Identifying a CPU?

[Dougster]

As per my other recent post, I have been having some problems with a CPU I purchased second hand (233MMX, Socket 7).

After some further investigation and testing in another machine, I have identified beyond reasonable doubt that it is the CPU that is the cause of the problems (instability, freezes and random restarts in W2k).

I also have noticed something else. This CPU runs very very hot... I have no method of measuring how hot in this system, but hot to the extent that I need to let it cool a bit before I can remove it.

This CPU has no markings whatsoever... plain silver with some old "gum" on the top (not old thermal paste, perhaps glue? I added thermal paste on top of this.)

Is there any way that I can check to see what processor this actually is?

I'm thinking that maybe this is less than the 233 Mhz quoted, and that by setting the jumpers on my mobo to 233 and appropriate voltage, I am inadvertently overclocking?

I don't want to go off guns blazing at the guy who sold it to me before I know a little more, as I'm very inexperienced in this area.

Thanks if anyone can give me some pointers.

 

[Dougster]

Duh... I'm an idiot.

I've just notced some markings on the pin side. There is a code: FV80503233

And a voltage: 2.8V

I'm guessing that the 233 on the end of the coed means 233Mhz, and I haven't been duped?

 

[Mavrick007]

If you want to know for sure, clean the crap off the top of the cpu(ie. with acetone(nail polish, paint thinner) or some alcohol) and then check the numbers.

Ok, I just did a search and here's the results on this link FV80503233
It is indeed an Intel 233MMX Pentium.

 

[Dougster]

Thanks very much.

I'm going to mail this guy the situation, and see how he responds. The auction did say "fully tested".

 

[Mavrick007]

Good luck on your deal.

I would make a comment that running Win2k on a P233 is not going to give you great results anyhow. It's a very slow processor for much above Win98. How much ram do you have installed? If you are running Win2K with that P233, I would make sure that I had at least 128Megs to keep it going smooth cause it demands memory.

If your board can take it and you can get your money back from that guy, try an AMD K62 chip. They go up to 550Mhz and would be alot better performing than your P233.

 

[Dougster]

This guys a saint, he's bending over backwards to see me right, couldn't be more helpful. Nice to know people like that are still out there.

Thanks for the advice. It's only got 64Mb, but I don't need it to do much. I'm going to use it as an internet gateway from my cable modem. I chose W2K because I need 24/7 stability and have zero experience of any of the Unix alternatives.

I'm not confident my board will take anything more than 233, so I'm not going to risk it, as I think it'll do the job in hand ok.