When buying two CPUs at once: Better chance getting "matching pair" w/OEM or Retail?

[MichaelD]

Curious about something.

When ordering two CPUs at the same time w/the intent of getting the same stepping, do you have a better chance ordering OEM or retail? I would IMAGINE OEM; they come in a tray, packed at the same time at the factory. Does this pass the logic test?

 

[DaNorthface]

i would say OEM as well

 

[MichaelD]

NE1 else?

 

[StrangerGuy]

Originally posted by: DaNorthface
i would say OEM as well

 

[Mik3y]

Originally posted by: StrangerGuy

Originally posted by: DaNorthface
i would say OEM as well

 

[MichaelD]

OK, cool. Anyone else? I'd like more opinions, please.

 

[jdogg707]

Originally posted by: DaNorthface
i would say OEM as well

 

[win32asmguy]

If you are going intel, I wouldn't be so concerned with steppings. Ive got cC0 and cD0 stepping P3 1ghz's and two P3 450's that are definitely not the same sSpec that all work just fine, been chugging away for years. The 1ghz's even look different on the top and have different pattern on the bottom.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

same chance.
the resellers get the oem cpu by tray, they get the retail cpu by carton.
you have high chance to get matching pair if the two cpu are from the same tray or carton.

 

[zephyrprime]

What if you get the last chip in the tray?

Get three chips. Then the tray-straddling problem wouldn't affect you.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: zephyrprime
What if you get the last chip in the tray?

Get three chips. Then the tray-straddling problem wouldn't affect you.

:Q Are you drinking? Do you know what a 246 Opteron costs? :Q If I buy two, it's Ramen noodles for a month.