What happened to OEM CPU's?

[polypterus]

So why is it you can't buy OEM versions of modern AMD CPU's from places like Newegg and zzf anymore? The only OEM CPU's I can find are old s754's, s939 and AM2's are always retail. What happened? I'd rather save $30 than get a heatsink and warranty I'm never going to use. Is it just a marketing deal or what?

 

[Aluvus]

AMD and Intel started cracking down on the grey market that was letting these slip into retail channels. OEm chips are just that- chips sold to OEM companies and meant for their use.

Inconvenient, but understandable I guess.