u/Healthy-Mulberry4440

Hi everyone,

I recently picked up a lot of 10 Intel Core i5-8500 (SR3XE) processors and 6 sticks of Micron DDR4 2666MHz RAM at a local flea market. The seller claimed they were decommissioned from an office fleet.

The RAM works perfectly, but I’m having a strange issue with the CPUs.

The Mystery: All 10 CPUs have the exact same markings on the Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS), including the Batch/Serial number: V733B857.

• However, the numbers on the green substrate (PCB) are different for each unit (e.g., one says 01787, another 02838).
• This suggests the PCBs are unique, but the lids are either from the same huge OEM batch or... something else is going on.

The Technical Problem: I’m testing them on an ASUS H310M-R R2.0 motherboard.

• When I hit the power button, the CPU fan starts spinning.
• However, there is no POST and no beeps from the speaker.
• The board behaves exactly the same way whether a CPU is installed or not (fans spin, but total silence).

What I’ve tried:

1. Tested the RAM — all 6 sticks are 100% functional.
2. Verified the motherboard — it works fine with other 8th gen CPUs.
3. Cleared CMOS and checked for bent pins (socket is perfect).
4. Cleaned the contact pads with an eraser and isopropyl alcohol.

My Questions:

1. Is it possible for a large OEM order (like Dell or HP) to have the same FPO/Batch number engraved on the lid for the entire lot?
2. Does the "fans spin, no beeps" behavior on an ASUS H310 board suggest a BIOS/microcode incompatibility (U0 stepping), or are these likely "dead" units from a power surge?
3. Could these be high-quality "re-marked" fakes (e.g., Celerons laser-engraved as i5s), considering the identical serials?

Has anyone encountered a batch of CPUs like this before? Any advice on how to get them to talk?