Should I Avoid "ES" Processors?

I was thinking about buying this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Core-2-Du...17QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCPUs?hash=item2c51bbf915

However, I do not know if I should. Are Intel ES processors truly stolen material, and defective, like I heard online?

 

Take a search on NBR for your answer. Why I avoid ES processors is typically because some lack temperature sensors and are extensively tested, shortening lifespan.

 

That is a used (taken from a working system) ES processor. No way I would pay $140 for that.

 

I'm not aware of Intel going after users once they have the CPU itself, though i have heard of them leaning on Ebay to kill auctions. Regardless, don't bother unless you absolutely have to have a CPU at some exotic clock speed (I mean one that isnt available as a production chip).

ES processor's one advantage was they almost always had unlocked multipliers (so easy overclocks). Intel no longer has their ES samples with unlocked multiplers (save for the Extreme line) so don't believe what a seller may say or insinuate.

sgogeta4 is also right that the vast overwhelming majority of ES CPUs do not have the temperature sensors required for downclocking/self protection. They could be ticking timebombs if the ES you buy has been in a death struggle in a computer. Also ES samples tend to draw more more power because their downclocking abilities can be compromised.

 

I would avoid ES processors as well, but QS is a different matter. These are "final" ES processors that have the temperature sensors, and are basically equivalent to production ones.
I'm using a 3.06ghz X9100 QS in my system right now. I've had it for almost a year now, no problems at all.

Sellers on ebay will tend to proclaim QS everywhere when it actually is a QS. And $140 for a used ES processor seems a little steep, even if it is the cheapest T9400 on ebay right now.

 

Thank you guys! I will hold off and wait until I have more money then. I don't want to invest in something and have it suck. Thanks again.

 

ES processors can be better quality than retail processors and significantly less expensive but you have to do alot of research and buy from a trusted seller. I bought my ES Q9200 from shirleyfu on Ebay and it performs very well. The ES processors will not have the same name on the chip as retail versions for example, Q9200 will have versions such as QAJF, QAVS or QAVR. The QAJF version does not have temperature sensors. Some of the notebook ES's will also be configured for different sockets then modded by soldering extra pins to fit notebook sockets--dangerous and not likely to hold up over typical heating and cooling cycles.

 

I would buy from shirleyfu, but only if the price was low.

 

Thanks. I want a temperature sensor so I probably shouldn't buy an ES.

 

how would you tel if it had tmp sensor or not ? would no CPU temps be shown on HWM ?

 

You would be able to tell by the spec number.

As posted already, QAJF doesn't have the thermal sensor.

 

Not one person mentioned the legality of purchasing a CPU that is still the property of Intel and which Intel expressly prohibits from being sold or bartered. The ebay seller has no right to sell it, and in buying it you would be party to theft.


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Good point. +rep.

 

well they sure don't hide the fact they are selling ES CPU . Intel should contact e-bay and put a stop to these sales .

 

What about this one? Is this ES, and/or a good deal?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Core-2-Du...90QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCPUs?hash=item56371c6bfe

 

Not a great price IMO.