Hello! Today we will analyze such a concept as an unlocked processor multiplier - what it is, why you need to know this parameter, what such a “trick” means from a practical point of view.

There are often reports in the IT news that AMD or Intel has released another processor with an unlocked multiplier for desktop computers. This causes a burst of enthusiasm on duty overlockers, joyfully rubbing their hands in anticipation of the next test.

Overlocking, that is, overclocking, is a fine-tuning of the CPU, RAM, and motherboard, which allows you to increase the performance of the system as a whole.

Thanks to the power settings, the frequency of the cores and memory, voltage parameters, you can get the most out of the components that support this function. This is useful when solving computer (PC) applied tasks - when running games or resource-demanding applications.

First, let's find out what the clock frequency of the "stone" is formed from. For example, we have a bus on the motherboard with a frequency (FSB) of 300 MHz, and a processor with a multiplier of 10. This parameter is also called multiplier.

It is also worth considering that a free multiplier in "stones" is the exception rather than the rule. Most of these components come to the counter with a multiplier blocked to increase.

You can lower it through the BIOS settings. This is a “crooked grin of capitalism”, as manufacturers deliberately block the multiplier in order to decide the user of the opportunity to buy a cheaper “stone” with increased productivity.

No one wants to buy a $300 part with a locked multiplier if you can buy a slightly weaker component for 200 and, thanks to an unlocked multiplier, overclock it to the same power.

You can find out if the multiplier is unlocked from the CPU specification. When choosing this part, I recommend looking for the results of testing specific models on test benches. In such cases, experimenters usually check a lot of other parameters.

The list of processors with an unlocked multiplier is updated regularly. Not only overlockers themselves compete for who can squeeze more out of the same hardware, but also manufacturers - whose components are more profitable to buy, in order to then overclock to the required clock units.

Whether it is possible to unlock Intel or AMD is primarily affected by the limitation set by the manufacturer.

If the multiplier is locked, neither software nor hardware can unlock it.

However, such a “stone” can also be overclocked in other ways (for example, using special utilities), by raising the frequency a little. What does it give and what does it affect? As in the case of increasing the multiplier, the performance of the system and, accordingly, its speed increases.

And finally - how to find out the current multiplier without starting the BIOS. For the “stone” test, there is a wonderful CPU-Z utility that scans all its operating parameters. It is in English, so the multiplier is designated as Multiplier in the Clock section, and the clock speed as Core Speed.

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AMD processors. The software tools with which this rather complicated operation can be performed will also be considered. In addition to this, practical advice will be given on which of them are best applied in each situation. In addition to this, a list of CPUs relevant for this manipulation will also be given.

Which CPU models are suitable?

Before we learn how to unlock AMD processor cores, let's look at CPU models that are suitable for this manipulation. This list includes the following chip families from this eminent computer manufacturer:

1. Septron microprocessors can be converted from single-core to dual-core. This allows you to increase, albeit slightly, the speed of the personal computer.
2. 2- and 3-module Athlon II computing devices can be converted to a quad-core CPU. In turn, some models of microprocessors of this family can be turned into a similar chip of the Phenom II series with a three-level cache memory system. Accordingly, the speed of the computer will also increase.
3. The junior Phenom II chips can be converted from two- and three-core models to four-block ones, just like the previously reviewed chips of the Athlon II line. Again, the speed of work increases due to the increase in code processing modules.

All previously stated transformations are relevant for the AM3 platform. Later AMD sockets no longer support this operation.

Implementation methods

Now let's figure out how to unlock AMD processor cores using software tools. This operation can be implemented in two ways. One of them is using the system BIOS. This method can only be applied on newer versions of motherboards in which an option has been added to the ACC / UCC menu. The second option for enabling unused hardware resources is to use special utilities. This method of activating the cores is available on any motherboard.

BIOS. Usage algorithm

Now let's figure out how to unlock the cores of AMD Athlon processors and other chips within the AM3 socket using the BIOS system. Again, this method is only applicable to motherboards that were released in 2012 or later. A special item ACC (for AMD chipsets) or UCC (in the case of using a system logic set from NVidia) was added to the BIOS system menu in each of them.

