Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!hp-pcd!hpsgwp!plim From: plim@hpsgwp.sgp.hp.com (Peter Lim) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.misc Subject: Re: Re: 80386-33 and "double sigma rule" ?? Message-ID: <3360002@hpsgwp.sgp.hp.com> Date: 22 Nov 90 02:04:09 GMT References: <15882@cbmvax.commodore.com> Organization: HP Singapore IC Design Ctr Lines: 43 / jimf@idayton.field.intel.com (Jim Fister) / 11:30 pm Nov 20, 1990 / writes: > Double sigma marks were put on all 386DX (TM) parts to signify that the part was > fully tested an 100% guaranteed and such for quite a long time. My > understanding is that very few of the unmarked (and not quite right) parts > actually made it to the consumer. If you find an old part without the > double sigma, call your local Intel sales office or Distributor for your > options. > How old would you classify as old ? One year ? Two year ? I'm the guy who asked the original question on this double sigma issue. And I am about to buy a 33 MHz 386, so .... can't be too careful :-). > Intel stopped marking DX parts around the middle of the year, because the > specific bug is long gone. > Middle of the year as in 1990 June-July ?? I also get the impression that all 386 above 25 MHz does not have any of these double sigma marking anymore. Is that true ? So, am I to assume that ALL 386-33 is "bug free" ?? > Also, Intel specifies the speed of the part on the first line of the chip. > I believe it reads "A80386DX-xx III" or "A80386DX-xx IV" depending on > stepping. The xx denotes the speed of the part, 16,20,25,or 33. Trademark > The III & IV define steeping. Does it also define manufacturing time ? ie. IV being manufactured later than III using a newer mask set ? Thanks for any more info. Regards, . .. ... .- -> -->## Life is fast enough as it is ........ Peter Lim. ## .... DON'T PUSH IT !! >>>-------, ########################################### : E-mail: plim@hpsgwg.HP.COM Snail-mail: Hewlett Packard Singapore, : Tel: (065)-279-2289 (ICDS, ICS) | Telnet: 520-2289 1150 Depot Road, __\@/__ Singapore 0410. SPLAT ! #include