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Question

What does "chip recovery" mean on ram

Jan 30, 2015 7:21AM PST

I purchased some ram offline and 1 pc has a sticker on it that says"Chip Recovery" on it an a "X" on one of the chips any idea what this means,and is it safe to use

Discussion is locked

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Answer
The seller should answer. My guess is
Jan 30, 2015 8:06AM PST
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Answer
Usually, It's Used Server RAM Sold Cheaply
Jan 30, 2015 8:10AM PST

When large amounts of server RAM are swapped out, they are sold in large chunks as scrap.. Some buyers will re-sell the RAM sticks as "Chip Recovery" stuff and get more money than simply selling it as scrap ewaste.

As to whether you can use it safely, you never know. Use at your own risk. Most such sticks are never tested before reselling to see if they are functional, but then again, it's so cheap you might find one that works. Personally, I don't use the stuff.. My data is worth more than that and I prefer purchasing new stuff in the package.. Of course, new stuff doesn't work sometimes but it's usually guaranteed.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Answer
Ram
Jan 31, 2015 12:23AM PST

When you purchased the RAM was it listed as NEW in package? If it was I'd send it back for a refund, typically when ram has those types of markings the chips have been run in a system and there is no guarantee they will fly. I would personally be quite leery of it, your choice.

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Answer
Used ram
Jan 31, 2015 1:51AM PST

Quite possible used ram or salvaged ram has been reclaimed and thus made into usable ram stick again. as the others posters offered you take your chances, but the seller would at least test or make a feeble attempt at doing do. You may have done this many times if you repair you own car. re-use of auto parts is common practice, like alternators or starters for example. Of course, brake parts aren't re-used, a safety issue for sure. But again, many a older used computer is sold on eBay or Craigslist. It just that salvageable parts like ram got a 2nd life. As pointed out to you, if the PC/parts sold were to be new, you have reason to complain.

tada -----Willy Happy

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Ram
Jan 31, 2015 2:29AM PST

You are likely right, if it is from a reputable seller chances are it would have been checked. We swap Ram when working with older/modified systems but we have a couple of test units as a failsafe...

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Resale
Feb 1, 2015 2:43AM PST

im looking to resale it but what is more likely for the chips to marked with an "X" that were repaired or are turned off in my situation, as I have no way to test it to my knowledge

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Resale of Ram
Feb 1, 2015 2:40AM PST

I guess my biggest fear is that I am looking to resale.. and I have no way of testing as I don't believe any of my desktop will recognize I have an I5 but still unsure any suggestions

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Answer
run memtest on it
Feb 1, 2015 2:51PM PST

any linux LIVE DVD has a memory tester program on it. Boot to the DVD with the RAM chip in it and run the test.