Does Intel ever ship defective product in sealed retail box?

[BonzaiDuck]

First, I think we need a 12-step program here on the forums. Seriously.

I am a hardware addict. I budget my money for my enthusiast hobby, but sometimes I get an itch to do stupid things. HEre, I'm ashamed of my stupidity.

Another forum member had been sharing his overclock exploits on an i7-2700K. My sig is the 2600K. This goes back to February or so.

Every so often, I'd look at Ebay, Amazon etc. just to see if the 2700 was there. Every couple weeks, I'd take another peek and run some more web-searches. I kept saying "No, No . . . ain' gonna do it. ain' gonna do it."

I imagine someone who just gave up a 30-year smoking habit. Every so often, he has to make a run to the grocery store. His friend is the owner of the local tobacco shop. He can't help but stop in during the grocery run to say hello. And I just kept eyeballing the web for 2700K's. And I kept saying to myself "No . . . No." ANYBODY would say "Invest in another graphics card or an SSD, fur-godssake!" Or "Weren't you going to build a 5820K system next year?" Or "Wait for Skylake! That Sandy Bridge is still good for a few years!"

This self-induced temptation went on for six, seven -- maybe eight months. Couple weeks ago, I found a reseller who somehow had acquired several brand-new retail-box 2700Ks. And . . . .I clicked the "Checkout" button. I fell off the wagon.

So I was getting ready to test the processor in another motherboard. [And that's another story, with rationalizations that "I have to upgrade some LGA-775's for the fam-damn-ily in the household!" I have a spare machine I use for business -- LGA-775. It was "going south." Anyway, that's another story. I didn't buy another motherboard. OR -- at least -- I'm RMA'ing for a refund. Either way, I have a problem. I am a hardware addict.]

So I happened to cut open the white printed seal on the blue box. I got my super reading glasses, a magnifying glass, and a strong light.

I find this little teeny-weeny 1/64" place on the edge of the processor PCB where the green surface had been chipped off. "No matter!" I said. Then, I looked closer.

One of the gold contact pads on the edge of the processor is missing half the gold!

Do they test these things? This was a freakin' sealed retail box! How could it be?

I'm testing the processor -- it's in another motherboard. I can get into BIOS -- haven't loaded the OS yet. It seems to be working.

I would NEVER have IMAGINED that Intel would ship a product with a defect like that. Like I already asked -- Do they TEST these things?! And how would I know whether that contact pad was one of the "spares" that are unused by the processor?

Should I "DO" something? Ask Intel for an RMA confirmation? How can I KNOW for SURE if I have to DO something?

I have a problem. I'm a hardware addict. I don't think the Betty Ford clinic will take me. And I couldn't afford it anyway . . . If I couldn't afford it, I shouldn't be buying spare processors that are two generations old!! I HAVE to be NUTS!

 

[Ryanrenesis]

I've NEVER had an Intel CPU arrived defective from retail nor ever heard of one that did. This is the first time I'm hearing it.

You should RMA that immediately whether it's working or not!

 

[Berliner]

What exactly do you mean by sealed?

I guess a lot of people can "seal" boxes.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

What exactly do you mean by sealed?

I guess a lot of people can "seal" boxes.

The adhesive on those printed white spec labels that seal the boxes is strong enough that pulling it off would tear the seal. I once tried to do it myself! IM-FREAKIN' -- POSS-ible!! It IS a factory-fresh "brand-new" processor. Processor guide-book/instructions? Sealed with the little clear plastic tape! Processor heatsink? UN-FREAKIN'-TOUCHED -- VIRGIN BROWN TIM STRIPS!! The only way a label would've been replaced is if Intel replaced it.

No, sir! It was fresh from the factory! Maybe old inventory, but never opened!

Not a fingerprint on the processor cap! Virgin -- untouched!! Whatever happened to the gold contact pad, or the little fleck of green PCB -- it happened at the FREAKIN' FACTORY in FREAKIN' COSTA-RICA!!

