Intel counterfeit CPUs have been revolving around the market for a while now. A Reddit user has reported a unique case, claiming to receive an inferior Intel processor than the one he ordered.
Intel Counterfeit CPUs & Scams Are On The Rise; Individuals Utilize IHS to Deceive an Average Consumer
Bogus Intel & AMD CPU incidents have been reported several times, with most of them involving tampering either with the branding on the IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader) or with the actual CPU packaging. We have highlighted such incidents several times, but an average consumer often becomes a victim of such scams, mainly due to knowledge disparity.
A Reddit user, “Much_Designer_8417,” reportedly ordered the Intel Core i9-13900K from Amazon in hopes of harnessing the power of Intel's flagship processor, but in return, he got Intel's Core i7-13700K. This was another incident of IHS tampering since the pictures shared by Redditor clearly show the Core i9-13900K. Still, upon further investigation through benchmarking software, it was revealed that he got a much inferior variant.
i9 13900k showing as i7 13700k
by u/Much_Designer_8417 in intel
Now at many occasions, consumers often overlook this fact on many occasions, considering that the performance gap between the Intel Core i9 and Core i7 variants isn't much noticeable. However, the Reddit user could identify the scam mainly due to his knowledge of processors, but if you place an average consumer here, things would go unnoticed. We advise readers to get adequate PC knowledge before diving into marketplaces to prevent similar scams.
While the Reddit user hasn't provided more details of the incident, it is disappointing to see retail chains like Amazon being a victim of such scams. Consumers head out to such platforms, putting their sole trust; hence, encountering such situations is indeed questionable for the people involved in the supply chain.
You might ask about how to prevent such situations in the future. Well, the answer does involve taking background checks and ensuring you choose the right platform for your hardware needs. In my case, I will prioritize going to an actual store to purchase my components, such as Microcenter or, in some cases, Walmart. However, suppose you aren't able to visit a physical store. In that case, you should ensure that you are purchasing equipment from the right supplier and always prioritize dealing directly with the store rather than any third-party supplier.
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