Stepping (version numbers)

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Stepping is a designation used by Intel and AMD to identify how much the design of a microprocessor has advanced from the original design. The stepping is identified by a combination of a letter and a number.

Typically, the first version of a microprocessor comes out with stepping A0. As design improvements occur, later versions are identified by changes in the letter and number. Changes in the number (for example, A3) indicate minor design changes, whilst changes to both the letter and number are made following more extensive changes (for example, B2). Stepping allows consumers and servicers to identify a microprocessor's version.