Well, it's got a 3-year-warranty. I can continue to check this thread for thoughts, and I can continue testing the processor in that Z77-A board. But -- who would imagine?!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I just see in the passion of the moment when I came in here to bitch and moan -- I'd meant this for the CPU forum.

Moderator can move it, or leave it. I'm fine. . . .

No . . . . I'm not fine . . . . But I explained that.

 

[Ryanrenesis]

Poor Duck :*(

Hope Intel replaces it soon for you!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Hmm. Interesting. I don't even think the Egg as an RMA-replacement policy like this. 45 days . . . .

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Poor Duck :*(

Hope Intel replaces it soon for you!

I contacted the reseller, and await their response and decision for an RMA replacement.

Not so oddly, the processor seems fine. My biggest problem is an inability to activate Windows. I may actually have to buy another license key. No need to go into that in detail, but I have two good licenses and the one which I'd installed on the machine this is replacing. Something is wrong with using the key of one of the former to activate the latter. That leaves the unopened "white-box" OEM Home Premium I have left.

I've talked to a few friends today, who noted they never ever bothered to look at a new Intel processor with a magnifying glass. But the probability of having two defective purchases -- or at least one defective and the other suspected (this CPU) -- had always seemed remote. RMA both mobo (refund) and processor (replacement)???

In - freakin' -- credible.

I'll have to wait and see what comes in on e-mail. The other RMA is all ready to go to UPS. What a pain in the keester, though . . .

 

[Diogenes2]

Re: Windows Activation

Are you using the automated phone activation process?

I have never had it fail when I say " none " to the " How many systems has this copy been installed on ? " question..

 

[VirtualLarry]

Re: Windows Activation

Are you using the automated phone activation process?

I have never had it fail when I say " none " to the " How many systems has this copy been installed on ? " question..

Of course, when you tell the truth, and say "three" (Windows 7 family pack), the recorded voice unhelpfully says you have violated the licensing (not true) and must buy another copy of Windows.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

as log as the contact pad is ON the CPU I'd think your OK, if the pad is missing/chunked out I'd RMA right away. Reason being if the cpu fails over time cause of this or wat eva, Intel will see it and say DENIED!
If you deal with it now less pain, you minds well if the board is out anyway. Need a deal on a Z77 let me know, I guess its to late.

2700K I assume are stock clocked pretty good, you should have some fun with it depending on the board you have and luck of the draw.

Sorry bout yer issue's!!

 

[Cerb]

/me ctrl-f, then 1.13
/me sees red box, and hears annoying chime sound
/me

It's probably a screwup from making the PCB, and it likely runs fine, though I'd try to get an RMA, as well. I can't think of anything in trying to use it that would cause such a problem (the most obvious being having it in the socket wrong, but it shouldn't do that).

 

[BonzaiDuck]

/me ctrl-f, then 1.13
/me sees red box, and hears annoying chime sound
/me

It's probably a screwup from making the PCB, and it likely runs fine, though I'd try to get an RMA, as well. I can't think of anything in trying to use it that would cause such a problem (the most obvious being having it in the socket wrong, but it shouldn't do that).

As I mentioned to Philly in a PM to explore his suggestion about a board, I think the gold-plate extends to the dimple which receives the pin. I see nothing so far in the test config with the cheap mobo I have that suggests a problem. The anomaly with the mouse can't be related either to the CPU or my old Belkin KVM. It may be a BIOS bug, because after a use the keyboard to limp out of the BIOS screens, the mouse comes back when booting into Windows. since the test board will go to my old Mom's system with no "KVM" requirement, I won't fret.

Anyway, I GOT an RMA # and shipping label for the processor. Nice to have, but TOO DAMN MUCH of this RMA stuff. Still have to prepare the AsRock for shipping back to Egg.

This is really the DOWN SIDE of enthusiast-life. Never hit me like this has!

