Tuning Plan - did YOU keep the cardboard box?

[idata]

Hi,

I have just read about Intel's http://click.intel.com/tuningplan/ Tuning Plan and would like to sign up. But... it seems that you need your retail BOX to participate? Is this serious? I don't know about anyone else, but I threw mine in the recycling after I built the machine.

Does this mean I cannot participate? I have gone round in circles trying to get support for this, but nobody seems to know.

At a guess I would say that most people DON'T keep the wrapping for stuff they buy. Surely there has to be a better way? I would love to know.

Thanks if you can shed any light on this.

[Adolfo_S_Intel2]

You do not need to have the box of the processor; you can just go head and pay for the tuning plan. That is it, we do recommend having the box, but it is not a requirement.

[idata]

It says http://click.intel.com/tuningplan/Terms.aspx here that I need:

(3) Retail Box Serial Number

I don't have the original box, and therefore don't have a retail box serial number which was printed on the box.

Do I actually need this or can I still buy it without having the serial number?

Many thanks

[Adolfo_S_Intel2]

Try using the FPO number from top of the processor, the FPO is the serial number of the processor, please check the pictures at the following website to find the FPO on the processor:

http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-030330.htm http://www.intel.com/support/processors/sb/CS-030330.htm

[idata]

Thanks for your help... could I trouble you with just one more question please? I don't suppose I can get the serial umber digitally (by inspecting it using a program, say CPUz or something)? If not, no big deal, I can open it and get the magnifying glass out

[Adolfo_S_Intel2]

No, the only way is by taking the processor from the motherboard, and removing the thermal interface material.

[idata]

I have to remove the heatsink to sign up for the plan?!

[Adolfo_S_Intel2]

If you have already installed the processor on the system, then yes, the only way to get the serial number (FPO) of the processor, is by removing the fan/heatsink and then removing the thermal interface material in order for you to be able to read the numbers on top of the processor.

You might need to buy additional thermal interface material to reinstall the processor on the system.