In both the first and second cases, the implementation algorithm is as follows:

1. When you turn on the computer system, you must press the F2 button when the test window appears in order to enter the BIOS.
2. Next, you need to use the navigation keys to go to the menu item called Advanced and open it using the "Enter" key.
3. At the next stage, we find the ACC / UCC sub-item, move the pointer to it using all the same navigation keys.
4. Then, using the PgUp and PgDn buttons, set it to the Enabled state.
5. We save the changes. To do this, just press F10. Next, you will be prompted to save the changes. We answer positively.
6. After that, a reboot will occur. Next, you need to check the stability of the PC after the manipulations according to the method, which will be described later.

If the computer is unstable, then using the JP1 microswitch on the motherboard, we return the BIOS settings to their original state.

Specialized software

Most often, this method is used on older versions of motherboards. But it also applies to their newer modifications. That is, it is quite versatile. Like the previous method, this method allows you to turn a low-performance Athlon II series chip into a high-performance AMD Phenom 2 X2 processor, for example.

Each motherboard manufacturer offered its own utility for these purposes. For example, Gigabyte recommended using the CPU Unlock program. It could be found on the motherboard CD of the manufacturer of the same name.

Health check

This review described how to unlock AMD Phenom processor cores and more. After performing this operation, it is highly recommended to check the stability and reliability of the computer.

To do this, at the first stage, you need to install a specialized program CPU-Z. Then run it and check the parameters of the microprocessor in detail.

Next, you need to install the specialized AIDA64 utility and use it to carry out a comprehensive check of the PC. If the computer starts to work unstably, then we reset the BIOS settings to their original state using the same JP1 switch. You can also try to return the system software to its original state using the integrated program of the operating system.

Relevance of the operation

In this review, the main ways of how to unlock the cores of AMD processors have been described in detail. FX - 4300 and other newer CPUs designed for installation in socket AM3 + no longer allowed to implement such an operation. That is, only within the framework of a computer platform, this practice has become most widespread.

Again, these microprocessor models were relevant in 2010 - 2013. Now this platform is outdated. Therefore, a cardinal improvement in performance due to the activation of additional cores will definitely not be achieved.

Conclusion

This review article was devoted to how to unlock AMD processor cores within the AM3 computing platform. At the time of the appearance of such chips, this operation contributed to the growth in sales of the previously considered modifications of the CPU. Now it is outdated and not suitable for the implementation of high-performance computers.

It is most rational to activate disabled resources using special utilities. But it's easier to do this using the BIOS system. Therefore, if possible, we use the latter method. If the computer has an old version of the motherboard, then you can use a more complex method, which is based on specialized software.

This entry was submitted to our "unlimited" paper contest.

Introduction

Many novice overclockers are faced with the problem of overclocking blocked in the Athlone XP substrate. They were produced from the 39th week of 2003. Models with an unlocked multiplier are not particularly difficult to overclock, but we will consider a locked Athlone XP 1800+ marked JIXIB0339SPDW, which fell into my hands. I tried all the methods to change the multiplier, but nothing worked. And then I came across an article about the conversion of Athlone XP into a mobile Athlone XP. But it was short and not entirely clear to beginners in this business, so there were requests in the conference to give more complete information on the alteration, give an example and conduct tests.

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Having studied a lot of information on this topic on the Internet, I decided to write this article. In it, I will try to give the most complete and accessible information with an example of converting Athlone XP into a mobile Athlone XP. I apologize in advance for the lack of a photo of the converted processor (I do not have the opportunity). Instead, with the help of drawings, I will try to depict my experience.

theoretical material.

Probably, not everyone knows that during the production of processors, so-called "blanks" of processors of a certain frequency with closed bridges are first made. Moreover, the "blanks" of the mobile Athlone XP and the usual Athlone XP are no different. Then, according to the need of certain processors, the "blanks" are sent for processing. What is it? With the help of a laser beam, certain bridges are cut and the "blank" turns into a working processor. In which? It all depends on the cut bridges.

