Maybe the L2 cache got problem. You bought it new or 2nd hand ?

The ex-owner said it was barton ? U can ask him back and tell him u need some explantion. Maybe the proc's L2 cache faulty for now. Nothing much u can do now.

That is partly rite, which is about the thorton is actually barton with 1/2 L2 cache. And we can mod it to 512k L2 cache if the cache is there technically. But in your case, you got a screwed up barton, the L2 cache is there but already got problem so its different. What can suggest to u is open the hsf and clean the proc, i suspect there's some short circuit due to leftover thermal paste. Clean it using a zippo lighter fluid and wipe it away with a clean cloth or sponge.

Any proc is stable dude, there's no differences at all. Cooler maybe yes since 1/2 L2 cache is missing but this is subjective since there's a lot of factor that effect the temperature. Extra L2 cache is not just 1%-2% dude, its more like a 10%-15% difference with a same architechture and speed.

The cache itself would boost the processor overall performance so its something. It's NOT "nothing really big".

Dude, the cache doesnt effect the processor clockspeed at all. The extra cache do have significant improvement to the overall performance also and from where u get the idea that a prescot pawned Tbred and Barton easily ? Do some research before u do any conclusion dude.