Hi,
I am planning to build a computer based around a Motorola 68000 just for fun. I already ordered 3 MC68HC000FN20’s from a Chinese eBay seller but they are visibly rebadged chips with rough surface so there’s a chance they are not 68000’s at all - we’ll see when I can test them in an open loop as described in ‘68000 Hardware Manual’.
Anyway, I think it would be wise to buy a non-counterfeit one from a trusted seller. I tried to search for a shop where 68000’s still sold and I found that I could buy a “MC68HC000FN, 20 MHz” or a “CPU 68000/8 MHz Motorola (64-pin DIL)” from Vesalia Computer for 11.9 EUR. I would like to ask is there a trusted shop where I can buy a not necessarily NOS MC68000/MC68HC000 for a cheaper price within the EU?
I think you’ve probably found the cheapest you’ll get in Europe. When I want genuine obsolete parts from China, I usually go to Utsource rather than eBay or Ali.
Most likely your remarked chips are real 68000s, especially because the package is not used for much else. They often re-mark chips to make them look like they have a higher rating or simply to give the appearance of being new even though they are perfectly good ICs. It sucks, but they can often be used reliably.
Thank you for your information. I did not know about Utsource but next time I am looking for an obsolete part it’ll be definitely on my check list!
