If you want to buy a new CPU for your computer, you will often find the names tray and boxed. But what does that mean for me as a buyer?
The most important thing shortly:
If you want to buy a new CPU, you should have stumbled through abbreviations such as Boxed, Tray and WOF. But what exactly does that mean and what do I have to do without if I choose a CPU with a corresponding abbreviation?
Boxed, tray or even WOF?
What does boxed mean in my CPU? A CPU with the lettering “Boxed” is usually delivered with a outer packaging and accessories. This means that the scope of delivery is usually a CPU cooler, instructions and other accessories.
What does Tray mean in my CPU? Tray means that the CPU is delivered without extensive accessories or outer packaging. Often the CPU is “only” delivered in a plastic packaging. Hence the name “Tray”, which stands for a (plastic) tray in English.
In the past, CPUs with Tray were primarily intended for PC manufacturers who then sold the systems. In the meantime, however, you can also find CPUs on Amazon and other providers who are sold to normal customers and players as a tray.
Compared to Boxed, trays have another important difference that you should know: CPUs that are sold as a tray only offer the statutory warranty, but no manufacturer’s guarantee. AMD describes the difference very clearly on its own website:
The AMD guarantee on processors extends exclusively to customers who have acquired a processor-in-A box in a sealed sales packaging. (…) If the processor was purchased separately and not in a sealed sales packaging, the processor is considered an OEM product. The guarantee service is done by the seller and not by AMD.
OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” and means products that are delivered for PC companies and CO.
What does WOF mean with a CPU? WOF stands for “Without fan” and means that you will receive a “boxed” CPU without a cooler. Compared to Tray, you will continue to get the manufacturer’s guarantee.
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Tray VS Boxed: The performance of the CPU remains the same
Do I get less performance? No, Boxed and Tray usually only means the (surrounding) packaging of the CPU. The processor itself, whether from AMD or Intel, remains the same. The specifications also remain identical.
Regardless of whether you choose Tray or Boxed business, the performance remains untouched. Only the scope of delivery and the guarantee are different.
Tray, Boxed or WOF: What should you buy?
As a rule, the prices in retail hardly differ, sometimes you pay more for Tray than for boxed models. The price difference is usually hardly noteworthy.
Basically, it is therefore advisable to choose the boxed version when buying a CPU. Even if you can’t need the CPU cooler. Because then you will definitely get the manufacturer’s guarantee.
If you are only interested in Tray because you don’t want to have a cooler lying around at home, then look for WOF variants that now offer both AMD and Intel for several CPUs.
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