[dnp]

When browsing online stores, the only information usually provided on a processor is a manufacturer code such as AXDA2500DKV4D (for an athlon XP 2500).
Is there any way of finding out the stepping/week number from this code, or otherwise?

[Susquehannock]

Can I assume we are talking AMD?

Here's the coding on the 1700 I'm using in my other
rig as an example:

AXDA 1700DLT3C 9346856280167
JIUHB 0307VPWM ## 1999 AMD

The "JIUHB" refers to the stepping. The "B" designates
this as a Thoroughbred B core.

The "0307" shows which week it was produced.

The "DUT3C" code shows ....
the package type, default operating voltage, maxumum die
temp, level 2 cache size and max system bus speed.
.... In that order.

Hope this helps.

[Gnufsh]

You have to look at your CPU. If you have a Pally, it will be on the core. If you have a Tbred or Barton, it is on a black "sticker" on the packaging (not the retail box, the pcb that contains the core).

[Susquehannock]

Yep.

Also ... the Pally have a square core where the Thoroughbred
have a rectangular core.
In addition, the Pally are identified as "AX####" whereas the
Tbred are "AXDA####".

At least that's what I've observed from my CPU's.
Here's a picture from the net that compares the
2200 Tbred A and 2100 Pally if that helps:



And here is a German webpage that has compares the two:
http://www.hardtecs4u.com/reviews/20...red/index3.php

Hope this thread helps you get the best CPU possible.

[UberBlue]

Originally posted by dnp
When browsing online stores, the only information usually provided on a processor is a manufacturer code such as AXDA2500DKV4D (for an athlon XP 2500).
Is there any way of finding out the stepping/week number from this code, or otherwise?

Web sites rarely list stepping and week. If they do it's only because it's a desireable stepping and are charging a premium for it.

[dnp]

Kind of what I feared/expected

So if I'm looking for an unlocked Barton, its basically luck of the draw then?

[UberBlue]

Originally posted by dnp
Kind of what I feared/expected

So if I'm looking for an unlocked Barton, its basically luck of the draw then?

Pretty much. You're gonna pay a small premium for a guaranteed unlocked barton.

One option you migh try... Hit up all the local mom and pop computer stores in the area. You might get lucky.