If you have a computer equipped with a modern AMD processor at your disposal, then this means that you have a chance to significantly increase the performance of your PC without spending a penny on this goal. We are talking about a technology that is called "unlocking the cores of AMD processors." This technology allows you to increase the number of processor cores available to the system - usually from two to four or three.

Of course, such an operation is very tempting. Indeed, as tests show, in some cases the performance of the updated processor almost doubles. Moreover, for the successful implementation of this operation, you only need a little knowledge of the BIOS options, and, by the way, a little luck.

First of all, let's try to deal with the question of why AMD needed to "hide" the processor cores from the user at all. The fact is that each manufacturer of processors within a certain line has several models that differ both in price and in capabilities. Naturally, cheaper processor models have fewer cores than more expensive ones. However, it is irrational in many cases to specifically develop models with fewer cores, so many manufacturers, in this case, AMD, do it easier - they simply disable unnecessary processor cores.

In addition, many AMD processors may also have defective cores that have a number of flaws. Such processors are also not thrown away, and after disabling unnecessary cores, they are sold under the guise of cheaper varieties of processors. However, the detected shortcomings of disabled cores may not be critical for their functioning. For example, if the processor core has a slightly increased heat dissipation compared to the standard one, then the use of a processor with such a core is quite possible.

It should be said right away that the success of the operation to unlock the cores largely depends not only on the AMD processor line and its model, but also on a certain series of processors. In many series, only the cores in individual processors can be unlocked, while in other series, almost all processors can be unlocked. In some cases, it is possible to unlock not the core itself, but only the cache related to it.

Unlockable AMD processors are from the Athlon, Phenom, and Sempron lines. Usually, unlocking is possible for cores 3 and 4 of the four available cores. In some cases, you can unlock the second core on a dual-core processor, and in some cases, 5 and 6 cores on a quad-core processor.

Features of unlocking different series of processors

Here are some examples of AMD processor series that can be unlocked, as well as their characteristic features of this process:

• Athlon X2 5000+ - cores #3 and 4 (single instances)
• Athlon II X3 4xx series (Deneb/Rana core) - core #4 and cache
• Athlon II X3 4xx series (Propus type core) - core #4
• Athlon II X4 6xx series (Deneb/Rana core) - L3 cache only
• Phenom II X2 5xx series - cores #3 and 4
• Phenom II X3 series 7xx - core #4
• Phenom II X4 8xx Series - Only 2MB L3 Cache Can Be Unlocked
• Phenom II X4 650T, 840T, 960T and 970 Black Edition - cores #5 and 6 (selected)
• Sempron 140/145 - core #2

Which chipsets support unlocking processor cores?

It should be noted that not all motherboards support the ability to unlock AMD processor cores. You will only be able to unlock cores if your BIOS supports Advanced Clock Calibration (ACC) or a similar technology.

ACC technology is used in the following chipsets:

• GeForce 8200
• GeForce 8300
• nForce 720D
• nForce 980
• Southbridge Chipsets Type SB710
• Southbridge Chipsets Type SB750

There are also several AMD chipsets that do not support ACC technology, but instead support similar technologies. These chipsets include chipsets with southbridges like:

• SB810
• SB850
• SB950

The methodology for unlocking cores on these chipsets varies by motherboard manufacturer.

Unlock Method

To unlock the cores, the user needs to access the BIOS tools. If the motherboard supports ACC technology, in most cases it is enough to find the Advanced Clock Calibration parameter in the BIOS and set it to Auto.

In the case of motherboards from certain manufacturers, some additional steps may also be required. On ASUS motherboards, in addition to ACC, enable the Unleashed mode option, on MSI motherboards, the Unlock CPU Core option, and on NVIDIA motherboards, the Core Calibration option. On Gigabyte boards, you need to find the EC Firmware Selection option and set it to Hybrid.

