Desktop processors are among the few hardware components that are sold both in elaborate individual packaging (boxed) and in a plain cardboard box or plastic tray.
Tray CPUs are mass-produced goods that retailers and computer manufacturers purchase in large quantities at a volume discount. The packaging for CPUs usually holds 21 units per tray and can also be stored in a space-saving manner.
The main advantage of a boxed processor is the extended manufacturer’s warranty: AMD and Intel generally offer three years. With tray products, however, the retailer or PC manufacturer provides the warranty, which often lasts only two years.
On the other hand, PC processors are designed for an average lifespan of at least 10 years, meaning the failure rate of CPUs is very low — apart from manufacturing defects on the part of the manufacturers, as seen with certain models from Intel’s 13th and 14th generations.
Some boxed CPUs also come with a cooler included, so you don’t have to buy this essential component separately. Intel is quite generous in this regard and equips many boxed CPUs with coolers.
This applies, for example, to the 285, 265(F), 235, and 225(F) variants of the current Core Ultra 200 desktop generation, which come with the Intel Laminar RM2 cooler included.
For the 14th-generation Core i series, Intel supplies the 14100, 14400(F), 14500, 14700(F), and 14900(F) models with the Intel Laminar RH1 or Laminar RM1 included. This also applies to numerous models from the 13th and 12th generations of Core i processors, which are still widely available in stores in various configurations.
AMD
AMD also includes a cooler with some boxed models. The manufacturer equips the boxed variants 7900 and 7700 with the AMD Wraith Prism, which costs at least $21 on Amazon.
The 8700G and 5700 models come with the AMD Wraith Spire. And the 9600, 8700F, 8600G, 8500G, 8400F, 8300G, 7600, 5700G, 5600X, 5600GT, 5600G, and 5500GT variants come with the AMD Wraith Stealth cooler included.
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Reasons to choose a tray CPU
Tray stock is usually slightly cheaper than boxed CPUs. Albeit, the price difference is usually only a few dollars, so the lower purchase cost generally does not outweigh the disadvantages of tray processors. Ultimately, you will have to decide for yourself.
However, tray models of processors generally remain on the market longer than boxed processors, as tray stock is not as popular and is in lower demand. So if you want to buy a very specific CPU model, you often have no choice but to opt for the tray version, particularly with older processor generations.
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This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.