Why do OEM processors need a heatsink and Retail processors don't? Or am I wrong on the latter?

[rnmcd]

Why do OEM processors need a heatsink and Retail processors don't? Or am I wrong on the latter?

Also, are there any other differences between the two (besides the heatsink need and the length of warranty)?

For some reason, I have a fear of buying an OEM processor because I think it will die on me much much sooner than the same Retail version.

Thanks everyone, rnmcd

 

[Prodigy^]

search for "OEM" on the forums.....

they both need heatsinks

they're of the same quality

it's 4am, I've been up for 30 hours.......SEARCH

 

[The Stigenator]

Retail has the heatsink enclosed in the casing.. whereas the OEM is a plain vanilla processor without a heatsink ... this is true for the SLOT processors.. I am not sure for teh SOCKET Processors.

In either case they are the same processors but just warrenty and price.

 

[Erasmus-X]

Depending on the reseller, an OEM processor may or may not include a heatsink. A retail processor from Intel, for example, will include the retail heatsink/fan combo (which isn't great for overclocking) and will include a 3-year warranty. Since you'll void your warranty by overclocking anyway, OEM processors seem to make the most sense, even if you do have to buy your own heatsink/fan (which most overclockers prefer anyway). You just have to be careful where you get your OEM processor, since they are not sealed by the manufacturer.

 

[hubbs]

Yup. Retail comes w/ the whole everything! Directions and the whole ball of wax. If you don't feal you need to spend that much extra for that stuff and you could get by on your own you would save money going OEM.

 

[Eug]

Much better to go OEM and get a GOOD heatsink.

 

[Howard]

OEM processors need a heatsink because they aren't packaged with one; retail processors don't need one because they are packaged with it.

This is true for both Slot-1 and Socket-370 processors.

 

[Midnight Rambler]

There are OEMs and there are OEMs. There are Intel-authorized resellers who sell OEM CPUs that they get from Intel, and there are others who sell OEM CPUs that come from what is known as the "gray market". This is why you see OEM CPUs sold with varying lengths of warranty, ie. 15 day, 20 day, 30 day, ... up to 1 yr. Intel-authorized resellers will always offer the full 1 year warranty.