On those chipsets that do not support ACC technology, the unlocking method depends on the specific manufacturer. We list briefly the options that must be used in the case of each specific manufacturer:

• ASUS - ASUS Core Unlocker
• Gigabyte - CPU Unlock
• Biostar - BIO-unlocKING
• ASRock - ASRock UCC
• MSI - Unlock CPU Core

Unlock verification and core testing

In order to make sure that the unlocked AMD processor cores really work, it is best to use informational utilities like CPU-Z. However, even if you make sure that the unlock was successful, this does not mean that the unlocked kernels will work without problems. In order to fully test their performance, it is recommended to conduct a thorough test of all processor parameters. Also, the failure of the unlocking process may be indicated by computer malfunctions, and sometimes the inability to boot it. In the latter case, you will have to resort to clearing the BIOS memory and resetting it to the factory default state (we talked about how to carry out this process in a separate article).

In the event of a malfunction of new cores, the user can disable them at any time using BIOS options. In addition, you should keep in mind that the operation of unlocking processor cores works only at the BIOS level, and not at the level of the processors themselves. In the event that you put a processor with unlocked cores on another motherboard, they will still be locked.

And one more thing I would like to note. Although unlocking a processor is not equivalent to overclocking it, however, increasing the number of working cores of your processor will automatically increase the heat dissipation of the processor die. Therefore, perhaps, in this case, it makes sense to think about upgrading the cooler cooling the processor.

Conclusion

Unlocking the cores of AMD processors is a simple operation, which, nevertheless, can help the user to realize the full potential of his computer equipment. This operation is carried out by enabling the necessary BIOS options. Although unlocking the cores is not always guaranteed to be successful, it is not associated with significant risk, like overclocking, and can be tried in practice by any user.

Hello dear friends, Artyom is with you.

In today's article, we will talk about overclocking processors from Intel.

As you know, all Intel desktop processors are divided into several main classes. Pentium, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7.

At the same time, processors with the prefix "K" (for example, Core i5 4670K) can be easily overclocked by raising the processor multiplier. Such processors have a so-called unlocked multiplier.

The Intel Core i3 and Pentium cannot be overclocked this way (except for the Pentium G3258, and the new Core i3-7350K).

If the processor does not have the prefix "K" in its name, then it is almost impossible to overclock it. Unless you raise the frequency of the base generator (100 MHz), which, when multiplied by the static processor multiplier, will also raise the frequency of the latter. However, this can be done within extremely limited limits.

At the same time, the processor will overclock by only a hundred MHz. Plus, you can get system failures, since other frequencies are also tied to the frequency of the base generator - for example, PCI-Express buses. Due to the increase in the frequency of the base generator, the frequency of the PCI-E bus will also increase proportionally, which can cause the hard drive (SSD) to fall off the system. So the frequency will again have to be set by default.

What to do in this case? Is there a way out? There really is a way out. If you use processors up to the Intel Haswell generation (Corei 2xxx, Corei 3xxx), then one interesting life hack is available to you.

You can raise the CPU multiplier up to 4 stops from your CPU's maximum TurboBoost multiplier.

P.S. Let me remind you that Turbo Boost technology dynamically overclocks the processor cores if the application requires increased performance and the processor does not go beyond a certain thermal package. This is if very briefly, but at this stage this explanation I think will be quite enough.

For example:

Processor Core i5 2400

Base frequency: 3.1 GHz = (100 MHz x multiplier 31)

Max Turbo Boost multiplier in normal mode: 34

Max possible multiplier in Turbo Boost: 38

That is, the processor can be overclocked to 3.8 GHz. An increase from the base frequency of 700 MHz. It's very good in my opinion.

At the same time, Turbo Boost technology will be active, even in case of overclocking.

P.S. Turbo Boost multipliers are configured in the BIOS (UEFI) of your motherboard.

Unfortunately, processors with a partially unlocked multiplier are only for the second and third generation Core. Starting with Haswell, this option is no longer available.

I hope this information has helped you. Unsubscribe in the comments, do you overclock your processors?

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