Understanding Athlon Stepping

[ManDooM]

The only way I can understand the difference in steppings is by looking at the price and assuming that the more expensive ones are "better." I don't even know what a "stepping" is! If you know what you're talking about please post some explanations for all to read and understand. Us newbs would appreciate it!

 

[Shimmishim]

Basically, steppings are ways of identifying a chip.

so something like...

AXMA 2400 F J Q 4 C

AXMA the first 4 letters identify the processor core architecture / brand name (this case Mobile Athlon

2400 model number

F package type

J operational voltage

Q maximum die temperature

4 level 2 cache size

C maximum system-bus (front size bus) speed

more info here

 

[Shimmishim]

IQYHA0402RPMW

so the first 5 letters ....

well it seems as though as chips mature the letters change...

so i know with the 2500+'s..

they used to be like... AQXEA

and now.... it's something like IQYHA

the more mature, the later the letters are in the alphabet but at some point it cycles back to A


the 4 numbers represent the month and week of production

so 0402 = 2nd week of april


the last 4 letters...

never really understood what they were...

 

[ManDooM]

That's perfect, thanks!

 

[Hyperlite]

i think you already knew this Doom, but eXcaliberpc.com has stepping selections...

 

[Nickel020]

0402 actually means second week of the year 2004, not second week of April (4th month)

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: Nickel020
0402 actually means second week of the year 2004, not second week of April (4th month)

my bad...

i thought something was fishy with what i said

0413 would be the 13th week of april then

 

[PrayForDeath]

Originally posted by: Shimmishim

Originally posted by: Nickel020
0402 actually means second week of the year 2004, not second week of April (4th month)

my bad...

i thought something was fishy with what i said

0413 would be the 13th week of april then

Ahh, the 13th week of 2k4!