Buying a CPU - open box

[Roman Timochenko]

Hello, I have got everything complete for my new build, and today I was going to buy my i7-3930k for my ASUS Rampage IV Extreme motherboard.
However, I found out that the CPU I was going to buy in Canada Computers is open box.
So I can either order a new CPU and wait for it (Gosh I wanted to get my CPU nowwww). Either I can buy this one right now and get 10% off.

What I've found out (at least what they say):
14 day return policy
It was returned, not RMA'd
It was not used (at least they say so, or they were told so)
There is no physical damage (The client didn't want it).

Now i know the previous owner may have lied about not using the CPU (may have OVERoverclocked it or w/e), or he may have applied some static electricity and decided to return it or whatever. That's why I do not want to buy an open box product.

But if its really not used, just open boxed (took it out, put it back in) and I can return it if it does not work, then I would like to buy it today...

if something is wrong with it, it wont hurt my other components, will it? And if something is wrong, I will see that very fast (during the first 14 days for sure?)?

Please help to decide

 

[Supermuncher85]

Well at least the pins are not on the CPU anymore so chances are it really was just a mispurchase (too expensive I assume) it is almost $600 and it doesn't come with a cooler (so budget that in). 10% off is almost $60 which is pretty good.

 

[techbaddie]

If they have a 14 day return policy I think you will be just fine, and I would imagine that you would see something wrong with it during that period. Just make sure you read the return policy thoroughly so they don't try and slip something past you.

Other than that, I would not typically by a "used" open box CPU, since the CPU is one of the most important pieces of your machine... The only part I have bought used was my 680 gtx, and that was rather iffy.

Also, make sure you can RMA it as well, Unlike my 680 gtx, I don't have the original receipt that you need in order to RMA.... So if it breaks I am screwed.

 

[Roman Timochenko]

Well at least the pins are not on the CPU anymore so chances are it really was just a mispurchase (too expensive I assume) it is almost $600 and it doesn't come with a cooler (so budget that in). 10% off is almost $60 which is pretty good.

the pins?

 

[RetiredChief]

$60 is not just chump change, but then again it only represents a saving of 10%
If the USER never touched the CPU - NO problem.
However:
Quote
ESD events not only reduce assembly yields, but also can produce device damage that goes undetected by factory testing, and later, is the cause of a latent failure. These devices with latent ESD defects are called walking wounded because they have been degraded, but not destroyed, by ESD."

Not touching the pads, just putting your pinky on the metal top can create a "walking wounded". This is caused by the ES field surrounding a charged object.
Referencies:
Ouote from: http://www.ti.com/lit/an/ssya010/ssya010.pdf
Addition insight: http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=esd+walking+wounded&oq=ESD+Walking&gs_l=hp.1.0.0i22i30l2.2871.6542.0.8972.11.11.0.0.0.0.1140.5151.0j5j1j5-2j2j1.11.0...0.0...1c.1.12.psy-ab.uWs0w8DoVrw&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&bvm=bv.46340616,d.aWM&fp=d2509167678b0a2d&biw=1078&bih=647

Question, Not sure of. How does INTEL's warrantee apply to "open box" CPUs. If same as Retail then you do have a recourse if you have a complete failure downstream.
My general rule is I never buy "open box" CPUs, MB, GPUs and Ram

 

[Roman Timochenko]

Ok, im going to drive to another store and pick up a more expensive but brand new 3930k. Question: How to protect it from ES during install? I didnt do anything specific while setting up my motherboard on my haf x case, i just installed it duh. Do i need to hold the back of the case or something during installing the cpu?

 

[c_for]

I've spent thousands at Canada Computers over the years. I've probably bought 5 or 6 open box items from them over the years. I've never had any issues with their open box items not working and they have always been great to me when it comes to returns.

 

[RetiredChief]

Best option is to get a $10 wrist strap (it's ok to be a geek occassionally - LOL). Clip it to a UNPainted ground on the case - YES leave the PSU Plugged in, JUST turn the PSU Rocker switch off.

2nd Option is to Touch the case to discharge yourself, just keep in mind that when you remove hand from case you can become re-charged.

.. If you had a charge less than approx 1 KV you will never know it.
.. Ability to become charged is affected to a large degree by Relative humidity (RH). 30% RH is 10 x worst than 50% RH and 20% is 10x worse than 30%. We are just coming off of Winter time (US) where RH can be 16% and transistioning to 50% and Greater in the summer months which greatly reduces ES build-up

You will see a number of people say (1) Just don't work when on a carpet - work on a wooden floor - Missconception on understanding of building up a charge. Yes Carpeting is worse than a wooden floor - But then with a wrist strap does tend to make this a mute point. (2) Just ground yourself to the case - Yes this will work, but sometimes you need two hands. Just twisting your body (if ungrounded) you can develop a charge - Minimal with High realtive humidity.

PS. I start in electronics when "ESD - What is that. The much later on whenI started working on Flight satellites I had have to go thru ESD certification ever Two Years - so boring by now - LOL

Anyway ENJOY!!