You may encounter different product types when purchasing a desktop processor online or physically. There are three different types of CPUs: boxed (normal), tray and WOF (fanless). All three are actually the same and there are no big differences between them.
It is very important to understand what is what. You may be confused when buying a CPU today or in the future. Let’s take a look at the details of the three different CPU types available for retail sale.
Difference between Boxed, Tray and WOF Processors
In fact, you get the same product in all three cases, we agree on this. If you ask what the difference is; packaging, warranty and stock cooler. So what is the purpose of selling the same processor in three different ways? Offering buyers versatile options to choose from, depending on the retail chain. In fact, these options are good for us, the consumers, because there can be significant price differences.
Boxed Processors
This is the option traditionally offered for sale, which by default comes with its packaging and cooler, if any. As standard, chips come boxed and are available everywhere. As the name suggests, these processors come with their original box. Additionally, if AMD or Intel deem it appropriate, the stock cooler will also be included in the box.
Tray Processors
As you know, Tray means “tray”. In other words, the processors are purchased in bulk on a tray and sold individually to customers. Although the products sold in this way do not have a refrigerator, sometimes retailers can sell them with a refrigerator in other ways.
Tray CPUs are sold in very high volumes directly to manufacturers and in some cases to retailers. Since they are shipped in bulk and intended directly for off-the-shelf OEM PCs, they do not have fancy packaging. Usually the stock cooler is not provided, but as we said, sometimes sellers can include the cooler separately.
The processors we mentioned are also known as OEM processors. As you can see in the photo above, it reaches retailers in a plastic tray. Some may think that the products sold on the tray are obtained illegally or through different illegal methods, but you do not need to worry. When it comes to performance, they have exactly the same features as the processors sold in the box.
Chips that come in the tray often have shorter warranty periods or no warranty at all. This may vary depending on the manufacturer and model. As a side note, we can say that the CPU is the component least likely to malfunction and break down. However, it is our duty to tell you what you need to know before buying a tray processor.
Boxless Processors
As you can understand from the name Without a Fan, or WOF, it is used for processors without a box. Intel and AMD offer some of their processors, usually high-end models, without the stock cooler. Those who buy a high-end processor should rely on a higher-performance cooler produced by different companies, not the weak stock cooler. WOF processors come nicely packaged and labeled, albeit in a much smaller box.
Is There a Performance Difference?
The most important thing you need to know is that there is absolutely no performance difference between these three options, regardless of their prices. Nothing has changed in terms of functionality and features.
Whether the processor you choose comes in a box (with fan), in a tray (without box and fan), or in a WOF packaging (without fan), it will deliver exactly the same performance. It will show. On the other hand, you shouldn’t expect the same performance from a boxed cooler as from a third-party cooler. Almost everyone already knows this.
Which one should be bought?
It depends on many factors, including the processor model, your preferences, and your budget. If you’re buying a high-end processor, we recommend getting a solid CPU cooler to keep the temperature under control and leverage its full potential. In such a case, you can choose a tray CPU assuming it is cheaper and save some money.
Models such as Ryzen 3 and Core i3 in the economic class are sold either in boxes or in trays. Generally Stock fans are sufficient for these lower segment chips. However, if the price is affordable, you have an external cooler or you are thinking of purchasing it later, you can choose CPUs sold in trays. The same situation is more or less valid for mid-range models. The best (i.e. most powerful and overclockable) CPUs are sold as WOF only, or in some cases as trays.
Additionally, if you are purchasing the CPU you have chosen online, read the product page and descriptions carefully. It must be noted whether the product comes with a fan or with/without a box.
Prices
Tray processors are generally slightly more affordable than their boxed counterparts. If the stock fan and warranty period provided with it is not very important to you, it may be preferred.
AMD vs. Intel: Which Stock Coolers Are Better?
Frankly, AMD has an advantage in this area. However, Intel also slightly improved the cooling performance with the new stock coolers. In general, we can say that AMD’s stock fans are more successful.
Out-of-the-box coolers for lower-mid segment chips Generally sufficient. Of course, other factors such as the cooling performance of the case also come into play. You will find that the stock fans will be sufficient for general use, web browsing, light-medium gaming and TV series.
Are Tray Processors Reliable?
If you trust the seller, the answer is yes, it is absolutely reliable. As long as it is not used and you get it from a known source, there is no problem. Tray processors are exactly the same as their boxed and WOF counterparts. The reason why it is sold at an affordable price is the ease in the supply process along with the lack of packaging and fans.
