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Probably binning where faulty memory gets disabled and flagged as a 8GB chip? Intel did that for the 486SX processor 30 years ago. The 486 was the first x86 CP
by pavlov 6y ago
Probably binning where faulty memory gets disabled and flagged as a 8GB chip?
Intel did that for the 486SX processor 30 years ago. The 486 was the first x86 CPU with an integrated FPU. Chips that failed the FPU test were sold as cheaper 486SX with the FPU disabled.
- nl 6y agoI've never heard that the 486SX was a binned 486 - my impression was that it was a deliberate choice done during manufacture. Wikipedia backs up my recollection: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_80486SX https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_80486SX
- pavlov 6y agoYeah, seems like “SX is a binned faulty DX” was a popular but unconfirmed rumor that has stuck with me for 30 years. The die is the same, but there’s no evidence Intel rebranded rejected DX chips. Here’s an extremely pedantic discussion (when it comes to obsolete hardware, the best kind of discussion) on the topic: http://www.os2museum.com/wp/lies-damn-lies-and-wikipedia/ http://www.os2museum.com/wp/lies-damn-lies-and-wikipedia/
- stjohnswarts 6y agoThat's not the only way they "bin" things. some have one time blow fuses and they will disable parts of the chip if they are being "lean" and just manufacture towards the number they expect to sell of each version. . It costs about as much to make one with an FPU or without it from a chip manufacturing point of view.