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Wow. See -- the men on my father's side of the family had always had sharp vision. But when you get old, the 20-20 goes south. Worse than that, I had a bizarre accident (a late-night campfire story for passing around the brandy bottle) when I was 25. I must've had a mild concussion -- I fell 25 feet out of a tree and landed on my face. Doctor said "Maybe vision will decline as you get older." The whites of my eyes weren't just blood-shot -- they were solid red for a month.

Anyway, Y'all probably read this thread which led to this current episode:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?p=36912398#post36912398

I had examined the pins with my reading glasses and Bausch&Lomb magnifier outdoors in the shade yesterday. I REALLY thought I saw what I described earlier.

Now I have a strong light and my soldering-stand magnifier on it. It looks perfeck!! Absolutely purr-feck!! How did I see what I thought I saw before? Whassa matta with me?!! I'm freakin' . . . OLD!!

So I'm going to leave the test box with the 2700K alone for the time being, put this AsRock board in a case with PSU and stick the cheap IB i3 processor I'd bought for Moms in it -- see what develops. Egg gave me an RMA on the board; the other reseller gave me an RMA for the processor. I may need only one or none.

We'll see how THIS shakes out. I'm certain to come back and post.

Can I get an EYE TRANSPLANT? Maybe . . . LASER SURGERY?!! GEE-SUS!!
:twisted:

UPDATE: Stronger light, same magnifier. NOPE. I was right the first time. The board's goin' back.

 

[PhIlLy ChEeSe]

Cool, save sometime. As I said, if you need it I got it but if not no worries...........Least you'll have piece of mind with the CPU.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Cool, save sometime. As I said, if you need it I got it but if not no worries...........Least you'll have piece of mind with the CPU.

Everyone is saying "RMA the CPU." But I'm wondering if I might have done well in the chip lottery with this one. I ran OCCT: CPU with the stock HSF. I can't get it to clock to 4.2 with the stock voltage, but it's because of the BIOS setting for the thermal feature: causes OCCT to stop at 87C. No matter about that, with the cooler I'm going to use.

The up side. Never had a processor for which the core sensors weren't out of calibration by +/- 5 or 6C. ON this one, with the temps climbing past 80, the variation is about +/- 3C.

I was thinking to spring for your board, and if it's still there I could still do it after Saturday. But I found a bundle that seems . . . too good to be true. I can only wait and see, when I flip on the Oliver Stone movie. I have my fingers crossed on this. You said EBay customers are stingy. True, but they aren't always buying "new" and there may be a "no return" policy. The guaranteed refund policy applies if someone flat out and lied to you, or you would negotiate a return. But a person wants to scour that site for days, weeks and months, trying to analyze behavior through language.:biggrin:

 

[Sheep221]

According to Intel warranty, you can't RMA it, if it works.

EXTENT OF LIMITED WARRANTY
Intel does not warrant that the Product will be free from design defects or errors known as “errata.” Current characterized errata are
available upon request. Further, this Limited Warranty does NOT cover:
•
any costs associated with the repair or replacement of the Product including labor, installation or other costs incurred by you, and in
particular, any costs relating to the removal or replacement of any Product that is soldered or otherwise permanently affixed to any
printed circuit board;
OR
•
damage to the Product due to external causes, including accident, problems with electrical power, abnormal electrical, mechanical or
environmental conditions, usage not in accordance with product instructions, misuse, neglect, alteration, repair, improper installation, or
improper testing;
OR
•
any Product which has been modified or operated outside of Intel’s publicly available specifications or where the original identification
markings (trademark or serial number) has been removed, altered or obliterated from the Product.

Source

I had one celeron for 1155 socket which had abit out of place IHS, but it worked, and on mine mobo there were scratches on it but it worked too so I let that be.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

According to Intel warranty, you can't RMA it, if it works.



Source

I had one celeron for 1155 socket which had abit out of place IHS, but it worked, and on mine mobo there were scratches on it but it worked too so I let that be.

