Navigating the Sale of a Delidded CPU: A Seller’s Experience

Recently, I embarked on an intriguing journey after selling my delidded Intel i7-7700K processor. The processor, boasting 4 cores and 8 threads, was sent off with comprehensive instructions that amounted to around 1,700 words. These detailed guidelines included links to tutorials and essential tips to ensure the buyer could make the most out of their new component.

Upon shipping the CPU, I included extra Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut, the liquid metal I had used for cooling. Given the nature of delidded CPUs, I voiced my concern clearly: if my buyer didn’t have enough thermal compound to effectively cover both the die and the included aftermarket copper Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), he would need to acquire additional liquid metal. Unfortunately, it seems my cautions were overlooked.

The buyer attempted to install the processor using insufficient thermal paste coverage and proceeded to run demanding games without monitoring temperature variations between the cores, a practice I had strongly advised against. Initially, he reached out to me, claiming that only 2 cores and 4 threads were being recognized in Task Manager and CPU-Z, despite the BIOS showing the processor correctly.

In troubleshooting this issue, I guided him through several steps, including checking his BIOS settings. Fortunately, after diligently following my instructions to manage his system configurations, he was able to restore full functionality, with all 4 cores and 8 threads now recognized.

However, this was not the end of the story. The buyer’s idle temperatures raised a red flag for me. My instinct was to suggest that he reseat the processor and apply thermal paste properly, as I had originally instructed—this time ensuring coverage on both the die and the IHS. Yet, I found myself hesitant, fearing he might inadvertently create more issues in the process.

Despite initial concerns about the buyer’s expertise for handling a delidded CPU, he expressed gratitude and understanding throughout the interactions. After addressing the issues with core recognition and emphasizing the necessary steps for maintaining his setup, I reassured him that my responsibility as a seller did not extend beyond providing a fully functional product with clear guidelines on its handling.

In subsequent discussions, I reiterated that while the temperature readings he shared were still within Intel’s safety parameters, they were on the higher side. I recommended procuring additional Conductonaut and advised him to carefully reapply the thermal paste, stressing the importance of adherence to the procedures I’d