I Need Advice: Is this CPU being sold on eBay an Engineering Sample?

Hello guys, I just purchased this CPU a few days ago on eBay,

http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Core2-DUO...0?hash=item1c0b2a8d98&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

The Seller told me it was not an Engineering Sample. I just wanted to get your second opinions about this. I noticed that in the cpu-z screenshot that it does not say "ES" which would usually indicate that it is an Engineering Sample. What do you guys think? Thanks a lot in Advance!

 

If it was ES it would say ES on the actual CPU, on the pics I can't see ES. My guess would be it's not an ES.

 

Doesnt seem to be an ES CPU. But that CPU originally had a ball-grid array (BGA), and has a PGA adapter.

 

It looks like it might be a scam!! Have to be careful with Ebay!

 

It looks like it's an OEM. I purchased a T8300 from the same seller in the past; which turned out fine.

 

OK thanks, that is reassuring news

 

And how is that?

 

If it does not say ES, it would usually indicate otherwise.
It should say ES on the CPU if it really is ES.
If your CPU looks identical to the one shown on auction, it is not ES.

 

even if it is an es that doesnt mean your system will self destruct by using it.
Don't know why people get so hyper about this.

 

Intel.com lists two production models, SL9SD and SL9SJ.

 

Only keep it if it's an SL9SD.
If it's an SL9SJ, send it back as this is supposed to be a BGA processor. Pins would need to be soldered in order to work on as a PGA processor, and this would make it unstable..

This information is based on an email inquiry made to Intel regarding Core 2 Duo T7400 processors [SL9SK], which are also BGA processors, but sold as PGA processors. And of course, the pins were soldered on by a third party.

 

nacholambre - I'm also curious why you think the CPU that eessie bought is a "scam".

 

While using the trial version of Everest Ultimate (PC systems profiler software, parent company Lavalys), I discovered that it is able to detect whether the installed CPU is an engineering sample and report accordingly. Admittedly this information is of use primarily for those who use or will use the software, but there are many other systems profiler software on the market and I imagine at least some of them are able to detect engineering sample CPUs also.

 

Well in their ad it says the following "Step Code: SL9SJ (Function and PGA set same as SL9SD)"

It was my understanding that means that they use an adapter so that the cpu has a pin array grid? Is that correct and if so would that setup be unstable?

 

Thanks for that piece of info

 

You're correct that PC's usually don't blow up if they have an engineering sample (ES) CPU installed , but one less dramatic drawback of ES CPU's is their temperature sensor diode is often not activated and cannot be re-activated.

I bought a used Dell XPS M1330 notebook PC with a ES Intel T9300 CPU 7 months ago and 5 months later its nVidia GPU (GeForce 8400M GS) failed. The original warranty had expired but fortunately Dell had extended warranty coverage for nVidia-related problems by 12 months and Dell replaced the GPU (and motherboard, since GPU was integrated) under the extended warranty. During the repair process, the Dell tech, who apparently did not discover the CPU was an ES, determined that the CPU's temperature sensor was not working and expressed his concern that this lack of temperature feedback may have caused overheating of the GPU and its subsequent failure. He recommended strongly that I replace the CPU, but I decided to see if a notebook cooling pad would be an adequate compensatory measure. So far so good with the cooling pad and new GPU...

 

Yes thats true some es chips have bad/no temp sensors, you should investigate which one to buy, you can do that investigation on these boards among many places.
I don't say buy an es cpu with your eyes closed (or at all), but in a lot of cases the es cpu will run just as well as an official released one for about 1/2-1/3 the price.
People shouldnt freak out over it like if they have a time bomb inside their machine is all.
Yes it's not legal but that's something everyone should decide for their own (if they mind/care).
People buying es cpus don't have to be burned at a stake imo buying them is a little less evil than comitting genocide

 

When I bought my current Dell M1330 with its ES CPU, I did not fully understand the implications: good, bad, and neutral. Interestingly, the original owner stated to me that the ES CPU may be worth more than the standard CPU. Of course, now I think he was trying to bolster my confidence in the CPU. Still, I wonder--is it conceivable some ES CPUs are considered "valuable" compared to their standard counterparts?

Anyway, aside from the possible role of the ES CPU in the nVidia GPU breakdown, I've had no problems with my M1330 and its ES CPU. It does everything pretty well for a small, compact, and light PC, including graphics-intensive tasks.

PG

 

It's a BGA with an adaptor stuck to the back.

That one, notice the light green where the pins are, compared to the original.

If it's a bad adaptor, the computer could experience freezing if the adaptor becomes detached. Also, the CPU + adaptor will be slightly thicker than a normal CPU.

 

unlocked multipliers, overclockability? the monetary value higher than official release not very likely.

 

It seems more likely to me that the second picture was taken with poor lighting.

 

Nope. If anything, an ES is worth less because it's a pre-production testing model, often without thermal sensors.

 

Depends if the BIOS allows it. If it doesnt, doing this stuff in windows would result in a crash or just reverting back to the initial settings. ES CPUs are useful for custom-built desktops with unlocked BIOSs.

The CPUs with adapters are mostly fine. There have been complaints but not many. Depends if you wanna save those couple of 50 bucks. It really depends upon the quality of the adapter and the equipment used to set it up. This stuff is mostly done in China though

 

I just received the CPU today from China, will have a tech do the install for me, hopefully everything goes well!

 

um... no. It's more likely to be an adaptor stuck on the bottom.

Notice the light green outline on the CPUs in my previous links, but not in the eBay one and how there's an '002' and some gold colored rectangles and circles printed and visible on the CPUs in my links but partially covered up on the eBay one because of the adaptor.

Such things are possible.