{"id":23564,"date":"2023-08-02T17:37:18","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T15:37:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/g100.us\/?p=23564"},"modified":"2023-08-02T17:37:24","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T15:37:24","slug":"cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/","title":{"rendered":"CPU Boxed vs Tray vs WOF \u2014 What's the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_39 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66843d1632b5a\" class=\"cssicon\"><span style=\"display: flex;align-items: center;width: 35px;height: 30px;justify-content: center;direction:ltr;\"><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #7f11e0;color:#7f11e0\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/label><label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66843d1632b5a\" class=\"cssiconcheckbox\">1<\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66843d1632b5a\" checked><nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 \"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#Boxed_vs_Tray_vs_WOF_-_Whats_the_Difference\" title=\"Boxed vs Tray vs WOF \u2014 What\u2019s the Difference?\">Boxed vs Tray vs WOF \u2014 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#Boxed_vs_Tray_vs_WOF_-_Which_CPU_Should_You_Buy\" title=\"Boxed vs Tray vs WOF \u2014 Which CPU Should You Buy?\">Boxed vs Tray vs WOF \u2014 Which CPU Should You Buy?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#FAQ\" title=\"FAQ\">FAQ<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#What_Is_a_Boxed_CPU\" title=\"What Is a Boxed CPU?\">What Is a Boxed CPU?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#What_Is_the_Difference_Between_a_Boxed_and_a_Tray_CPU\" title=\"What Is the Difference Between a Boxed and a Tray CPU?\">What Is the Difference Between a Boxed and a Tray CPU?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#Who_Has_the_Best_Stock_Coolers_Intel_or_AMD\" title=\"Who Has the Best Stock Coolers: Intel or AMD?\">Who Has the Best Stock Coolers: Intel or AMD?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#Is_Buying_a_Tray_CPU_Safe\" title=\"Is Buying a Tray CPU Safe?\">Is Buying a Tray CPU Safe?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#Do_I_Need_an_Aftermarket_Cooler_for_my_Processor\" title=\"Do I Need an Aftermarket Cooler for my Processor?\">Do I Need an Aftermarket Cooler for my Processor?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cpu-boxed-vs-tray-vs-wof\/#Over_to_You\" title=\"Over to You\">Over to You<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Desktop processors (or CPUs, for short) come in three distinct flavors: <strong>boxed, tray, and WOF.<\/strong> Despite this \u2014 admittedly quite confusing \u2014 nomenclature, there\u2019s really not that big of a difference between them.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In all three cases, buyers are essentially getting the exact same product.<\/strong> They only differ in their packaging, warranties, and whether or not they come bundled with a stock cooler.<\/p>\n<p>Understanding what\u2019s what is quite important, <em>especially<\/em> if you\u2019re a novice PC builder and are unsure of what exactly is necessary to complete <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-build-a-pc\/\">your first build<\/a> or, say, upgrade your <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/how-to-upgrade-your-pc-beginners-guide\/\">existing one<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>And so, with that little introduction out of the way, let\u2019s dive straight into the nitty-gritty!<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Boxed_vs_Tray_vs_WOF_-_Whats_the_Difference\"><\/span>Boxed vs Tray vs WOF \u2014 What\u2019s the Difference?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23572\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU.jpg\" alt=\"Boxed vs Tray vs WOF CPU\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-23572 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Boxed vs Tray vs WOF CPU\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%201080%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU-768x405.jpg 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU-1536x810.jpg 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/Boxed-vs-Tray-vs-WOF-CPU.jpg\"><\/p>\n<p>One cannot help but wonder: what\u2019s the point of selling the exact same processor in three distinct \u201cflavors?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Well, the explanation is rather simple: it gives buyers a more versatile set of options to choose from.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Boxed<\/span> Processors<\/strong> \u2014 This is the \u201cdefault\u201d option. Boxed processors are the most ubiquitous, and can be found at your local hardware shops and online retailers like Amazon, BestBuy, Media Markt, Micro Center, and such. As the name implies, <strong>these processors come inside a box and are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">sometimes<\/span> (depending on the brand and SKU) bundled with a stock cooler<\/strong> that, while by no means spectacular, is designed to get the job done. Don't expect great overclocking or boost performance from a boxed cooler, though.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Tray<\/span> Processors<\/strong> \u2014 Tray CPUs are sold in very high volumes straight to manufacturers and, in some cases, retailers. Because they're shipped in bulk and are meant to be incorporated straight into pre-made OEM PCs, they don't come with any fancy packaging or even a fan. They are also referred to as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intel.com\/content\/www\/us\/en\/support\/articles\/000029613\/processors.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OEM processors<\/a>.<br>\nThese CPUs are always <strong>sold in plastic trays<\/strong>. It\u2019s a stark contrast to regular boxed processors as tray ones essentially look like they were smuggled or acquired through shady channels and means but there\u2019s really no need to fret \u2014 they\u2019re <em>exactly<\/em> the same spec- and <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/cinebench-scores-updated\/\">performance-wise<\/a> as their boxed counterparts.<br>\nTray processors also, in most cases, come with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amd.com\/en\/support\/kb\/warranty-information\/oem\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>shorter warranties<\/strong><\/a><strong>. <\/strong>This might vary depending on the manufacturer and model, but the point stands nonetheless.