I recently wanted to upgrade my computer and figured I'd check out eBay to see if there were any deals on the site that might suit my purposes.  In my search for a new CPU/Processor I noticed that MANY eBay sellers did NOT include the following information.  I also noticed that many would use descriptions such as "New AMD XXX CPU", etc. and though the product listed was "new" it was an OEM ( Original Equipment Manufacturer ) or a TRAY cpu/processor. Some stated this, many others did not.  So my reason for writing this guide was to let others know what to look for when purchasing a new CPU/Processor. 

     When buying a new RETAIL CPU/Processor, it is most times referred to as a PIB-Processor In a Box, NIB-New In Box, or Retail Box.  These retail processors will be in the specific manufacturer's packaging, which will show what all is included in the box, including warranty.  Many retail CPUs/Processors WILL INCLUDE the manufacturer's certified heatsink & fan with the item.  If they do not have the heatsink & fan, they WILL still be in the RETAIL MANUFACTURER'S PACKAGING, and will show this information on the box.  Also, any CPU/Processor that are listed as a TRAY is an OEM processor. 
     As a general "rule of thumb" you can use the following guidelines...

1) PIB, NIB, or RETAIL BOX= CPU / Processor which includes manufacturer's heat sink & fan, and has a 3 YEAR WARRANTY.

2) OEM or TRAY CPU/Processor= have NO manufacturer's warranty. Warranty is supplied by seller.

( Note: I have noticed that some ebay retailers/stores offer 1 year warranty on their OEM CPU's. But I've also noticed that 95% or more of independent sellers do NOT offer 1 year warranty. I've noticed that many offer a 3-14 day warranty, but that's it. In other words, even if it was a brand new OEM CPU, and for whatever reason it gets fried after your 3-14 day warranty period, you're basically out of luck and out of a computer. )

     Always remember "Caveat Emptor" ... Buyer Beware! Be sure to always research the product and ask seller any questions you may have before purchasing an item. Also remember, it is YOUR hard earned money that you are spending with them. So never let any seller act as if they are doing you a favor by answering your questions/concerns.  They are here for YOU, the consumer, NOT the other way around. After all, you can always take your money somewhere else.
    

The following information below is quoted from AMD's website and I hope it is helpful to others when making their purchasing decisions. 

" AMD Retail Box Warranty

If you have a RETAIL BOX processor, your vendor will generally provide warranty service for the first 30 to 90 days, after which warranty service will be provided by AMD for the remainder of the 3-year warranty.

If your vendor is no longer in business, unwilling, or unable to provide warranty service, or you are outside your vendor's warranty period, you may submit a warranty request directly to AMD. To submit a warranty request, please contact the Technical Service Center nearest you. You can find contact information at:

http://www.amd.com/us-en/Corporate/AboutAMD/0,,51_52_3592_712,00.html     ( Copy&Paste in Browser )

All warranty issues are handled through our Technical Service Center via telephone - we do not process warranty claims via email, fax, or online at this time.

AMD OEM WARRANTY
If you have an OEM (tray) processor, warranty service is provided exclusively by your vendor for the period agreed to at the time of purchase. AMD does not provide supplemental coverage to the warranty offered by your vendor. Please contact your vendor, or refer to the warranty documentation that accompanied your purchase, for all OEM processor warranty issues.

Warranty Information
AMD's Limited Processor Warranty does not cover non-boxed products purchased from resellers.

AMD only provides a warranty on its line of boxed processors.

If I have a non-boxed product, who do I contact to determine if my problem is covered by the warranty?

Contact the company from which you originally bought your computer system or contact the system manufacturer. If your system was built by an OEM, please address your issue directly to that OEM for resolution. You can also consult the warranty documentation that accompanied your computer system for specific warranty terms and conditions. DO NOT contact AMD.

The reseller from which I bought a system that contains an AMD processor informs me that my warranty has expired. Does AMD provide a warranty extension period for the processor?

No. AMD DOES NOT cover products purchased from reseller and DOES NOT provide any extensions to the warranty period as outlined in the documentation which came with your computer system. "

For more information on AMD's warranty policy, please review their website...
http://www.amd.com/us-en/Corporate/AboutAMD/0,,51_52_3592_712,00.html 

Thank you for reading this guide, I hope it helps you with any of your purchasing decisions.
    
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