Those who want to buy a new CPU for their computer often find the labels Tray and Boxed. But what does that mean for me as a buyer?
The most important points at a glance:
- CPUs labeled “Boxed” are intended for retail sale to individuals.
- Processors labeled “Tray” are intended for wholesale to manufacturers, such as those building complete PCs.
- Boxed offers you a warranty period in addition to the legal guarantee, while Tray only provides the guarantee to certain buyer groups such as PC manufacturers.
- In addition to Boxed and Tray, there is a third label for CPUs with WoF.
Anyone looking to buy a new CPU has likely come across abbreviations like Boxed, Tray, and WoF. But what exactly do they mean and what do I give up if I choose a CPU with a corresponding abbreviation?
Boxed, Tray, or even WoF?
What does Boxed mean for my CPU? A CPU labeled “Boxed” usually comes with packaging and accessories. This means that the package typically includes a CPU cooler, a manual, and other accessories.
What does Tray mean for my CPU? Tray means that the CPU is delivered without extensive accessories or packaging. Often, the CPU is delivered “only” in a plastic wrap. Hence, the name “Tray”, which stands for a (plastic) tray in English.
Previously, CPUs with Tray were mainly meant for PC manufacturers who sold the systems afterward. Nowadays, however, you can also find CPUs sold as Tray to regular customers and gamers on Amazon and other retailers.
Trays have another important difference compared to Boxed that one should be aware of: CPUs sold as Tray offer only the legal warranty, but no manufacturer warranty. AMD describes the difference very clearly on their own website:
The AMD warranty on processors applies exclusively to customers who purchased a processor-in-a-box in a sealed retail package. (…) If the processor was purchased separately and not in a sealed retail package, the processor is considered an OEM product. Warranty service is provided by the seller and not by AMD.
OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” and refers to products delivered for PC companies and the like.
What does WoF mean for a CPU? WoF stands for “without fan” and means that you receive a “boxed” CPU without a cooler. Compared to Tray, however, you still get the manufacturer warranty.
Tray vs Boxed: The CPU performance remains the same
Do I get less performance? No, with Boxed and Tray, it usually only refers to the (re)packaging of the CPU. The processor itself, whether from AMD or Intel, remains the same. The specifications also remain identical.
Regardless of whether you choose Tray or Boxed in the store, the performance remains unaffected. Only the scope of delivery and the warranty differ.
Tray, Boxed, or WoF: What should you buy?
In general, the retail prices barely differ, and sometimes you even pay more for Tray than for Boxed models. The price difference is usually negligible.
Therefore, it is advisable to choose the Boxed version when buying a CPU. Even if you think you won’t need the CPU cooler. Because then you definitely get the manufacturer warranty as well.
If you are only interested in Tray because you do not want to have a cooler lying around at home, then look for WoF variants, which both AMD and Intel now offer for many CPUs.
The Ryzen 7 9800X3D from AMD is currently considered the best CPU you can buy for a gaming PC according to tests. However, the predecessor is still available at a lower price. Which processor is the most worthwhile and for whom is another CPU worth considering? MeinMMO presents you with similarities and differences of the CPUs and explains what you should know before buying: Ryzen 7 7800X3D or Ryzen 7 9800X3D: Which CPU from AMD should I buy for my PC?