Well, that's the heart of the matter!! One might feel even a tad uncertain if it works fine in one socket whether it will work in another, but with the little dimples on those gold pads and no pins out of place, fear may be unfounded. And if it works, who cares about cosmetic defects? If a little part of the gold plate seems missing but it still makes contact, then -- essentially -- what could be wrong with it?

Same with a scratch on a motherboard. you might worry if a circuit-trace might be compromised, but if it works, it wasn't, and that's the end of it.

Like the Gubernator-Terminator said in Terminator II: "No problemo!"

I'm still wondering about "how Intel does it," though. When they ship the retail boxes, did they do some tests on the product before sticking it in the package? We know they "bin" chips. I'd wonder whether they have somebody with a jeweler's ocular looking at the product before it gets boxed. If I guessed at which company had the most rigorous QC standards, I'd think it might be Intel. But I've never taken a tour of an Intel factory, so . . . what would I know?

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Re: Windows Activation

Are you using the automated phone activation process?

I have never had it fail when I say " none " to the " How many systems has this copy been installed on ? " question..

On this, the only time I ever had to do it arose with swapping in the same model mobo. I could try it this time as you say.

On the up side, I may get a mobo bundle with the Win 7 disc thrown in. The seller knows he'll run into the same trouble, probably plans to get Win 8, may be attempting to do a favor. I'll have to wait and see if my gamble paid off, or if I have more headaches.

The only time I ever got lucky with anything, I was six years old. The local central Illinois TV station had "Engineer AL" who would quiz the kids by phone about the Disney shows on the station. "Who wrote the 'Legend of Sleepy Hollow?" "Why, Washington Irving!" I said.

So I won a Davy Crockett log cabin. Cardboard. It lasted about three months, when it had become so tattered, we got inside and rolled it down a hill.

I still buy lottery tickets. I even buy extras. I keep hoping Moms will stop going bazoobas about Publisher's Clearing House -- with the risk of infecting the household network. Seniors. They ba-LEEVE in PCH . . .

 

[john3850]

I read the posts fast but if it is a only a ground contact I would use it.

 

[crashtech]

Re: Windows Activation

Are you using the automated phone activation process?

I have never had it fail when I say " none " to the " How many systems has this copy been installed on ? " question..

I always say "one," since that answer fits my definition of the truth. I know it works that way, too.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I always say "one," since that answer fits my definition of the truth. I know it works that way, too.

John3850 [first]!! How would I KNOW if it's a ground contact?! I agree that there may be more than one pad devoted to the same ground, but even if they labeled those little gold pads, I'd need an electron microscope!!

Did anybody ever document which pads are either unused or grounds?

Crashtech. Thanks for that. It may be an "OS-forum" topic, but we hadn't stopped talking about the contact-pad defect, either.

 

[NTMBK]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentium_FDIV_bug

 

[BonzaiDuck]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentium_FDIV_bug

I succinctly remember that problem, and I remember that a construction company in Florida sued Intel because they'd done their PERT and CPM modeling for a construction project with the Pentium and errors had proliferated, causing errors and serious construction cost overages.

But what does it mean for me? If I run the spreadsheet test in the Wiki, will it reassure me about the gold contact pad? I'm skeptical, to be nice about it.

Here's a question, because I started poking around the Intel web site and other places to find out which gold pads are "ground" contacts or which ones are unused.

Molex produced a document posted on the web which shows socket-1155 and the corresponding processor. there is a little schematic, in which four groups of gold pads on two opposite edges of the processor are circled. The circled areas relate to the expression "Alignment Void Configuration."

What does "Alignment Void Configuration" mean? I think my defective contact pad is within those four groups, but I'd have to look again to be sure.

 

[Diogenes2]

BonzaiDuck

Crashtech. Thanks for that. It may be an "OS-forum" topic, but we hadn't stopped talking about the contact-pad defect, either.

It was a matter you brought up earlier, so I thought we were trying to help you with that also.. Is it still an issue?

I always say "one," since that answer fits my definition of the truth. I know it works that way, too.

I have had it fail when I said " one " ..

I assume it took " one " to mean another system besides the one I was trying to activate...