Why You Should AVOID Intel Core 2 Engineering Samples

[Dashken]

The article has just been updated!

Everyone loves Intel engineering samples. They are special handpicked samples for reviewers that are more overclockable and have unlocked multipliers. Or do they?

We take a look at the Core 2 Duo engineering samples and show you why they are not the processors that everyone thinks they are. Should you buy one, or not? Read on and find out.

Here is the update:-

- Added a section on identifying Core 2 Duo engineering samples by their laser-etched markings.
- Minor corrections and changes.

Link : Why You Should AVOID Core 2 Duo Engineering Samples Rev. 2.0

[Dashken]

The article has just been updated!

Everyone loves Intel engineering samples. They are special handpicked samples for reviewers that are more overclockable and have unlocked multipliers. Or do they?

We take a look at the Core 2 Duo engineering samples and show you why they are not the processors that everyone thinks they are. Should you buy one, or not? Read on and find out.

Here are the updates:-

- Added a section on Other Problems - Poor Overclockability, Substandard Clock Speed and Single Core
- Minor corrections and changes

Link : Why You Should AVOID Core 2 Duo Engineering Samples Rev. 3.0

[tycheah_7]

i am just wondering if you guys are aware of those CPUs sold at some forums around in msia. I am planning to get a new rig with c2d based PC and was wondering weather those sold around in forums such as :
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/473895
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/453212

Are these units genuine retail units and would i be getting the full 3 years warranty from intel ? These chips are at least rm100-150 cheaper than those sold in retail. Very tempting...

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by tycheah_7

i am just wondering if you guys are aware of those CPUs sold at some forums around in msia. I am planning to get a new rig with c2d based PC and was wondering weather those sold around in forums such as :
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/473895
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/453212

Are these units genuine retail units and would i be getting the full 3 years warranty from intel ? These chips are at least rm100-150 cheaper than those sold in retail. Very tempting...

Well, simple answer is to eyeball the processor yourself. We have already shown you how to ID ES processors in the guide. It's really quite simple to identify these processors.

But generally, ES processors are sold as-is, like OEM processors. That means only the processor is sold, without any box, documentation or cooler. If the coolers you are interested is comes in a full box, then it's a retail unit. They could be stolen processors (remember the LARGE bunch of Intel proces that got stolen not too long ago?) but boxed units are definitely retail units.

[tycheah_7]

Originally Posted by Adrian Wong

Well, simple answer is to eyeball the processor yourself. We have already shown you how to ID ES processors in the guide. It's really quite simple to identify these processors.

But generally, ES processors are sold as-is, like OEM processors. That means only the processor is sold, without any box, documentation or cooler. If the coolers you are interested is comes in a full box, then it's a retail unit. They could be stolen processors (remember the LARGE bunch of Intel proces that got stolen not too long ago?) but boxed units are definitely retail units.

I was fully aware of the stolen proces not too long ago but was surprised that these sellers confirms that the proces sold are fully covered warranty of 3 years by intel. This might put myself on a really hot seat if these proces are really stolen if i were to claim any warranty from intel...

[Chai]

But according to the list it's likely that they are genuine. I mean, unless they stole the whole inventory of one of the computer shop, it's unlikely everything in there are stolen.

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by tycheah_7

I was fully aware of the stolen proces not too long ago but was surprised that these sellers confirms that the proces sold are fully covered warranty of 3 years by intel. This might put myself on a really hot seat if these proces are really stolen if i were to claim any warranty from intel...

Well, the only way to be sure is to check with Intel if those processors are stolen or not. There's no way for us to visually determine if they are stolen without checking the lot numbers.

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by Chai

But according to the list it's likely that they are genuine. I mean, unless they stole the whole inventory of one of the computer shop, it's unlikely everything in there are stolen.

Oh, the robbers raided a warehouse and made off with a whole bunch Intel processors. I forgot how many but we are definitely talking about container-loads.

[Dashken]

Everyone loves Intel engineering samples. They are special handpicked samples for reviewers that are more overclockable and have unlocked multipliers. Or do they?

We take a look at the Core 2 engineering samples and show you why they are not the processors that everyone thinks they are. Should you buy one, or not? Read on and find out.

Link : Why You Should AVOID Intel Core 2 Engineering Samples Rev. 4.0

[Zenphic]

I wouldn't want to be person to find out that he/she got an ES isntead of a retail...

Is there people illegally selling ES of AMD processors? That is, if they exist?