Locating a CPU with a particular stepping...

[bliab]

... is it hard to do?

I have a dual system and have been told that SMP might not work with two CPUs with different stepping. Is this true?

I'm going to upgrade single CPU and will probably want to go for dual in a few months. Will it be difficult to locate a CPU (say PIII-600e or 700 flipchip) of the same stepping on an auction site (what's up with the 'e' one being a forbidden word?) or somthing? Will any retailers tell you the stepping of a CPU they sell?

Thanks,
bliab

 

[kimber]

i'd try right here in the for sale forum.

 

[NOS440]

Its not just the stepping as in cBo and cC0 its the S-Spec that you need to match which in turn has the same stepping.

 

[Kowan]

bliab, just have the S-Spec numbers handy when you call a vendor up. Ask if you can get a cC0 guaranteed shipped. I've seen some site ask for a premium for a cB0 over a cA0.
Intel S-Specs