In Germany, you can get snacks, drinks, and toys from vending machines. In other countries, they have CPUs instead.
What’s the deal with the processors? In Japan, there are numerous vending machines from which you can get various items. In Germany, there are similar machines usually filled with snacks, drinks, or toys, but in Japan, the so-called Gachapons include merchandise from well-known franchises like Pokémon or Dragon Ball.
The special thing: There are also vending machines in Japan that include various CPUs. A Japanese YouTuber mentioned in a video from December 2022 that she got an Intel Core i7-8700 from 2017 from such a Gachapon for 500 yen. That’s approximately 3 euros.
As the YouTuber explains, she was limited to a single attempt when using the machine. Each person is only allowed to try their luck once (via YouTube).
The chance for a bargain
Is it worth it? It depends on how lucky you are. This vending machine probably does not contain any high-quality processors. Nevertheless, like the Japanese YouTuber, you might snag a bargain with a bit of luck.
The Intel Core i7-8700 is from 2017, has 6 cores/12 threads, and a clock speed of 3.2 to 4.6 GHz.
On Ebay, the i7-8700 is currently traded for around 65 to 135 euros. Of course, the i7-8700 cannot compete with modern CPUs, but for the price of 3 euros, it is still a decent deal.
For the operator of such a CPU vending machine, this is probably a good way to get rid of outdated or no longer needed processors. Of course, it doesn’t make sense for you to fly to Japan just to pull a CPU from the machine.
However, if you are on vacation or a business trip in Japan and happen to come across such a Gachapon, you can try your luck for about 3 euros.
There are also players who receive a complete PC including an i7-8700 as a gift from their friends: Player receives gaming PC from colleagues: ‘Bought a new PC because the old one was overheating’
