Maxim 7219 - Real and Fake compared

Other Hardware LEDs and Multiplexing
3

JoeN:
I also have some SOP "MAX7219s". Any information in determining if these are real or not? Typical auction:

Hi JoeN, here is some C code to check if your Maxim SOP's are fake or not...

void checkGenuineMaxim()
{
int myMaximSOIC = 2; // enter amount payed
if (myMaximSOIC <= 5)
{
Serial.print("FAKE!");
}
else
{
Serial.print("GENUINE...");
}
}

;);):wink: Sorry, couldn't resist... But I think the program result does hold some truth...
Cheap = fake?

I searched for clear photo's of the Maxim 7219 SOIC package but amazingly, I could not find it?!
strange...