I found this and I thought it might be of interest.
(http://www.intel.com/newsgroups/processors/pen)

The term 'stepping' and the attributes of each stepping level
The first version of a new microprocessor product is the A-0 step. Later, as
improvements are made to the product for functional fixes or manufacturing
improvements, Intel will release new steppings. Generally speaking, minor
changes result in an increased stepping number, (i.e. A-3 to A-4) while more
complex changes result in the letter being changed.(i.e. A-3 to B-0).

> -----Mensaje original-----
> De: Roberto Safora <[log in to unmask]>
> Para: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
> Fecha: Martes, 14 de Marzo de 2000 08:18 p.m.
> Asunto: [PCBUILD] cpu stepping
>
>
> >When istalling two PII on a L440LGX Mobo both must be the same speed
(OK),
> >voltage(OK) and STEPPING.
> >What is stepping in a PII?
> >BTW, can two PIII 500 be installed on an Intel  L440GX+ server board?
> >TIA
> >Roberto Safora
> >
> >                         PCBUILD's List Owner's:
> >                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
> >                       Drew Dunn<[log in to unmask]>
> >
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