MacBook has different SNs

[petisjioweelsha]

So, I just bought a MacBook 7.1 (Mid 2010) from what by all appearances is a reputable eBay seller of used Macs. One of those companies that buys and sells used Apple stuff.
I just noticed that the serial number on the bottom case is different from the SN that is shown in System Profile. They are very similar, in fact I didn't even notice it at first because they have the same first four characters and the same last three characters. Only the middle four do not match.

I am not well versed in the used Mac landscape or in the used anything landscape for that matter. My only other experience with used Macs was a different one from eBay a few years ago from a similar seller that I ended-up returning because of a DOA firewire port.

Is this within the realm of normal? Or did I unknowingly buy a 6 year old, $200 MacBook from a chop shop?

 

[ApfelKuchen]

This disparity of serial numbers can be due to a main logic board replacement. The similarity of the serial numbers suggests it was a legitimate repair, rather than a "chop," but I'm not expert in these matters, so don't take my word on it.

 

[8692574]

This disparity of serial numbers can be due to a main logic board replacement. The similarity of the serial numbers suggests it was a legitimate repair, rather than a "chop," but I'm not expert in these matters, so don't take my word on it.

Or they could have replaced the bottom of the computer...as in the bottom shell...

 

[petisjioweelsha]

This disparity of serial numbers can be due to a main logic board replacement. The similarity of the serial numbers suggests it was a legitimate repair, rather than a "chop," but I'm not expert in these matters, so don't take my word on it.

Yes, I suppose a logic board replacement does make much more sense than there being a secret underground network that traffics in 'chopped' borderline vintage Macs. I guess imagination run a bit wild...
[doublepost=1477467006][/doublepost]

Or they could have replaced the bottom of the computer...as in the bottom shell...

My mind can't help but wonder why, though...?
Blood stains from a murder, perhaps?

I may not have the mental fortitude to handle used goods

 

[8692574]

My mind can't help but wonder why, though...?
Blood stains from a murder, perhaps?

Well If I fix computers I might have a broken computer with perfect shell and a working computer with a beat up case... i can fix that easily and sell the working one at a higher price if i swap cases ...

EDIT:
It could have been all scratched up ...or have a dent.... and easy fix to make it "look newer" is to replace the beat up part

 

[petisjioweelsha]

Well If I fix computers I might have a broken computer with perfect shell and a working computer with a beat up case... i can fix that easily and sell the working one at a higher price if i swap cases ...

EDIT:
It could have been all scratched up ...or have a dent.... and easy fix to make it "look newer" is to replace the beat up part

Scratched or dented like from a murder.

 

[8692574]

Scratched or dented like from a murder.

Well that is a possibility I am sure you can kill someone by smashing a MacBook pro in their had....but why would you risk ruining a Mac?

 

[powerhead]

I've got the same thing with my current MacBook air early '14 model (bought used), the only difference is two middle characters in the serial number, the rest are all the same. I could tell it was refurbished as the battery had less then 10 cycles on it. I inquired with apple support staff who confirmed it was a warranty repair and advised to use the serial as reported by OSX, not the one on the lid. Also honoured the apple care warranty.

 

[Cat Dancer]

I had a mid 2012 15' MBP that was in and out of the Memphis Mac Hospital 8 or 10 time before they finally replaced it with a with a 2014 model rMBP 15".

On the 2nd to last return to me, the bottom case had a terrible dent that I expected to prevent the Mac from booting up. It did boot, but I arranged for it to go back to Memphis.

When it returned again for the last time, the SN on the bottom case was a Generic listing with a few repetitive zeros. The logic board had been replaced several times over those 2 years and the SN showing up in the OS X about the Mac drop down were always different.

As stated above, Apple continued to Support this Mac until they threw in the towel and replaced it.

 

[petisjioweelsha]

Sounds like logic board replacements are fairly common. I guess I've been somewhat lucky with the few Macs that I've had. My Titanium PowerBook G4 lasted for about 6 years of daily use before the graphics basically died.
My Late 2009 Mini seems to doing ok, although sometimes the monitor will not kick-in at the first start up of the day.