So opening a brand new intel Q6600 box and I drop chip, it hits
on its side. Corner is very slightly chipped.

All pictures were taken with my crappy phone camera but the damaged corner in the
TOP RIGHT in all photos.

Maybe the pictures are worthless but I felt stupid
asking the question without posting some sort of pics.

Pics... (top right 1/2 chipped 1/2 smushed. Apologies for lack of quality)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whinson/2769585623/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whinson/2770433794/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/whinson/2769586803/

1) Chip damaged?

_____________
Maybe too much information but newegg's RMA policy for processors is
very specific in that "CPUs that are chipped, burnt or have bent/broken pins are considered physically damaged and cannot be returned for refund or replacement. Physical damage includes (but is not limited to) improper handling and any other type of damage sustained by irregular use."

My only defense is that the CPU never touched my hands, but rather flew out of the plastic heatsick/chip package when I popped it open. I only mention this because in all probability this has happened to someone else.


2) Whats my best course of action?

It is difficult to tell what you damaged and if it is important. Try running it first, it may be fine. I don't think you are going to get newegg to RMA that for you.

I dont think you'll have any problems with that chip but newegg take back almost anything almost all the time. Just make sure your pins are straight before you plug it in. You can actually run it for a little while without mounting the hsf, make sure the side case is open and use a large house fan to spread the heat out of the box to check it.
If you do decide to keep it, make sure no point at that chip extends higher than the nickel plate so that the hsf seats properly. Sorry I can't see if there might be any further issues from those picks.

Yeah try running it! 99.99% it should work

though do use it with the heatsink + fan

It may run perfectly fine. You should check first.
Don't run it without the heatsink + fan... There may be consequences if you do that...
http://video.google.com/videoplay? [...] 4265757054
lol