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Are same model CPUs different?

K

Kristijonas

Senior member
Are same model CPUs different? For example a processor that was manufactured NOW vs. a processor of the very same model that was manufactured a year ago? Is it possible that they add fixes/upgrades/tweaks/etc during the years ?
 
Kristijonas said:
Are same model CPUs different? For example a processor that was manufactured NOW vs. a processor of the very same model that was manufactured a year ago? Is it possible that they add fixes/upgrades/tweaks/etc during the years ?
Click to expand...

Yep, new steppings can have bugfixes.

Usually dosent affect performance much though.
 
Is there any way to find out more about the CPUs you're buying? Perhaps there's a longer model number and it's possible to decipher it for a casual buyer? I'm sure many perfectionists would appreciate knowing how!
 
People used to obsess about that, trying to figure out steppings, which location (Malaysia or Costa Rica) it came from, etc. Used to make a difference with some CPUs in the past, but doesn't seem as big a deal these days. Enthusiasts have gone on to bigger and better things to obsess over, such as why their SSD underperforms the same one in a review by 5%, or why their online buddies are able to overclock their same GPUs to 875MHz but they are only able to get 840MHz, or why their CPU runs at 57°C while some random online person reports 55°C and it bothers them so much they tell everyone in forums that they are about to cry.

Names have been changed to protect the innocent as well as the guilty.
 
Zap said:
Names have been changed to protect the innocent as well as the guilty.
Click to expand...

What names? You mean Malaysia/Costa Rica?

And yes, newer steppings often are better and are accompanied with newer, faster models.

However, there are different CPUs with the same model # such as the Core 2 e6000 series and newer Pentium e6000 series. Also, AMD's x2 5000+/5200+ in original AM2 flavor and the cut-down Denebs (phenom 2 x4) in AM3 flavor.
 
Kristijonas said:
Is there any way to find out more about the CPUs you're buying? Perhaps there's a longer model number and it's possible to decipher it for a casual buyer? I'm sure many perfectionists would appreciate knowing how!
Click to expand...

Recent Intel chips have the SPEC number listed on the side of the box and engraved in the surface of the heatspreader (which is visible). You can search for the SPEC on Intel's Ark to get a variety of details including the stepping (click on "ORDERING / SSPECS / STEPPINGS").
 
On occasion Intel and AMD announce a stepping update. Sometime they do not, but a announcement of a higher clocked sku can indicate the silicon is superior. Which can result in better o/c for the enthusiast. Intel recently released the 2700K, and imo from reading o/c forums , I'm seeing slightly higher o/c's/@ given voltages. On lower priced sku's.

To add what Zap mentioned, years ago, I paid a premium for a Celeron 300A, I believe it was from Malaysia, and a wanted batch #. It added to the mystique of the hobby back then. I think I paid under a 125.00 dollars 🙂.
 
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