Yes, you can return a used CPU. Whether it's worthwhile depends on your needs and the condition of the unit.
Yes, you can return a used CPU. Whether it's worthwhile depends on your needs and the condition of the unit.
I purchased an i5 12400f from Best Buy and it's been running in my system for roughly a week. I understand their 15-day return policy, but I'm curious if I can still return a CPU that's already installed, even after cleaning it. My main goal is to upgrade to the i5 12600k, so I'm wondering if this would be a good move. The only real reason is to overclock it, which I plan to do with an AIO in the future.
You can definitely return or exchange it, but it needs to be in new condition. The policy is linked here: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/help-topics...0800050014
The outcome seems uncertain. With an open box, they might check for installation clues. Remember they probably won’t try to do anything, but refusing it outright is possible. If you recall, over $250 fraud is a crime, and admitting the item wasn’t installed could make it illegal. It’s unlikely, but not impossible.
I don't think it's worth it. You already have a solid CPU; the other one might be quicker, but you're stuck in the cycle of thinking your PC needs to be faster. Ask yourself why you're chasing more performance—are you not getting enough frames in your favorite game? If you're pushing your monitor's refresh rate and resolution, what's the real benefit of just a tiny bit more speed?