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Intel Foster markings partly decoded
How to understand chip porn
Thanks to one of our regular readers for providing some details about codings found on Intel processors.
Over the weekend, we pointed to a Japanese Pricewatch picture that seemed to show a Foster microprocessor, complete, replete with its 600+ pin out.
The chip was engraved with curious Intel-like markings, which read as follows:
INTEL CONFIDENTIAL
OV 16 ES A 4
C 015 T 000 - 0149
i ( m ) ( c ) '99 80528 KC 1. XG 1 M
D 015 T 001
0,751
This, according to our source, is what the markings he understands mean:
"As far as I know:
ES - engineering sample
A4 - stepping (not sure, can be plant code for Chandler, Arizona but wouldn't match with C015/D015)
C - plant code
0 - year of manufacture (9-1999, 0-2000, 1-2001…)
15 - week of manufacture
T000 - test lot traceability number
0149 - serialization code
OV16 - ???
0751 - ???
"Furthermore I don't know why two different markings are used on the chip C015 / D015. Also the given plant code is none I have.
"0 - San Jose, Coast Rica (A6/T6)
"1 - Cavite, Philippines
"6 - Chandler, Arizona (A4)
"8 - Leixlip, Ireland
"9 - Penang, Malaysia (A1)
"Q - Malaysia
"R - Manila, Philippines
"Y - Leixlip, Ireland".
If any of that helps, of course. Foster, the grown up Pentium 4 for servers, is expected to start shipping in the first quarter of next year. ®
See Also
Intel's Foster caught in de flagrante