When it comes to purchasing a processor, you mainly get two options: boxed CPUs and tray OEM. Both types of processors perform about the same but have some differences.
But which processor is good for you?
Worry not; I’m here to solve your dilemma. In this article, I’ll discuss the critical differences between boxed and tray OEM processors to help you make a purchasing decision.
So without further due let’s jump in.
What is a Boxed Processor?
As the name suggests, a boxed CPU is a processor that comes with a box. These are the processors you usually get from a retailer like Walmart, Amazon, or eBay. The Boxes processor comes with nice-looking cardboard box packaging when you purchase it.
In this part, I will show you the core features of a boxed processor. It will help you to understand more about the processor itself.
Here are some stand-out features of a boxed processor:
- Most retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Micro Center, Mind factory, and RP Tech usually sell boxed processors.
- The boxed processor has clunky cardboard boxes with the manufacturer’s seal or logo.
- Usually, the boxed CPU has additional components, like a CPU cooler and thermal paste.
- You can easily get a warranty from your CPU manufacturer for your Boxed CPU.
- Mainly, the regular user purchases the boxed CPUs.
Though it comes with a stock cooler, you need better ones for controlling the heat. You should also check out the best CPU case fans to ensure better cooling.
What is a Tray (OEM) Processor?
Tray processors, also known as Original Equipment Manufacturer processors sold in bulk. They don’t contain any fancy cardboard boxes. Instead, you get them typically in a tray or container. Usually, big companies purchase these kinds of processors batch-wise.
Companies like HP, ASUS, MSI, and Dell purchase these processors to put them in their own devices. They use tray (OEM) processors to create pre-built computers, servers, laptops, desktops, and other electronic devices.
Basically, tray (OEM) processors are the same CPU as Boxed Processors sold to consumers. Read the following section to know some key factors about the tray Processor.
Here are some core facts about tray (OEM) Processors:
- PC/ laptop manufacturers purchase tray (OEM) processors directly from Intel or AMD. The average consumer can’t do this thing.
- OEM processors are usually cheaper than their boxed versions.
- You can’t get any warranty from Intel or AMD for OEM Processors.
- You won’t get additional components, such as CPU coolers with Tray processors.
- OEM processors perform the same as the boxed ones.
Though, the warranty problem won’t matter much if you buy a tray processor from a reputable seller.
Are processors and CPU the same thing? Read our separate article to know this in detail.
What is the Difference Between Boxed and Tray Processors?
Performance-wise, there isn’t any difference between the boxed and tray processors. You just won’t get any nice packets with the tray processor. Also, the tray processor is cheaper and has a limited chance of getting a cooler or thermal paste when you buy it.
In this section, I will show the comparison table between the boxed and tray processors. It will help you to know the differences between these two.
Let’s see the comparison between the boxed and tray Processors:
| Feature | Boxed Processor | Tray Processor |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging | Retail packaging, often with a fan or heatsink included. | Tray packaging, no fan or heatsink included. |
| Price | More expensive. | Cheaper option. |
| Warranty | Usually has the manufacturer's warranty. | Do not include a warranty. |
| Availability | Available in most retail stores like Walmart, Amazon, etc. | Available in the industrial channels or second-hand market. |
These are the main differences between the boxed and tray Processors. You may be wondering which one you should choose for your current PC. That brings us to our next topic.
Which Processor Should You Get?
Well, the choice may vary from person to person. If you are short on money and know your processors, then go for the tray Processors. Also, tray Processors are an excellent choice for building custom PCs. On the other hand, the Boxed Processors are a safe choice for newbies.
But how can you confirm if your processor is a boxed version? Well, you get your answer in the following section.
How to Know if Your CPU (Processor) is a Retail or Tray Version?
you can quickly check if you have a boxed CPU, not with the serial numbers. For Intel CPUs, you need to input the serial numbers on the Intel website, and for the AMD, you need to check the company Seal on the Cardboard Packet.
You need to be sure of the Processors before purchasing them. Because recently, some retailers are replicating the company box and putting tray processors in them to get more profit.
For this reason, customers get unnecessary pain while getting any warranty service. Because tray version CPUs don’t have company warrants. Also, you should check whether your CPU is Used or Brand-New before finalizing the purchase. Otherwise, you will face performance and warranty issues in the future.
How can you tell if your processor is running? We covered a separate article that explains this in detail. Do check it out.
FAQs
Should you buy a tray CPU?
Yes, you should buy a tray CPU if the seller is reliable. A tray CPU is just a CPU without packaging.
Why is OEM CPU cheaper?
An OEM CPU is cheaper because it doesn’t include any nice packaging, a heatsink, or a fan. The manufacturer designs this kind of chip to give the customer more flexibility.
Can an OEM Processor be trusted?
OEM processors are reliable as the boxed ones, and you can get them for a better price. But you will get some warranty limitations.
Conclusion
Long story short, the boxed processor usually comes with a box. On the other hand, you get the tray processors, typically in a tray or containers. But there aren’t any performance or hardware differences between these two. If you want a cheaper CPU without any stock cooler, go for OEM processors.
After reading the article, I’m sure you know the vital differences between boxed and tray (OEM) processors. Comment if you have any other queries.
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