Well, obviously...

Yeah, I've been 99% sure already. Just wanted to consult it with others before canceling the order. The hunt continues!

At best they are functional lasered refurbs from scavenged parts, worst case non-functional stuff with random memory chip inside...

seeing as they're a different package (yes the first one, the indents are different) I'd be 95% sure it's fake.
looking at the markings... well those are definitely remarked x3

but then again, oddly enough sometimes chips came from different manufacturers in different packages.

The distributor I've been negotiating with has been trying to convince that these are new and origianl. Lol. They said they'll try to find another batch so I'll give them another chance even tough I'm sure it will be just another fake. I'm really hoping I'll get my hands on these chips as I'm sure there is no recording of the ESS 2MB wavetable on this forum or anywhere else. Would be cool to compare it to the common ES981P.

There are 1Mb and 2MB DLS soundfonts for ESS Solo-1 cards, I believe the ROM may very well be the same thing.

Interesting, didn't know that... It could be worth checking out just for quick comparison (assuming it's really the same thing). My main issue with the 1MB soundfont is audible compression in some instruments and the thing some instruments are duplicated.

The distributor has sent me another picture:

I must say it look much better than before. Still, the writing looks too fuzzy (could just be bad picture quality) and round marks don't look flat. What do you think?

Take one for the team, how much will you be scammed of at worst?

It's 5$ per chip (I'm buying five) and 10$ for shipping... I'm hesistating. The font looks different than on the Compaq daughterboard and the ESS logo is badly printed. I'm still more convinced those are fake too.

definitely looking a lot better, ESS sure had weird markings on their chip, but these kinda fit at least ^^

I think no-one here can confirm 100% if they are fake or not. I've received both genuine and fake chips from China before.

Yeah I know no-one can confirm it. I too have problem to decide. I have asked for better photo, hopefully that will make things clear. But I have no big hopes for it as they tried to sell me fakes before. They probably just took the old chips and reprinted them.

I think will try to make a deal with different distributor in the end.

that's a lasered part
if they are cheap just get them, they are memories anyways.... most chances are that they will be just fine

chinese resellers paint/laser stuff for these reasons IMHO
a. for fake chips so it's a scam (but for mask roms it's kinda rare)
b. for used chips so they want to mask cosmetic damage
c. for used/new chips so they can put a newer datecode so they can sell them easier (according to their beliefs)

Well, in this case they had the print wrong at first so I assume they didn't have original chips at hand. For making them look new again - the funny thing is that I don't care if the chip has some marks or scratches. I would rather have scratched original casing than reprinted fake one. I assume they don't have the same mindset.

exactly!
people would prefer scratches and original look rather than re-labelled stuff...

I'm not giving up. I'll break the deal with the original contact and will try to get another offer. At worst, I would rather have original ES981P 1MB than fake 2MB part as the former looks easier to source.

The 'glitter' effect on the ES918P looks like they've been blacktopped/remarked, but those ES982n look legitimate to my eyes. Both are likely to be working ROMs, but blacktopping is pretty much a given with out of production chips bought from China. I've been trying to buy some Yamaha FM chips lately, yikes.

The datecode on the ES982n matches the point at which wavetable ROMs would've still been in production, but had become irrelevant.

Well I got different offer and to me, it now looks like a real deal. The chip is scuffed and scratched and doesn't look repainted. On the other side the price is higher (15$ per unit and 30$ for shipping). I'll try to negotiate some discount and better shipping fee. Is there someone who is interested in the chip too?