The latest chip released from Intel – the i7 line – is one of, if not the most, powerful chips available for consumer computers on the market today. One of the most powerful chips in the line, the i7-920, is a popular choice for many new PCs and other PC users alike looking to upgrade their old systems. Unfortunately, for some users, however, counterfeit chips have begun turning up in the US market and are beginning to make computer users and companies equally concerned.

One such chip that has been found was actually sold unintentionally by the major online electronics retailer “Newegg”. The customer, when they received their order for the i7-920, received a poor quality box with many misspelled words on it. Upon opening the box, the consumer was even more shocked to find that not only the chip was counterfeit but the heat sink and fan were made of plastic and the user manual accompanying it was full of blank pages.

Of course, Newegg immediately sent the consumer a new chip once they were told of the incident and began investigating the case, though as of yet they are still unavailable for comment. Intel has also admitted that counterfeits are coming about on the market and are investigating as well into the source of these; however, they, too, could not give any word as to the current state of the situation.

If anything, consumers should bear in mind this bit of news and, as always, adhere to the wise saying of “buyer beware.” Should you think that you ever come across a counterfeit device notify the retailer of the situation immediately in order to report the situation and receive a genuine replacement, and as much as possible assist in any investigations taking place in order to help prevent this from recurring in the future.