2017 Hardware Thread [2]

So warranty is the main difference with the OEM branding that was asked about?

I have not had a cooler included since IVY Bridge 3570K purchase myself.

Edit: I have never bought AMD, but I do remember certain Ryzen purchases came with a new cooler AMD made

doorules said:

Have not seen one from Intel in years now. Just as well. Even when they did come with chip I never ever used one. :)

Yeah I think the last time I tried a stock cooler was with the Intel Q6600 back in 07. Eventually replaced it with a Zalman CNPS9500 AT cooler. BTW I gave that system to my uncle a few years back and it's still running today. Even has Windows 10 on it :)

@bordi, you may correct me if I am wrong. But, as I understand it, in the UK there are mandatory retail store (OC UK) warranties. Then there are the manufacturer's (Intel) warranty. What you are reading may be the limitations Overclockers UK are putting on their warranty, not on Intel's warranty, which is 3 years. As I understand it, if it is a boxed processor, you have an Intel 3 year warranty. The exceptions to that are if it came as part of an OEM computer (Dell, HP or one of them), if it is an Engineering sample or if it is part of a tray lot. If you are concerned, I would call and ask them.

I believe we have already established the man at the computer fair is way less than trustworthy. Forget anything he said. My only advice, and what I would do, is if you have any concerns, call OC UK and ask them to explain it to you.

bordi said:

Thanks mate; they’re selling the retail version of i7-8700K 3.7GHz at £428.99

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/intel-core-i7-8700k-3.7ghz-coffee-lake-socket-lga1151-processor-retail-cp-63r-in.html

And the OEM version which I assume didn’t meet their overclocking expectations at £368.99

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/intel-core-i7-8700k-3.7ghz-coffee-lake-socket-lga1151-processor-oem-cp-64c-in.html

Do you recommend buying an OEM version?

Or I should say is it advisable to buy an OEM?

Difference between OEM and Retail CPUs? - CPUs - Toms Hardware

In a nutshell - -

There is no difference. At least physically with the CPU.

OEM processors, as you would buy them, are the gray market processors that Intel referred to when they announced they were 'leveling the pricing for OEMs and the channel'. Here is how it works.

OEMs place an order and get volume discounting, sometimes significant depending on the amount of the order and the negotiating skills of the buyers. Often times the larger the order the better the discount, thus they will significantly over order what they need. They hold the inventory for sometime, then sell the excess back into the channel at pricing lower than what Intel (or AMD) would sell into the channel.

As such, you get 'cheaper' CPU's, the OEMs sell the excess for slightly over the volume discount so they get a profit, and the channel players sell them to you for a small mark up. Everyone makes money except the manufactures who 'lose' revenue due to processors they sold at lower prices.

Retail CPUs are sold direct through the distributor to the channel or retailer/e-tailer. They are boxed, branded and, tada come with their own HSF.

Another difference, and one to pay attention to, is the warranty. Since Intel or AMD transfers ownership to the OEM, the OEM assumes warranty responsibility, thus when they shove them off to the gray market, they typically only offer up 30 day warrantee's. Intel or AMD are not responsible for the warrantee on an OEM processor as those were itended to be into finished boxes which are themselves unit/warranteed by the OEM. (At least that was the way the warranty was described to me, I could be wrong).

Jack

Awesome description. I learned something today :wink:

I would've just said, "OEM has no box, heat sink, fan, or warranty," but I like your reply much better

Opinions guys on a Dell - 27" LED QHD GSync Monitor I'm thinking of getting, price is 399.00 Cheap price for a GSync monitor.
It is a TN display thou.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-27...373&ksdevice=c