HELP!!! Problem with "new" 900Mhz Tbird

[hydrobum]

Ok, consider me a AMD newbie here. I just got a supposedly new 900Mhz Tbird from this vender down the street from where I work.
Here's whats written on the core:
A0900AMT3B
AGFA0049UPBW
94197650599
1999 AMD

Is this cpu made in 1999? If it is, this thing is past 2 years old!!! Also, I found a faded patch on the core which seems
like if some thermal compound used to be stuck on it. I didn't check it that close while I was in that shop but when I got home and looked at under a bright lamp, I could definitely see it.

So, lets assume this cpu is used before. Is this standard practice for a shop to sell used cpus? I really doubt it. I thought they all should have cpu's without heatsinks on them. And I wonder how long my cpu life would last considering I don't know how long
that cpu was used b4. This just sound very shady to me but I want to confirm with you guys on the forum. :|

Thanks!


UPDATE: I see some faint marks on the L1 bridges. Seems like if someone oc this "new" cpu before and used an erasure to rub off the pencil marks. This is definitely a NO NO for a "NEW" cpu right?

 

[Mandlf]

If that place is down the street, don't even bother trying to install. Just return it. You got screwed. You should have received a new CPU (don't worry about the date, just the condition.) Have heard too many stories about shops selling used as new. You paid for new, you should get new.

 

[lhampel]

see below

 

[lhampel]

The 1999 on the CPU is the copyright date for AMD's Athlon/Duron
Your CPU was manufactured the 49th week of 2000.
Install the CPU & see what it runs @