[ManakaJunpei]

So at this point i'm just trying to decide whether to use DNA or say the chip wasnt inside like ManakaJunpei said here. I think im leaning more towards the missing chip but If I said this im just wondering if I would have to send everything back (without the chip ofc) but regardless, if I had to send the box back, I think DNA would be the best/least hassle method.

I'd say both options are valid, DNA is always a secure way of SE'ing (do sign with a fake signature if you have to) secondly I have done 3 CPU's with missing chip and none had to be send back in my experience this is Europe though, I'm unfamiliar with how that would work in US keeping this in mind you should be able to make your decision
Hope it goes well!~

To elaborate on this post, with saying the chip isnt in the package I always say that I checked the little window that all the cpu boxes have ( where u can see the cpu from the outside ) and tell them it wasnt in there, then they might ask you to open the box and you do so and tell them it's really not in there, all of these were Ryzen 7 2700x for me but I think the little window in the box for CPU's is universal (do check) all of them were with Amazon chat support (not bot)