Question from Chris:  I saw a brand new CPU that sells elsewhere online for around $500 for sale on Ebay for only $285. That’s a lot less that what I’d have to pay elsewhere so I ordered one.

The sales page said the CPU was brand new in the box and it had never been opened, but that’s not what they sent me.

When the package arrived the box had been opened and taped back shut and some of the pins on the CPU were bent. I can also see traces of thermal paste on the top of the chip.

It’s pretty obvious that they sent me a used CPU instead of a brand new one. I could always install the CPU in my rig and see if it works but I’m afraid they’ll try to say I damaged it myself while installing it.

How would be the best way to handle this? [Read more…]