Athlon - 200 or 266 FSB? 2

[benpollinger]

Hello all,

Is it possible to tell the difference between a 200 vs a 266 FSB Athlon (T-Bird)? By this I mean, do the different chips have identifying markings?

regards,
Ben

 

[Dreamland]

Ben,

Yes. The last letter of the product marking on a TBird is either a B (=200MHz) or a C (=266MHz).

 

[cdogg]

I don't think they're are any distinguishing marks on the chip itself, if that's what you mean. They're very similar in appearance.

 

[paparazi]

There is bound to be an identifing differance in the product numbers as Dreamland has noted.
Have you a particular Athlon speed in mind? the reason I ask is that certain T/birds were only available in one FSB type, so perhaps if you let us know the speed rating?
Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[benpollinger]

Thanks for the replies folks.

The Athlon I am after is a 1.4Ghz TBird. The board I have (or rather, my dad's board) is a Gigabyte 7ZM, which will only handle a 200 FSB.

More info on CPU support here, should you be interested:

http://uk.giga-byte.com/Motherboard/Support/CPUSupportList/CPUSupportList_GA-7ZM.htm

cheers,
Ben

 

[cdogg]

So, you are "after an Athlon" that you haven't purchased yet, correct? If so, then you definitely want to look at the product specification before you buy, which should be no problem telling the difference.

However, if you already have an Athlon 1.4GHz but you're not sure about the FSB speed, then take Dreamland's advice. At the end of the model number on the CPU itself, B = 200MHz or C = 266MHz. For an example on what each letter stands for, look here:

http://www6.tomshardware.com/motherboard/20001030/athlon-06.html

Don't forget that even though you have a 266MHz FSB processor, it will work on a 200MHz FSB motherboard - just not at its full potential.

~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[paparazi]

Unfortunately the 1.4 T/bird came in both varieties so my sujestion wouldn't have helped none, most 1.4's were 266fsb but that doesn't help much I know, follow Dreamlands advice on identification.
Just one last note* the 1.4 T/bird was "the hottest" of all Athlons, the XP2.1+ came close as do the very latest 2.8 and 3.0+ XP's so be warned it needs a very good cooler (copper based preferably) rated much higher than it's clock rating would have you believe, extra case fans are also recommended.
Martin

Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[benpollinger]

Thanks once again folks.

cdpgg - Yes, I'm after an Athlon 1.4 and wanted to know the difference because I was under the impression that a 266 Athlon would not run on a 200 board.

But if I was wrong on that, it makes life easier because most Athlons on eBay (and similar) seem to be 266 FSB.

paparazi - thanks for the advice on heat, I'll bear that in mind.

cheers folks!