Beware Of Fake / Remarked AMD / Intel OEM CPUs

Based on recent events, I thought it to be a good idea to write up a
guide on spotting re-marked CPUs. This is due to the relatively high
volume of fake XP 3200 s being sold on internet auctions and lesser
known OEM sellers.

First, allow me to explain exactly what these fakes are. Generally
they are XP 2500 s that have been modified to use a 200Mhz FSB. That
effectively makes them a 3200 , since they both use the same core
(Barton) and the same multiplier of 11. They both use a Vcore of 1.65v,
and in fact, the only differences are that the 2500 uses a 166Mhz FSB,
while the 3200 uses a 200Mhz FSB.

Note that all Barton cores
are made on the same equipment at the same plant (in fact, all AMD
cores are made there ATM) in Dresden, Germany, and its the packaging
(fiberglass that the core is seated in) that determines the CPUs speed.
Cores that test out higher get a higher PR (Performance Rating), those
that test out lower get a lower PR. Note that many 2500 s can do a
200Mhz FSB on stock Vcore, but this does not mean that all can. This is
how most folks find out something is wrong, the chip may have problems
running as a 3200 , causing them to start investigating.

Here is a picture of a real 3200 :



And here is one of a fake 3200 :



Can you spot the difference?

The L-12 bridges control the FSB speed, here is the L-12 area on the real one:



And here is the same area on the fake one:



On
a real 200Mhz FSB chip, the L-12s will all be completely virginal,
and on the fake ones, the first one is cut. Now, sometimes the people
modifying them will leave the L-12s alone on the top of the chip, but
connect the corresponding pins on the underside.

Also note the modification to the L-3 area, the L-3's control the multiplier, in this case, it wasn't a 2500 originally.

One
more thing to look for, look at the OPN sticker on the fake, notice the
distorted looking font. It has been erased and prinded over the
original stamped tag.

These fakes are sold as OEM, not retail,
so AMD has no way of controlling them, nor are they covered by any AMD
warranty. Thus it is highly recommended that if you are buying a 3200 ,
you buy a retail packed one. These are boxed by AMD, and are covered by
a 3 year warranty.

If you have purchased a fake chip, you
should contact the seller immediately, and you can also contact AMDs
Investigations Department.

Unfortunately,
most of the time, there is little that can be done, as the chips tend
to be sold off internet auctions or companies that are here today, gone
tomorrow.

I hope that this will
help some people recognize if they have been sold a fake chip, and
help them get the ball rolling towards at least recouping their losses,
if not getting a full replacement with a real 3200 .

I think it is important to understand that "fake" and/or remarked
processors can occur with any processor model and manufacturer and not
just the Athlon XP. Generally speaking, any processor is subject to
remarking, however, Retail Box products are much less susceptible since
the remarker would have to not only remark the processor, but all the
packaging as well.