M3 Ultra with 256 or 512 GB RAM from China on eBay...concerns?

[rb2112]

hi all, I am considering getting a M3 Ultra Mac Studio with high RAM for local LLM. Saw listings on eBay with origin: China. Are these able to be protected with AppleCare? Concerned about support for non-US models. Thanks.

 

[chill991]

And sellers with zero feedback. Prices too good to be true. Use caution. Apple knows which serial numbers are in the US. These grey market products would not be covered. They maybe some cheap clone, like the iPhone clones.

 

[maflynn]

Why would you want to take a chance? Applecare is an extended warrenty, and you're buying used - odds are high you have no warranty, and you're taking some serious risks.

 

[whwang]

Don't. Too risky.

 

[rb2112]

Why would you want to take a chance? Applecare is an extended warrenty, and you're buying used - odds are high you have no warranty, and you're taking some serious risks.

They "why" should be obvious...price.

 

[maflynn]

They "why" should be obvious...price.

The old adage, "if its too good to be true, then it probably is" fits appropriately.

 

[chmania]

hi all, I am considering getting a M3 Ultra Mac Studio with high RAM for local LLM. Saw listings on eBay with origin: China. Are these able to be protected with AppleCare? Concerned about support for non-US models. Thanks.

If the seller offers a no-questions-asked return policy (like Aliexpress) and at least a one-year guarantee, it's worth buying. China has become a technological powerhouse by building trust, something that isn’t always as reliable with "Western" companies.

 

[rb2112]

Don't. Too risky.

I agree, too risky. Instead, I made my purchase from the Apple Refurbished store. Now time to pack up and sell my M4 Max base model!