Intel, in a brief statement, confirmed on Monday that "at least one counterfeit version of its Core i7-920 processor" trickled its way into the U. S. market. A spokesperson from the hardware giant said, "We are trying to determine how many more are out there".

It started on Friday, when hardware site HardOCP reported that a counterfeit processor was received by one of its forum members, from Newegg, which is an online seller of computers and components. As reported, the customer "found a fake processor and a plastic mold of a heat sink and fan".

Nick Jacobs, an Intel spokesman, in an e-mail, said, "Intel has been made aware of the potential for counterfeit i7-920 packages in the marketplace and is working to identify how many and/or where they are being sold".

"The examples we have seen are not Intel products but are counterfeits", wrote Jacobs.

"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".

How the counterfeit chip ended up for sale at Newegg is not clear as of now.

As reported by HardOCP, "When notified of the problem, Newegg shipped a genuine processor to the affected customer".

Newegg could not be reached for comment.