Is it wise to buy a processor from OverclockersUK if you intend on overclocking?

Sharcs · 23 Jul 2013 at 18:01

I've bought my fair share of computer parts from OverclockersUK and one thing I've noticed is a big chunk of their business is dedicated to selling ready overclocked systems and bundles. Now, this has never really bothered me until now. I'm planning on buying a new CPU within the next month and sometimes they have some really nice sales going on.

As we all know, getting a good overclockable processor is pretty much down to luck, meaning it's impossible to buy 100 chips and get all 100 of them to overclock well. On the other had, OverclockersUK guarantee the clock speed of their overclocked chips.

These two bits of info contradict each other and the only way their business model would work is if they either:

(1) Have a deal with manufacturers to get only the best chips; or,
(2) Repackage the chips that didn't overclock and sell them off as normal.

I'm more inclined to go with number 2.

What do you guys think? Maybe I'm missing something, I don't know, you tell me.

Hyburnate · 23 Jul 2013 at 18:05

No, they can't package old chips off that they have tested as all retail chips come with a security tape on them, I'm pretty sure they have an overclock that they're certain 99% of chips can reach.

spoffle · 23 Jul 2013 at 18:12

They don't guarantee the chip, they guarantee the overclock. That means if The chip you get doesn't overclock to the speed they've guaranteed it to, they'll send you another one and take the first one back.

The way they get around having to take many back on a regular basis is to only guarantee somewhat conservative overclocks.

Realistically it's more like you're buying overclock assurance than a guaranteed overclock.

Sharcs · 23 Jul 2013 at 18:29

Thanx guys.

Spoffle, what about the system bundles that they overclock for you? The ones that come with already overclocked chips, what do they do with the ones that didn't make the mark.

Secondly, what do they do with the chips that are returned because they didn't overclock?

They can't return these chips to the manufacturer because there's nothing wrong with them, so do they just sell them off as b-grade? And if they do, do they mention that they don't overclock?

Shiari · 23 Jul 2013 at 21:09

If you get a retail chip the box is sealed, so you can be pretty sure it hasn't been opened. If you get an OEM chip then I'm not sure, it may have been tried and tested.

almoststew1990 · 23 Jul 2013 at 21:27

This is a good point, but even the OEM chips are sold as "new", which means haven't been used before. If a company sells chips that have been used before, even for 10 minutes, as new products, then I'm not sure that is legal etc.