Intel has confirmed that a small number of fake Core i7 microprocessors were shipped to online retailer NewEgg, and were sold to consumers.

HardOCP originally reported the story over the weekend, citing members who had been shipped packages containing blank manuals and documentation with typos and other errors, as well as a "huge hunk of plastic" where a fan should have been, and a processor without pinout connections.

Intel confirmed the reports, at least in concept.

"Intel has been made aware of the potential for counterfeit i7 920 packages in the marketplace and is working to how many and/or where they are being sold," a spokesman said via an email sent Monday. "The examples we have seen are not Intel products but are counterfeits. Buyers should contact their place of purchase for a replacement and/or should contact their local law enforcement agency if the place of purchase refuses to help."

NewEgg reportedly called the fake processor boxes "demo units," according to HardOCP, although representatives from the firm had not been able to be reached by press time.

PC Magazine