Would you buy OEM or Retail CPU if buying locally?

[Salvador]

Hi,

I'm thinking about buying a CPU locally and then PM with the AMEX Blue card to Newegg or some other online site. I already know that I want to put a Alpha 8045 HS with a quiet fan on this CPU, so I'm wondering if I should bother with the retail CPU or just go with the OEM?

The only two ways I can see a CPU going are through heat or if I crack the core installing it and I can't see anyone honoring a warrantee if that happens. I mean if it works for the first 30 days, won't it last quite a while if I cool it properly?

I thought about buying a retail cpu if I purchased it from an online vendor, but since I'm going to buy it locally, do you think I will have any advantage if I buy the OEM chip?

Thoughts?

TIA,

Sal

 

[Barrei]

Always retail box on your cpu!!

 

[Chucu]

I am personally a fan of the retail CPU. It comes with a long warranty, 3 years usually. And the price isn't that much different. If you had asked me this question about 2 years ago I would say OEM because the price difference was huge.
Just my .02
Chucu

 

[EricZip]

I always buy the "BOX" Retail version.


Regards,
EZ

 

[MoFunk]

To me it really depends on the price difference. I have never had an OEM CPU go bad so I go that route. But if I am building a system for someone I go retail.

 

[Sukhoi]

<< I am personally a fan of the retail CPU. It comes with a long warranty, 3 years usually. And the price isn't that much different. If you had asked me this question about 2 years ago I would say OEM because the price difference was huge.
Just my .02
Chucu >>



Isn't the warranty voided by not using the retail HSF?

 

[Zim Hosein]

Salvador, I go w/ the retail box, it's worth it for the warranty. I had one AMD retail processor a while back and when the CPU fan started making a weird noise, I called them up and the took my info and shipped me a replacement via FedEX, gotta love that

 

[Nickyct]

All my AMD CPU were OEM and had no problem so far (Knock on wood) with the money I saved I can get a really decent fan for it.

 

[johndoe52]

I'd say go with the oem chip. As long as you don't mess with your computer all the time the only time you should have a problem with it is within the first 30 days.

btw...that's a nice heat sink, but i heard the four holes aren't going to be on future motherboards, fyi