Intel processor scams are nothing new, but they’re back with the 13th generation. Watch out for Core i-Fakes on Amazon. One redditor found out when he bought an i9 13900K that turned out to be a 13700K.
Core i-Fake 13000: check after you buy!
These days, it’s hard to blindly trust resale platforms. A reddit user was the victim of a scam when he bought a Core i9 13900K. Once mounted in his rig, it turned out that the processor in question was none other than a Core i9 13700K.
Much_Designer_8417 fell victim to a well-known Intel processor scam: the IHS change. Since all the processor information is located on the metal capsule, it’s possible to falsify an identity by swapping it with another model. Here, the IHS of a 13900K has ended up on an i7 13700K.
For unsuspecting users, the scam may go unnoticed, as both models are high-performance CPUs. Physically, both models share the same dimensions.
So how can you avoid being taken in? First of all, use Intel’s official distribution channels and avoid third-party marketplace vendors as much as possible. Then, once you’ve received the processor, make sure you’ve got the right model using detection software. To do this, install CPU-Z, which will give you all the information about your processor. HWiNFO64 will also do the trick, although it’s more of a monitoring program.
And if you come across a counterfeit, you have no choice but to contact your reseller to arrange an exchange. On the whole, it’s easy enough to get your equipment exchanged via Amazon.