<br>\nCPUs are the least likely component to fail and malfunction but this is definitely something worth keeping in mind. As always, make sure to read the fine print before making any kind of purchasing decision.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">WOF<\/span> Processors<\/strong> \u2014 WOF stands for \u201cWithout a Fan.\u201d Nothing more, nothing less. Enthusiast-level CPUs, at least more often than not, don\u2019t come with a fan inside the box as Intel and AMD simply don\u2019t have coolers adequate enough to tame their most powerful processors. And so, it is rightfully assumed that \u2014 if you\u2019re an industry professional or a hugely demanding user \u2014 you\u2019re going to supply <em>your own<\/em> aftermarket cooler. WOF processors still come nicely packaged and labeled, albeit in a much smaller box.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The most important thing for you to know is that there\u2019s absolutely <em>no<\/em> functional or performance difference between these three \u201coptions,\u201d regardless of their price.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Your processor of choice will perform <em>exactly<\/em> the same regardless if it comes inside a box (with a fan), a tray (without a box and fan), or a WOF packaging (without a fan). Of course, you shouldn't expect the same performance from a boxed cooler vs. a third-party cooler.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Boxed_vs_Tray_vs_WOF_-_Which_CPU_Should_You_Buy\"><\/span>Boxed vs Tray vs WOF \u2014 Which CPU Should You Buy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>That depends on a myriad of different factors.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re buying a top-of-the-line processor, then you basically <em>need<\/em> a solid aftermarket cooler to keep its temperature in check and harness its full potential. In that case, you might as well go with a tray processor and save a bit of money \u2014 assuming it\u2019s cheaper, that is.<\/p>\n<p>Budget processors \u2014 the i3s and Ryzen 3s of the world \u2014 are sold either as boxed or tray.<\/p>\n<p>The same holds true for mid-tier ones as well. The best (i.e. most powerful and overclockable) CPUs out there are only sold as WOF or, in some instances, as trays.<\/p>\n<p>The following two images, while by no means extensive, should help you discern whether the processor you\u2019re interested in comes with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amd.com\/en\/technologies\/cpu-cooler-solution\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stock cooler<\/a> or not:<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23567\" style=\"width: 1196px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23567\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border wp-image-23567\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications.png\" alt=\"Intel Laminar RM1 Cooler Specifications\" width=\"1196\" height=\"306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications.png 1196w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications-300x77.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications-1024x262.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications-768x196.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1196px) 100vw, 1196px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23567\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border wp-image-23567 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201196%20306%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Intel Laminar RM1 Cooler Specifications\" width=\"1196\" height=\"306\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201196%20306%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 1196w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1196px) 100vw, 1196px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications.png 1196w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications-300x77.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications-1024x262.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications-768x196.png 768w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/intel-laminar-rm1-cooler-specifications.png\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-23567\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: Intel<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_23568\" style=\"width: 2048px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23568\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border wp-image-23568\" src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box.png\" alt=\"Ryzen 7000 Processor Box\" width=\"2048\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box.png 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box-300x62.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box-1024x212.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box-768x159.png 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box-1536x317.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\"><\/noscript><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23568\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-with-border wp-image-23568 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%20423%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" alt=\"Ryzen 7000 Processor Box\" width=\"2048\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%202048%20423%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box.png 2048w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box-300x62.png 300w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box-1024x212.png 1024w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box-768x159.png 768w, https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box-1536x317.png 1536w\" data-src=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/2023\/07\/ryzen-7000-processor-box.png\"><p id=\"caption-attachment-23568\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: AMD<\/p><\/div>\n<p>For additional information, make sure to check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.intel.com\/content\/www\/us\/en\/support\/articles\/000089190\/processors\/intel-core-processors.html#:~:text=This%20Intel%C2%AE%20Laminar%20RM1,%2D12100%20and%20i3%2D12100F.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Intel<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amd.com\/en\/support\/kb\/faq\/pa-500\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AMD\u2019s<\/a> official websites.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, if you\u2019re buying your CPU of choice from an online retailer like Amazon or Best Buy \u2014 and are unsure whether it comes with a fan or not \u2014 make sure to read the <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/what-does-pc-specs-mean\/\">spec sheet<\/a>\/product description.