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Definition of Engineering Sample (ES) Processors and How to Identify an Intel ES

Content Type: Product Information & Documentation   |   Article ID: 000056190   |   Last Reviewed: 02/07/2025

Learn more about engineering sample processors and how to identify them.

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What is an engineering sample (ES) processor?

Engineering sample (ES) processors are also known as qualification sample processors. They are pre-production processors Intel loans to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original device manufacturers (ODMs), and independent software vendors (ISVs) to be used in the product design cycle before product launch.

These processors often include more features than production processors for customer pre-production evaluation and test purposes. ES processors:

  • Produced by Intel are the sole property of Intel.
  • Produced by Intel are Intel Confidential.
  • Are provided by Intel under nondisclosure and/or special loan agreement terms with restrictions on the recipient's handling and use.
  • Are not for sale or resale.
  • May not have passed commercial regulatory requirements.
  • Are not covered under Intel warranty and are generally not supported by Intel.
How do I identify engineering sample processors produced by Intel?

The easiest way to tell if you have an Engineering sample processor produced by Intel is to look at the processor topside markings using one of the identification methods below:

  • If the part does not have a brand string (for example: “Intel® Core™ i9-9900K”) or the base frequency markings, then it is not a production part.
  • If you don't find ink or laser markings, the processor may be an unmarked ES processor.
  • If the part has a label “Intel Confidential”, then it is an ES part.

Contact Intel if you suspect that you have an engineering sample part.

Here are two examples of what ES parts look like.

Engineering sample part

Can I get engineering sample processors from Intel?

Due to the pre-production nature of the engineering sample processors, they are generally only loaned to OEMs, ODMs, and ISVs for pre-production test and evaluation work under specific contractual terms and conditions to assure the protection of assets and confidential information.

Engineering sample processors are not made available to the general public by Intel.

Contact your vendor or place of purchase if you have received an engineering sample processor in place of a production processor.

If you have other questions or concerns, you can contact:

Can I get a warranty replacement for an engineering sample processor?

No, engineering sample processors are pre-production units and are not eligible for warranty. These units are the property of Intel. Intel has no program for warranty support of engineering samples other than through the program in which the product was provided to the original customer. Please see your place of purchase for warranty support explanation.

Can I get technical support for an engineering sample processor?

You will need to work with the Intel business unit that provided the product to you.

If I receive an engineering sample (ES) processor, what should I do?

Contact your vendor or place of purchase if you have received an engineering sample processor in place of a production processor. If you feel misled by your vendor or place of purchase and they refuse to assist, consider contacting your local consumer agency or civil authority for assistance.

You can also return the engineering sample part to Intel by contacting Intel Customer Support. Be advised that the engineering parts (ES) are not eligible for warranty replacement.

Note Intel recommends purchasing from Intel® Approved Suppliers and resellers of Intel® products.

 

 

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