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 Intel 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 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 heat sink & fan with the item.  If they do not have the heat sink & 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.)

     The following information below is from Intel's website and I hope it is helpful to others when making their purchasing decisions.  Always remember "Caveat Emptor" ... Buyer Beware! So be sure to always research the product and ask seller any questions you may have before purchasing item.

You can find this same information at http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-020033.htm                ( copy and paste in your web browser. ) Please remember, ALL tray cpu/processors are OEM.

Who provides the warranty?
  
OEM processor family
The manufacturer or supplier from whom you bought your computer system generally provides a warranty. We recommend you consult the warranty documentation that came with your computer system as it may contain additional warranty coverage information.

Boxed Processor family
Intel does provide a limited warranty on its line of Intel boxed processors (whether purchased separately or as part of a computer system).

What is the length of the warranty period?
  
OEM processor family
The OEM-provided warranty will differ in length, depending on the OEM. We recommend you consult the warranty documentation that accompanied your computer system to determine the length of the warranty period. Alternatively, please contact the manufacturer or company from which you bought your computer system as they may be able to help.

Boxed Processor family
Intel offers a three (3) year limited warranty to original purchasers of Intel boxed processors.
To see the full text of this warranty, we recommend you consult the Certificate of Authenticity shipped with this product or see the terms of our Boxed Processor limited warranty for details.

Who do I contact to determine if my problem is covered by the warranty?
  
OEM processor family
Contact the original company from which you bought your computer system or the system manufacturer. You can also consult the warranty documentation that accompanied your computer system for specific warranty terms and conditions.

Boxed Processor family
Contact the original retail outlet, distributor or OEM from whom you purchased your processor or system, or contact Intel Customer Support.

Who do I contact to obtain warranty service?
  
OEM processor family
Contact the company from which you bought your computer system or the system manufacturer. You can also consult the warranty documentation that accompanied your computer system for specific warranty terms and conditions.

Boxed Processor family
Contact your original retail outlet, distributor or OEM from whom you purchased your processor or system, or contact Intel Customer Support.

The company from which I bought a system that contains an Intel processor informs me that my warranty has expired. Does Intel provide a warranty extension period for the processor?
  
OEM processor family
No. Intel does not provide any extensions to the warranty period as outlined in the documentation which came with your computer system.

Boxed Processor family
No. Intel does not provide any extensions to the warranty period as outlined in the documentation which came with your computer system.

The company from which I bought an Intel processor or system that contains an Intel processor has moved or gone out of business. Does Intel provide an additional processor warranty in this situation?
  
OEM processor family
No. Intel does not provide an additional warranty to the warranty period as outlined in the documentation which came with your computer system.

Boxed Processor family
Whether a boxed processor is purchased separately or as part of a system, Intel will honor its three(3) year, limited warranty for the original, end customer purchaser. Proof of purchase will be required.

Solution ID: CS-020033
Date Created: 07-Dec-2004
Last Modified: 28-Mar-2007

For more information on Intel's warranty policy, please review their website...
http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-020033.htm

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