How can I be sure I'll get a Mobile Barton 2400+ (overclockable to 2.8ghz)

[cremator]

My friend bought a Mobile Barton 2400+ and said his was one of the "lucky ones" for overclocking. That being said, I plan to build a new box soon, and that sounds like the best choice for me. However, how can I be sure that'll I'll get one fully capable of those speeds? Aren't some less capable, like, lower voltage?

 

[thelanx]

Processors vary in terms of oc ability. Mobile Bartons usually hit around 2.5GHz on air on average, but it really is a whole range of possible oc ability, so much of it is a hit or miss thing. That said, some steppings may offer you a greater chance of getting a good chip. I'm not too familiar with mobile bartons but I'm sure you can find out which stepping is slightly better. Still, the variability is so large, and the effect of other components of your system, such as motherboard or psu, is so large, that it's hard to say.

 

[trexpesto]

you can pay extra for a better stepping which = a better chance at a better OC, from some place like excaliberPC.com
But no guarantees. Or you can buy a used one from someone that has had it up there.
Does anyone hit 2.8 on air? Check out the mobile OC results thread