What the primary record establishes

EIP-2935, included in Pectra, places recent execution block hashes in a system contract. Each processed block records its parent’s hash. The existing BLOCKHASH opcode retains its previous behavior. Ethereum EIP-2935 ↗ Ethereum Pectra specification ↗

What the distinction changes

At block N the contract accepts 32-byte block numbers from N−8191 to N−1. The ring buffer takes time to fill after activation. With a full buffer at height 100,000, block 92,000 falls inside the system contract’s window and outside the opcode’s 256-block window.

What to check before drawing a conclusion

A stored hash identifies a block header. Applications still need evidence that a specific transaction or state belongs to that block, and must establish finality where required. A proof that depends on the buffer has a deadline set by the source block’s age.