OEM Vs Retail CPU 1

[skbrown]

Request comments from those who assemble or build PCs. Am going to purchase 3.06Mhz P4 in next day or so. OEM price is $50.00 less than retail. After initial "burn-in" and testing, what is the failure rate of P4s? Trying to determine if the $50.00 savings is worth the lack of a retail (3 year) warranty. Thanks to all for comments!

 

[Win98User]

Hi,
Can't help you with the failure rate.

But perhaps I can give you a couple of things to think about;

1. If a chip is going to fail it will fail within a relatively short space of time (always dependant on usage, I know). Therefore the point is not about premature mortality rates, because you'll be covered in that period.

2. If a CPU fails it tends (in my experience) to be due to "outside" influence ie. cooler packing up, person attempting overclocking and a host of other situations you can see from posts on this site - the point is: warranties only cover defects in the product (it may be different in whatever country you live, but I would doubt it).

3. Generally speaking it is cheaper to find your own warranty. You will have a years warranty anyway, so what you are talking about is a warranty extended by 2 years for $50 - shop around.

4. How often do you intend to upgrade your CPU. At the moment 3Ghz would appear to be a FAST processor, what about in 12 months?. How close to the latest technology are you intending to stay? Many warranties tend to be like-for-like or repairs.

There is a point 5: about purchasing "goods unfit for their intended use", but I will leave that alone.

Essentially, $50 will buy you peace of mind. IF someone posts that 99.9% of P4's will last 3 years, will you believe them? After all, how long has a 3Ghz P4 been around?

I could say more but I think my point has been made.

All the best. Running a PC without backups is like driving a car without a seatbealt. Your knack'ed when you crash!

 

[paparazi]

A decent after market heatsink/fan for a 3gig P4 is going to cost you $30 plus, so you aint going to save much in the long run.
I fitted one of these yesterday and I must say the supplied heatsink is very impressive (but then it would have to be, wouldn't it) it has microfins to increase cooling surface area, not the usual generic supplied unit.
So buying something better than the supplied heatsink/fan is going to cost you $30 plus so not really worth it.
This wouldn't be my usual advice, I nearly always go OEM but in this case I can see little saving over Retail.
Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[Win98User]

Good points paparazi.

I find it hard to believe that skbrown wasn't comparing like with like ;-)

All the best.

Running a PC without backups is like driving a car without a seatbealt. Your knack'ed when you crash!

 

[LANmass]

I would also (like paparazi) recommend going with the retail versions of CPUs. When you consider costs for a good heatsink/fan (the P4 3.06 requires more cooling than slower P4s) and extra warranty, it's a better deal. OEM versions are great for almost all other components (careful with Video cards....proprietary cables may be missing and impossible to find).

 

[r00tMonster]

If your paying $600+ US for a cpu whats another $50 for a 3 year warranty and a good heatsink/fan?

I usually buy the boxed version for this reason x::0:0::::

 

[skbrown]

The OEM price included an Intel fan. I think the point that the CPU is likely be replaced before the end of the retail warranty period is a good one. Other than that, its really a close call. Still $50 is $50... Any further thoughts appreciated. Thanks to all

 

[skbrown]

Decided to go with retail version. Found little better deal, narrowed difference to $37.00 (CPU, Intel Fan & delivery for each). I just figured a 6% premium for the retail version with longer warranty, ease of warranty claim (if needed) and Intel tech support (if needed) justified the price difference. Now, if I can just get this thing put together (first one!!), I'll really be happy. Thanks for all comments.