How to tell if a chip is new or used

[Dangerous_Dave]

The main flat surface of the chip is always against the main flat surface of the window - there's nothing there that could cause the marks. Maybe a chinese crim group makes the tape? Normally it wouldn't be worth the effort although with a 3970x it's about a £200 difference between new and second hand.

 

[wazza300]

that white sticker has the intel hologram on it,doubt they could fake that

just looked at my box and the plastic cpu holder does move around a lot

 

[Dangerous_Dave]

The holder itself does jiggle quite a bit but the chip doesn't move much within the holder.

It probably is a legit chip but I'm just a bit mystified by those weird marks.

 

[wazza300]

honestly I think its a new chip

the surface does mark easily and the plastic flexes so its possible imo

plus those marks don't look in the right place for a heatsink,and you'd see two rub marks on the lip/edge either side of where the cpu clamp clamps it into place and there isn't any