Question Sapphire RX 6600 XT Nitro+ in OEM packaging

[Hwa]

Hello everyone, I found a Sapphire RX 6600 XT Nitro+ graphics card in OEM packaging. The seller claims that the card is new (condition: "New, display model" ) and was purchased in the USA in OEM packaging, only powered on for testing upon arrival at the store. It comes with an 11-month warranty. The price is $262.7.
The advantage of this store is that they can take my old CPU as a trade-in for about $24, which would bring the cost of the card down to $238.7.

I also found a Gigabyte RX 6600 XT Gaming OC for $282 at another store in retail packaging with a 12-month warranty. It will probably also need a support bracket (+$3). However, based on reviews (online, not specifically for this store), it runs quite hot, is noisy, and has coil whine, so the Sapphire card seems like a more reliable choice to me.

The price difference comes out to $46.3.

Which of these two cards is better in terms of cooling and reliability?
Is it worth getting the card in OEM packaging?
Could this be a Retail version just without the box?
How should I check it after purchase (I can return it to the store)?

Speaking of the store, it's not even a chain—everything is run by a private entrepreneur. The store has gathered quite a few positive reviews online, but customer support leaves much to be desired. It seems like it's handled by just one person.

 

[Lutfij]

If I were you, I'd buy something brand new from an official retailer/store since you get warranty. As it stands you're on an ultimatum with the card's warranty.

How should I check it after purchase (I can return it to the store)?
If they accept returns and your PSU is of a reliable build quality(and won't ruin the GPU) then you tax it with benchmarking tools though I would be against buying a GPU that's being sold outside of an official retailer.

Could this be a Retail version just without the box?
You might want to include images of what you're seeing.

was purchased in the USA in OEM packaging
Where are you located and what is your budget for your GPU purchase? If you're not located in the USA, please mention where you are on the world and provide your preferred sites for purchase.

Would help us two fold to learn what your current specs are. Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.

 

[Hwa]

Thank you for reply!

You might want to include images of what you're seeing.

I haven't seen this graphics card in person yet. I couldn't arrange a meeting at the store — the seller said he was "moving the card," but later he did offer to deliver it straight to my home (which is a bit strange, but in Ukraine, it's sometimes acceptable, I guess...).
He also didn't send any photos, even though I asked. Maybe he was very busy 😀

I would be against buying a GPU that's being sold outside of an official retailer.

Unofficial sellers usually source cards from somewhere in Europe or the US, which is why they offer a more affordable price.

provide your preferred sites for purchase.

To browse the selection of stores, we use these 2 websites: Hotline, e-katalog. On the hotline website, they also create a store ranking based on customer reviews. By the way, here's the review page about the seller: Link.

Budget for the GPU purchase: $290 = 12150₴ (UAH)

My current specs are:

PSU: Corsair CX650 (2023), bought a few months ago for $75.
Motherboard: MSI B450 Gaming Plus Max. BIOS ver. 7B86vHL (2024-08-09). Bought together with the PSU.
GPU: Asus GTX 1050 Ti Phoenix.
CPU: Ryzen 5 2600 (planning to upgrade to Ryzen 5 5600).
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws V, 2x8 GB, 3200 MHz.
SSD/HDD: 1) Kingston 250 GB; 2) WD HDD 1 TB; 3) M.2 SSD WD Blue SN580 500 GB
CPU Cooler: tower, 4 heat pipes, 120mm fan, 1800 RPM, 73.58 CFM. (Link)
Case: Fury SHOBO SH4F (nfo-2152) (Link)
Monitor: Philips 1920x1080, 75 Hz
OS: Win 10, 21H1

I want a graphics card mainly for games from 2008 to 2021: GTA Online, Prey, Dishonored 2, RDR 2 etc. I’d also like to play Cyberpunk 2077, HellDivers 2 comfortably.
I wanted to order an Arc B570 from the USA (the total cost, including customs fees, would have been around $270), but then I found out that it has issues with older games (DX9, 10, 11).