Is there a way to recognize an "engineering sample" CPU?

[SteveSmith1980]

Here is the deal, I ordered a CPU from a Chinese seller on Ebay. It is an used Pentium 4 670 processor. However, it is unlocked. Is this normal for this processor? I ask this because I had to change the multiplier manually. Could this be a ES CPU?

Are there ways to recognize ES CPUs? Thanks.

 

[joefriday]

If it is "Unlocked" as in in has open mulitpliers from 14x to 19x, then no, it's not an engineering sample. That would be typical of a 6x0 Prescott cpu, as Intel added a speedstep function to the 6x0 series to help cope with heat output.

Now, if the CPU has unlocked multipliers higher than 19x (or lower than 14x) than yes, it is most likely an engineering sample. Other things that engineering sample CPUs have is a "Q-spec" instead of an "S-spec" number on the CPU, as well as the word "Intel Confidential" on the IHS. The IHS could also be completely blank (I've seen it both ways).

 

[SteveSmith1980]

Actually, from the physical looks it look exactly like a legit one, however I find it funny that I have to set the speed manually.

 

[SteveSmith1980]

This is indeed a ES. I just checked with CPUz. It's an Enginnering Sample.