OEM Chip vs New Chip: What's the Difference?
The electronic chip on an ink cartridge allows the printer to identify the cartridge, communicate with it, and display information such as cartridge recognition and estimated ink levels.
When a cartridge is remanufactured, manufacturers generally use one of two approaches:
- Reuse the original OEM chip.
- Install a newly manufactured replacement chip.
Both methods are common within the remanufacturing industry, but they differ in how they interact with the printer and how they respond to firmware updates.
What Is an OEM Chip?
An OEM chip is the original electronic chip installed by the printer manufacturer on a genuine cartridge.
During the remanufacturing process, the cartridge is cleaned, rebuilt, refilled, tested, and returned to service with its original chip still attached.
Because the chip stores information from its previous use, the printer may continue to display messages such as "Previously Used," "Used Cartridge," or "Ink Levels Unavailable." These messages do not necessarily indicate that the cartridge is empty or defective.
Cartridges using OEM chips commonly:
- Are recognized by the printer as genuine OEM hardware.
- May not reset the ink level indicator.
- May display "Used Cartridge" messages.
- Continue printing normally after installation.
What Is a New Chip?
A new chip is a replacement electronic chip manufactured specifically for a compatible cartridge model.
Unlike a reused OEM chip, a new chip is designed to behave similarly to the chip on a new cartridge.
Depending on the printer model, a replacement chip may:
- Display full or estimated ink levels.
- Eliminate "Previously Used" messages.
- Provide a user experience similar to installing a new cartridge.
Not every printer supports every replacement chip, and compatibility depends on the cartridge family and printer firmware.
Firmware Updates and Cartridge Compatibility
Printer manufacturers periodically release firmware updates that change how printers identify and authenticate cartridges.
Because OEM chips are original manufacturer components, they are generally less susceptible to compatibility issues caused by firmware updates.
Replacement chips may occasionally require redesign after a manufacturer changes its authentication process. Until an updated chip becomes available, some remanufactured cartridges may no longer be recognized by affected printers.
For this reason, some users choose to disable automatic firmware updates unless the update addresses a specific printer issue.
HP Dynamic Security and e-Series Printers
Some HP printers include authentication features, including Dynamic Security, that verify cartridge chips before printing.
Certain cartridge families—including some models that use HP 902, 910, 952, and 962 series cartridges—may require original OEM chips for reliable operation in remanufactured cartridges.
Compatibility varies by printer model and firmware version, so customers should always verify cartridge compatibility before purchasing.
OEM Chips vs. New Chips
| Feature | OEM Chip | New Chip |
|---|---|---|
| Original manufacturer component | ✓ | ✗ |
| Displays accurate ink levels | Sometimes limited | Usually |
| May display "Previously Used" message | Yes | Usually no |
| Firmware resistance | Generally higher | Depends on chip design |
| Printing performance | Comparable | Comparable |
Which Is Better?
Neither approach is universally better.
OEM chips are often preferred when firmware compatibility is the highest priority, while replacement chips are commonly chosen when customers want current ink-level reporting and a user experience that more closely resembles a new cartridge.
When properly remanufactured and tested, cartridges using either OEM chips or replacement chips can provide reliable print quality and page yield. The best choice depends on the printer model, firmware version, and the features most important to the user.