Navigating the Challenges of Selling a Delidded CPU: A Recent Experience

Recently, I encountered an intriguing situation after selling my delidded Intel i7-7700K processor online. Despite meticulously crafting a five-page, 1700-word instructional guide filled with helpful links to guides and video tutorials for the buyer, issues arose shortly after the sale.

The Sale and Precautions Taken

Understanding the delicate nature of a delidded CPU, I took care to inform the buyer that I had not resealed the processor and provided them with the remaining Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut for application. I emphasized the importance of sufficient coverage, indicating that if the supplied liquid metal was inadequate, they would need to procure additional materials to ensure proper cooling performance.

Despite these precautions, the buyer faced challenges once they received the processor. They reported that only half of the expected cores and threads were functioning, a concern that could potentially indicate significant issues with the CPU.

Initial Troubleshooting

While the processor was correctly detected in their BIOS, the buyer was struggling to see all 4 cores and 8 threads in both Task Manager and CPU-Z. I guided them through msconfig settings to ensure they had the correct configurations, reminding them not to overlook temperature monitoring with HWiNFO64, which is crucial for understanding the CPU’s performance under load.

After following the provided instructions meticulously, the buyer was able to see all cores and threads functioning correctly. However, I remained concerned about their idle temperatures, which seemed alarmingly high.

A Responsible Approach to Liquid Metal Application

I found myself contemplating whether I should suggest that the buyer reapply the liquid metal. My initial instinct was caution; I feared that any mishandling could exacerbate the situation. While I felt that applying liquid metal to both the die and the integrated heat spreader (IHS) was crucial, the buyer’s inexperience made me hesitant.

In my updates, I emphasized that I had thoroughly explained the risks involved in dealing with a delidded processor. I pointed out that, ultimately, the responsibility for the CPU’s care lay with the buyer post-sale.

Resolution and Moving Forward

After some back-and-forth communication, the buyer comprehended the need for further action. They acknowledged my advice about applying more Conductonaut and promised to handle the situation with care. It was reassuring to hear that they understood my guidance and were grateful for my support throughout this process.

In the end, despite the initial stress and uncertainty