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s no tangible performance difference between Boxed, Tray, and WOF CPUs as they all contain the exact same processor;<strong> it\u2019s just packed differently, and it may or may not have a stock cooler included.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tray processors are often a bit more affordable when compared to their boxed counterparts, but they don\u2019t come with a fan which may or may not be all that important to you, depending on the rest of your build and whether or not you already have a functioning aftermarket cooler.<\/p>\n<p>For most people, buying a boxed processor is definitely the way to go. Tray and WOF ones are obviously a viable choice for seasoned PC builders and those who either already have a CPU fan or, conversely, plan on buying one.<\/p>\n<p>The price difference often isn\u2019t all that large, but if you\u2019re looking to save as much money as possible, every little bit helps.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In any case, you\u2019ll get the exact same performance no matter which option you end up going for.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s go over a few potential questions you might have regarding this particular topic and all that it entails:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Boxed_CPU\"><\/span>What Is a Boxed CPU?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A boxed CPU, as the name implies, is a processor made by either Intel or AMD and, by default, is sold in nicely designed packaging; this box also contains a cooler designed to handle that particular CPU.<\/p>\n<p>Boxed processors (alongside powerful WOF variants) are the ones that are always on display at your local hardware shop.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Difference_Between_a_Boxed_and_a_Tray_CPU\"><\/span>What Is the Difference Between a Boxed and a Tray CPU?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Tray CPUs are generally sold in large volumes to OEMs like Lenovo, Dell, HP, and others. They don\u2019t come in a box and there\u2019s no fan included, either.<\/p>\n<p>They may also have shorter warranties (one year as opposed to three).<\/p>\n<p>Boxed processors are the \u201ccomplete package,\u201d which is why they retail for a bit more money (at least more often than not)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Has_the_Best_Stock_Coolers_Intel_or_AMD\"><\/span>Who Has the Best Stock Coolers: Intel or AMD?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>AMD has the edge in this particular department although, to be fair, Intel\u2019s latest stock coolers are <em>also<\/em> beefy enough to get the job done \u2014 at least for general productivity work and stuff like browsing the web, consuming content, and such like.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re gaming or, say, creating any kind of content, you\u2019ll <em>definitely<\/em> want to invest in an aftermarket cooler \u2014 if not for thermals then definitely for acoustics.<\/p>\n<p><noscript><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1YFR20MmvpM\" width=\"860\" height=\"515\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/noscript><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" width=\"860\" height=\"515\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1YFR20MmvpM\" class=\" lazyload\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Buying_a_Tray_CPU_Safe\"><\/span>Is Buying a Tray CPU Safe?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely! Well, as long as it\u2019s brand new and can be acquired from a reputable source.<\/p>\n<p>Tray processors perform exactly the same as their boxed and WOF counterparts; they just aren\u2019t as nicely packaged and have no stock cooler included.<\/p>\n<p>For that reason, they are most often sold at a lower price. This isn\u2019t <em>always<\/em> the case, though, so make sure to read the fine print.<\/p>\n<p>And, needless to say, buying a tray CPU means that you\u2019ll <em>have<\/em> to supply your own cooler, regardless if it\u2019s a budget processor or, say, a top-of-the-line speed demon.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_I_Need_an_Aftermarket_Cooler_for_my_Processor\"><\/span>Do I Need an Aftermarket Cooler for my Processor?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>That depends <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/do-you-need-a-cpu-cooler\/\">on the CPU<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If it\u2019s not a <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/best-cpu-coolers-ryzen-threadripper\/\">spec\u2019d-out behemoth<\/a> and if it doesn\u2019t draw a tremendous amount of power \u2014 a Core i3\/i5 or, say, a Ryzen 3 or 5 \u2014 then you can definitely get by with the included cooler from Intel or AMD.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re not incredible in any which way but they <em>will<\/em> get the job done.<\/p>\n<p>If, however, you opt for the best Intel or AMD have to offer, then you definitely <em>should<\/em> invest in a capable aftermarket cooler \u2014 <em>especially<\/em> if you intend to overclock your CPU.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Over_to_You\"><\/span>Over to You<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><em><strong>How do you prefer your processors: boxed, tray, or WOF? Let us know in the <a href=\"#comments\">comment<\/a> section down below and, in case you need any help, head over to <a href=\"https:\/\/g100.us\/forum\/\">our forum<\/a> and ask away!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Desktop processors (or CPUs, for short) come in three distinct flavors: boxed, tray, and WOF. Despite this \u2014 admittedly quite confusing \u2014 nomenclature, there\u2019s really not that big of a difference between them. In all three cases, buyers are essentially getting the exact same product. They only differ in their packaging, warranties, and whether or...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2346,"featured_media":23565,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[74],"tags":[117],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23564"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2346"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23564"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23564\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23631,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23564\/revisions\/23631"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23565"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/g100.us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}