Distinguishing Processor

[koji]

Hello. I've seen few posts in the internet selling cheaper processor and saying that they havent used it yet.

Well they have their own reason one is they are forced to travel / other components broke before they tried the Proc / etc.

 

My question is.. How can I distinguish if they really havent used it at all?

Sorry for my question maybe it's dumb for some of you.. I just want to know. Does it have a seal or something else to prove that it was never used?

 

Thanks for the answers!

[ALwin]

Hello. I've seen few posts in the internet selling cheaper processor and saying that they havent used it yet.

Well they have their own reason one is they are forced to travel / other components broke before they tried the Proc / etc.

 

My question is.. How can I distinguish if they really havent used it at all?

Sorry for my question maybe it's dumb for some of you.. I just want to know. Does it have a seal or something else to prove that it was never used?

 

Thanks for the answers!

 

Not really, the box that the CPU originally came in has the seal.  But the CPU itself doesn't.  So if someone is selling an open box CPU, I would check the serial number and other info printed on the CPU to make sure it is legit and matches what they are selling.  I would also look for wear and tear or any noticeable physical damage.  Scrutinize it very well, take a magnifying glass with you.  Other than that, there is not much you can do unless they let you plug the CPU into a logic board/test bench and test it.

[Guest]

You really cant distinguish it much... rarely even with the CPU Dye.

you really just have to take their word for it 

[iamdarkyoshi]

See if the thermal paste is completely removed from the entire cap on the CPU, see if the box has been opened, ect.

[Fetzie]

You could take a magnifying glass to the pads on the underside of the CPU. Installing it will cause these to no longer be perfectly flat, and you'll be able to see tiny indentations in them.

[koji]

Not really, the box that the CPU originally came in has the seal.  But the CPU itself doesn't.  So if someone is selling an open box CPU, I would check the serial number and other info printed on the CPU to make sure it is legit and matches what they are selling.  I would also look for wear and tear or any noticeable physical damage.  Scrutinize it very well.  Other than that, there is not much you can do unless they let you plug the CPU into a logic board/test bench and test it.

 

 

You really cant distinguish it much... rarely even with the CPU Dye.

you really just have to take their word for it 

I see.. But is it worth it to get around $60 discount for a 3month old processor and they said that they've just tested it once? Btw the processor is i7-4790k.

Because if it's still in very good condition it'll be a good deal for me instead of getting brand new i5-4590.

[koji]

See if the thermal paste is completely removed from the entire cap on the CPU, see if the box has been opened, ect.

Yea. I am thinking this too but I have less experience to know if thermal paste can be easily removed or not. Hehe.

 

You could take a magnifying glass to the pads on the underside of the CPU. Installing it will cause these to no longer be perfectly flat, and you'll be able to see tiny indentations in them.

I see. I could also try this, thank you.

[ALwin]

I see.. But is it worth it to get around $60 discount for a 3month old processor and they said that they've just tested it once? Btw the processor is i7-4790k.

Because if it's still in very good condition it'll be a good deal for me instead of getting brand new i5-4590.

 

Personally if you want an i7 4790K, go for a brand new one.  Better to be safe than sorry.  That $60 you save might end up whatever else they are charging you as a loss if it's a scammer.

[iamdarkyoshi]

Yea. I am thinking this too but I have less experience to know if thermal paste can be easily removed or not. Hehe.

 

I see. I could also try this, thank you.

The pads probably have an indent in them from factory testing, unless intel uses the other test pads on the sides to test...

[Guest]

I see.. But is it worth it to get around $60 discount for a 3month old processor and they said that they've just tested it once? Btw the processor is i7-4790k.

Because if it's still in very good condition it'll be a good deal for me instead of getting brand new i5-4590.

The 4790k's performance doesn't really degrade, you should be fine, there's no way you'll get robbed on preformance  

[Fetzie]

Yea. I am thinking this too but I have less experience to know if thermal paste can be easily removed or not. Hehe.

It is relatively easy to completely clean up any trace of TIM.

You just need some isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.

[CatzRuleZWorld]

I see.. But is it worth it to get around $60 discount for a 3month old processor and they said that they've just tested it once? Btw the processor is i7-4790k.

Because if it's still in very good condition it'll be a good deal for me instead of getting brand new i5-4590.

Even if it's used it won't be any less value able after you power it up the first time... Whenever buying anything online you have to trust the seller (or buyer) somewhat. It sucks that some people lie and ruin it for those who don't

[koji]

The 4790k's performance doesn't really degrade, you should be fine, there's no way you'll get robbed on preformance

I see. It may really be a good deal then.. I am thinking it really is in good condition since he has a picture of receipt bought 3 months ago. Hehe.