Pattern on new 12900K IHS

[Stephen Done]

I received a 12900K for my new PC build today. I noticed a pattern on the IHS. I was wondering whether this was normal (i.e. from a thermal pad during testing at the Intel factory), or whether my CPU has been tested and binned somewhere along the supply chain. I have built many PCs before, though admittedly not for a couple of years, so am wondering whether everyone who has bought a 12900K has this pattern on their chip or not. I've not seen this on any new CPU that I have bought previously.
Steve

 

[Stephen Done]

Thanks for all these fast replies. In light of deciding whether it has been used or not, I have taken a couple more photos. Let me know what you think. I've never had an LGA1700 chip before, so I'm not sure how big the markings would be, once it has been in a socket. If these images aren't clear enough, I'll try again - let me know.
I am grateful for the advice.
Steve

 

[Stephen Done]

Thanks for the comments. In answer to the questions:
- It was bought from OcUK
- Yes it is OEM. OEM are generally items bought in bulk, split up, then supplied individually in non-retail packaging. To me at least, it should not mean inferior product, just no shiny packaging.

So I spoke to Overclockers and they said that they do bin some chips, when a customer asks for some particularly good chips. But that this is not common and so the vast majority of OEM chips that they supply are not pre-binned. But given that my chip has some marks on it that you guys do not have on your retail chips, I am going to assume that my chip DID go through the rare binning process and that it did not make the grade - if this is the case then my chip has no chance of being a great OC'er. I asked to RMA the chip, and OcUK said yes without any quibble. So I am just posting here, to kind of finish off the thread.

Thank you everyone for your comments that helped me come to this decision. I'll get a retail chip instead. My eyes are now open!

Steve