Elmer, unfortunately no, I am not expert in this area. Just a software guy who has been around a lot of hardware engineers who discuss this type of stuff. I presume they knew what they were talking about.
If I were to speculate, I'd think the additional testing has to do with multiprocessor configurations, larger caches, packaging differences, and environmental testing for stricter standards. All processors have to meet the same exact standards for proper execution of instructions (remember that old Intel desktop recall because of an obscure floating point error?).
There isn't much on the Intel site about it, either. Perhaps if one digs deep enough. I suspect they keep details of their testing procedures close to the vest.
Anyhow, I'm off to bed now. Not sure if I'll be posting tommorrow - I'm spending a few days in Pismo Beach, leaving in the morning. Good night!
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
AI
