OEM Vs. Retail - how can I tell the difference?

sidneyb

Junior Member
Oct 6, 2003
3
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How can I tell if the CPU they send is really the retail version?

I purchased the CPU w/ MB package and expect the CPU/HSF to be mounted on the MB.

Can I see/read something stamped on the CPU so I can tell the details about the CPU or is there some software that can provide me with additional details?
 

ayabe

Diamond Member
Aug 10, 2005
7,449
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The CPU's are exactly the same, the retail comes with the beefcake heatpipe cooler, oem doesn't. Retail also has the 3 year warranty.
 

darkcyber

Member
Jul 23, 2005
167
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I don't know if the opteron has any markings or not.

I believe the regular AMD chips do not, as far as telling if it's a retail or oem. The retail cpus come in a box with a heatsink. The heatsink is suppose to have a serial number on it that you would need if you ever needed to return it to AMD...so the heatsink is your key to having a retail cpu.

If you purchased it from Monarch, I wouldn't worry. I'm sure if you purchased a retail cpu, then you got that from them. I've used them numerous times and they are a great company! I even had to return an FX-55 that died on me (I purchased an oem with the 3 year warranty) and had no problems getting it replaced.