destroy the stock TIM (which is needed to honor the warranty) anyway - applying even a replacement TIM pad will void that warranty.
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Are you trying to say not to spend only $5 more in most cases to gain 2 more years of warranty? I can't see the reasoning in that.
As for the thermal pad on the heatsink i have rmaed Intel cpus and they never said anything about me removing the pad and adding my own Thermal compound.
 
The only reason to buy a retail-boxed CPU is to ensure getting what the CPU maker deems as the appropriately matched heatsink/fan with that CPU. The longer warranty is of negligible importance anyway - if you switch motherboards, you'll destroy the stock TIM (which is needed to honor the warranty) anyway - applying even a replacement TIM pad will void that warranty.
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Say WHAT????? Thats a load of crap!
 
If I bought a CPU I'd get OEM [there's a decent difference on the FXs *dodges fail of bullets*] so I could then stick it with everything I really wanted. But that's just me. If the price difference is only a few bucks just go with retail. You get a pretty box that your cat can mistake for a litter tray.
 
The TIM being removed voids the warranty???? HA. I've sent back procs with the whole heatspreader stuffed full of AS3. They ain't stupid.

There are maybe 1/100 users in forums like this that use the TIM. It's not going to effect the warranty one bit.
 
Originally posted by E4g1e
That's been your experience. However, mine is very different: Every one of the vendors that I have ever ordered a retail-boxed CPU from will not even replace a CPU that has had its heatsink covered with anything but the original TIM that came with it. They all told me that I would have to pay full selling price plus shipping just to replace the CPU. :(
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lol, Intel covers the replacement of the retail boxed CPUs. The papers in the box even explains that. In fact, you don't even need to return the HSF when you do a CPU RMA.

I smell something.
 
Obviously, I have never purchased a boxed socketed Intel CPU. (In fact, the only boxed Intel CPUs that I've ever purchased were Slot 1 Pentium IIs and IIIs, which came with the HSF welded into place.) So, I will delete those posts related to CPU replacement in this thread. I got that policy from the AMD boxed CPU replacement policy. :eek:
 
IF your distributor trys to pull that sh^& on you again. Call Intell direct and they will give you an RA.
 
Thanks guys. I usually buy retail, but was just wondering if there was really any difference in the processor itself. I understand you the get the warranty and HS, etc.
 
Originally posted by E4g1e
Obviously, I have never purchased a boxed socketed Intel CPU. (In fact, the only boxed Intel CPUs that I've ever purchased were Slot 1 Pentium IIs and IIIs, which came with the HSF welded into place.) So, I will delete those posts related to CPU replacement in this thread. I got that policy from the AMD boxed CPU replacement policy. :eek:
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Errr.. they weren't 'welded'.

Anyways I would only worry about getting the warrenty. The chips perform the exact same either way. You would only get a chip running cooler if you buy a different stepping chip.
 
They weren't literally welded, figuratively though yeah, those things could be a pain to get off sometimes...lol.
 
I buy a retail cuz i like the sticker... that is the only reason i go retail over OEM.... im not joking
 
Originally posted by batotman
They weren't literally welded, figuratively though yeah, those things could be a pain to get off sometimes...lol.
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I used the wrong term there. "Riveted" is more like it.

(That's what I get for not getting enough sleep for the past few days... ) :eek:
 
Originally posted by USMC2Hard4U
I buy a retail cuz i like the sticker... that is the only reason i go retail over OEM.... im not joking
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haha another reason for me to buy retail haha :D
 
Originally posted by E4g1e
I used the wrong term there. "Riveted" is more like it.

(That's what I get for not getting enough sleep for the past few days... ) :eek:
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I knew what you meant!
 
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