Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!221.162.fido!Usenet_area_"Cs.I.Pc"
From: 221.162.fido!Usenet_area_"Cs.I.Pc"@watmath.waterloo.edu
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: 80386 Test Suite?
Message-ID: <16211@watmath.waterloo.edu>
Date: 7 Jan 88 14:36:15 GMT
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From Usenet: watmath!codas!karthur
From: karthur@codas.att.com (Kurt_R_Arthur)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: 80386 Test Suite?
Message-ID: <1506@codas.att.com>
Date: 8 Jan 88 15:11:41 GMT
References: <2334@tekigm2.TEK.COM>
Distribution: usa
Organization: AT&T, Altamonte Springs, FL
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Xref: watmath comp.sys.ibm.pc:10371 comp.sys.misc:969

In article <2334@tekigm2.TEK.COM> timothym@tekigm2.TEK.COM (Timothy D
Margeson) writes:
> Having just ordered a QIC 80386 computer, I want (need) a test suite to
> verify that the installed 80386 is one without the 16 bit limitations.
> 
> Also, if you know of the bugs within the early 386's, please reply also. If
> no one has the test suites that can tell me, I have the new v5.0 MASM so
can
> write my own if I know what to look for.

According the sources I have read:

	1. The 80386 bug is an error in 32-bit multiplication operation.
	   This CANNOT arise in real-life unless you are using a '386
	   32-bit operating system.  I'm almost positive it can't show up
	   even if you are using one of the DOS-extenders.

	2. Intel has not authorized or validated any software suite
	   to check for the existence of the bug (corrections, please),
	   and uses a hardware test when they wish to check for the bug.

	3. Intel had the problems very early in the production cycle,
	   fixed the chip mask in Spring, 1987, and (supposedly) shipped
	   nothing but "good" chips since last April or May.  Therefore,
	   the odds are excellent you own a good chip.

If you are REALLY worried about the chip, call Intel and get a list of the
production numbers affected by the bug, and compare the list to the markings
on your cpu.


Regards,

Kurt Arthur
Software Services of Florida, Inc.

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