Here's why I don't trust eBay.

[General Septem]

http://cgi.ebay.com/AMD-Opteron-170-DUAL-CORE-2MB-CACHE-Socket-939_W0QQitemZ280056165418QQihZ018QQcategoryZ80142Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

explanation:

http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71187

Like Branjo said in that thread, if someone says "as is" in an eBay auction, it's broken. Most likely the chip is cracked, since the IHS is off and he doesn't seem to want to show the chip itself.

[Seth=L]

http://cgi.ebay.com/AMD-Opteron-170-DUAL-CORE-2MB-CACHE-Socket-939_W0QQitemZ280056165418QQihZ018QQcategoryZ80142Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

explanation:

http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71187

Like Branjo said in that thread, if someone says "as is" in an eBay auction, it's broken. Most likely the chip is cracked, since the IHS is off and he doesn't seem to want to show the chip itself.
This is why I don't buy stuff from Ebay.

[Brains_Behind_Operation]

Yea, ebay has gotten worse over the years. I recently pruchased a pair of xBox controllers - Microsoft Brand, New in the Packaging. After less than a month both of them had floppy thumbsticks and there's nothing I can do with them now.

I also purchased a used computer once and the guy sent me a bunch of parts from a used computer! He said that he clearly showed what I was getting, but the advertisement alluded to the fact that it was a complete computer and had no WYSIWIG disclaimer anywhere!

[prairie_looner]

I've actually bought more than 500 items on eBay (overwhelmingly music-related stuff), and other than a handful of minor grading disappointments, I've never had a problem. In fact, a couple of times when things did go wrong, the seller made sure that I was satisfied in the end.

This is a departure from what experiences I hear from most of my friends who have shopped there.

[Ausinus]

I think a lot of theives actually fence their stuff on Ebay.

[beelzebub]

I know that there are crooks on eBay but HONESTLY! I have never been ripped off and I have spent thousands and sold hundreds on ebay.

I guess you have to be a critical thinker: If you see a Rolex Watch for 100 dollars and its a new one: Its probably a scam. If you dont check the sellers history then you are a fool to spend a lot of money with him/her.