What is a refurbished processor? I didn't think processors can be fixed if they were defective.

[bwongster]

What is a refurbished processor? I didn't think processors can be fixed if they were defective. I was looking to buy a used processor on ebay and ran into the auctions listed below. Can someone give me some insights about refurbished processors? Are they used and have been pulled from working machines and ready for resell or have been really defective at one point and have been refurbished by Intel? I have build computers for 10 years now and have never had a processors that has gone bad. Intel Processors are practically indestructible. Should I trust the links below? It the ebay auctions state "Manufacturer Refurbished."


http://www.ebay.com/itm/CPU-INTEL-CORE-I7-4785T-SR1QU-2-20GHZ-/172022937467?hash=item280d5db77b:g:~poAAOSwbdpWZnMP

http://www.ebay.com/itm/INTEL-CORE-I5-6400-SR2BY-2-70-GHZ-/172018528384?hash=item280d1a7080:g:~lcAAOSwys5WT~ZR

 

[sergiusrj]

Hi,

It's just an open box, perhaps another buyer RMA it for various reasons or with a full build. If they provide a warranty and you trust the seller I think you should be OK.

 

[ahmyday]

From eBay item specifics.

Manufacturer refurbished: An item that has been professionally restored to working order by a manufacturer or manufacturer-approved vendor. This means the product has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to meet manufacturer specifications and is in excellent condition. This item may or may not be in the original packaging. See the seller’s listing for full details

Here's a quick guide from eBay regarding item condition terminology

http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/contextual/condition_1.html