What is a bare CPU?

[MrCodeDude]

I saw a Fry's ad for a 1.2ghz Duron and ECS mobo (or perhaps it was an Epox), anyways, BARE CPU means like no heatsink and cables, right? Is that all it means?
-- mrcodedude

 

[Viper GTS]

It means it's an OEM chip, with no cooling.

Viper GTS

 

[saltedeggman]

<< It means it's an OEM chip, with no cooling.

>>



yup, just the cpu itself...retail cpu comes with heatsink attached

 

[Mustanggt]

Yes you have to buy your own heatsink/fan witch is better than having the cheap retail one that they come with anyways.

 

[AluminumStudios]

"Bare" or "OEM" CPUs don't come in a box or with any documentation. They also generally have shorter warranties. They are basically the bulk CPUs that are sold to companies who build systems and don't need boxes, papers, etc., for each one. They are cheaper because they come with nothing. Also most headsink/fans that you would buy will be better than what "boxed" CPUs come with anyway.

I've always bought bare componenets.

 

[Lord Evermore]

Retail Athlon CPU's are damn good though. And the price difference between a retail and an OEM Athlon (at least on Newegg) is less than it'd cost to get most decent heatsink/fan units separately.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Bare CPU's never come with cables. You have to buy the cables separately. If you buy a retail CPU it will come with not only cables but also the mounting standoffs and Molex connectors.

 

[BigFatCow]

<< yup, just the cpu itself...retail cpu comes with heatsink attached >>




it doesnt come attached, dont know why people say this, what would it be attached to? it needs a mobo to attach to.

 

[ojai00]

<<

<< yup, just the cpu itself...retail cpu comes with heatsink attached >>




it doesnt come attached, dont know why people say this, what would it be attached to? it needs a mobo to attach to. >>



I think he means that there is no heatsink that comes with the processor.