How to tell which stepping?

[Clum]

I've never bought a retail cpu before and am wondering if there is a way to tell which stepping an e8500 has just by looking at the box without opening it? being offered a sealed one very cheap but only want it if it's E0.

Cheers

 

[jak731]

the sticker on the side of the box has a code, inside that code is what identify the cpu stepping

 

[Jokester]

It's also on top of the CPU which is often viewable through a window in the box.

 

[Clum]

nice one guys thanks.