Problems looking for a Barton?

[nightmare3215]

I've called up a few computer stores around here and asked if they had any 1700, 1800 t-breds in, but they didn't have something in "that old". Then I asked about a barton 2500, and they had those in. I then asked about if they had any in before week 39, and they said that they couldn't tell me because they would have to open the packaging and then it wouldn't be retail anymore. I've heard of other people on the forums hand pick out their processor, but how?? They were being pretty big $@%!#$@ about it too.

 

[Graphic67]

It has to do with the retailer you were dealing with. The date code on AMD retail cpus has been visible through the packaging for quite some time. That particular vendor simply did not want to look. They probably do not have any that old since the discussion of locked Bartons has been going on for several weeks and people have already picked up the unlocked ones.

 

[DaWiper]

Knowing the people at the store helps a lot. Many shops sell both retail and bulk version of the cpu. The retail is packed in a amazingly big plasticbox and comes with a HSF and a sticker. The bulks are delivered to the store packed several on a tray looking thing. If they sell bulk-bartons they should easily be able to read the core without any problems...

 

[nightmare3215]

I guess I'm screwed

I don't know anyone at those computer stores, so I'm just giving up. I really don't need to go to a random computer store to have them try to be a @$$ to me. So, they won't get my money.

Well, couldnt I just show up there, look through the plastic myself and determine if thats what I want?

 

[nightmare3215]

If I go there?

What exactly should I be looking for through the box? Can you give me an example of what one would have on it that I should buy?

 

[Cornel]

Compare the stepping of the processor you wanna buy with the ones on this list

 

[Graphic67]

The cpu core will have a clack sticker with white printing. The first line of type contains the processor OPN which identifies the cpu family, speed rating, voltage, cache, temperature rating, etc...

The second line begins with five letters which make up the stepping code (something like a revision and/or lot number). The four numbers following this are the date code in yyww (year & week) format. Ideally, you are looking for a barton with a date code of 0338 or earlier.