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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 will increase proportionally PCI bus, from what HDD(SSD) may 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 are using processors before Generations of Intel Haswell (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. Remember that technology turbo boost 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)

The maximum multiplier in Turbo mode Boost in normal operation: 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 only apply to the second and third Generation Core. Starting with Haswell, this option is no longer available.

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

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Introduction

Our readers are probably familiar with the potential for overclocking processors AMD Phenom II. We have published many tests, reviews and comparisons, various detailed guides that allow you to get similar results at home (for example, "").

But for our tests on Socket platforms AM2+ or AM3, overclocking AMD processors with extreme liquid nitrogen cooling we used Black Edition Phenom II models, and for good reason. These unlocked processors are specifically aimed at enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their purchased CPU.

But this time we will pay attention to overclocking a processor with a locked multiplier. And for our task, we took a three-core AMD Phenom II X3 710, which costs about $ 100 () and operates at a frequency of 2.6 GHz. Of course, this is not to say that the processor lacks performance in normal mode, and three cores provide good potential. However, the processor multiplier is locked, so overclocking is not as easy as Black Edition models (the unlocked Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition runs at 2.8 GHz and costs from 4000 rubles in Russia).

What is a locked multiplier processor? You will not be able to increase the multiplier above the stock value, and also, in the case of AMD processors, also the CPU voltage VID (voltage ID).

Let's look at the standard formula: clock speed = CPU multiplier x base frequency. Since we cannot increase the CPU multiplier, we will have to work with the base frequency. This, in turn, will increase the frequency of the HT (HyperTransport) interface, northbridge and memory, since they all depend on the base frequency. If you want to update the terminology or frequency calculation schemes, we recommend that you refer to the article " Overclocking AMD Processors: THG Guide ".

To cool the retail version of the Phenom II processor, we decided to abandon the "boxed" cooler in the package and took the Xigmatek HDT-S1283. However, in the hope of overclocking the processor as much as the Black Edition model, we wanted to find a motherboard capable of delivering a high base frequency. As a result of our comparative testing of motherboards for AMD processors The winner in this area is the MSI 790FX-GD70, so it should take us to the limits of AMD's air-cooled processor.

Click on the picture to enlarge.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at different ways overclocking a processor with a locked multiplier, including normal overclocking through the BIOS, through AMD utility OverDrive and through the proprietary MSI OC Dial feature on the 790FX-GD70 motherboard. We will consider in detail all three methods, compare their ease and the results obtained. Finally, we'll run some small performance tests to evaluate the gains from overclocking the CPU, Northbridge (NB), and memory.

CONTENT

By a strange coincidence, only a few days ago we received from Intel representatives a description of the principles of the free multiplier of the Core 2 Extreme processor. It was the free multiplier that was the cherished key to the maximum overclocking of Conroe processors, because usually models of the Core 2 Duo family did not reach the maximum frequencies due to low maximum multipliers and limited capabilities of motherboards to increase the system bus frequency. Surely, many of you were ready to pay if not $1000, for which you can buy a Core 2 Extreme X6800, then at least half of this amount for the opportunity to install the same XE operation bit to the desired value, allowing you to increase the processor multiplier from motherboard BIOS fees.

Until now, such opportunities have remained dreams, however, today on the pages of the XtremeSystems.org forum a branch has appeared and began to grow rapidly, dedicated to the method of unlocking the multiplier upward on serial Core processors 2 Duo using the Intel D975XBX (i975X) motherboard. The author of the topic referred to the words of an employee of the marketing department of Intel, who, at the recent QuakeCon 2006 conference in the USA, not only swore love to overclockers, but also tried to show a little trick to unlock the multiplier on Core 2 Duo processors.

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To be more precise, he preferred to play with a multiplier using the Core 2 Extreme X6800 processor (2.93 GHz), which allowed him to do this, and he simply declared the possibility of unlocking the Core 2 Duo processors in words. It is confirmed that on motherboard The Intel D975XBX has a cherished "jumper" (more precisely, just two pads), closing of which should open access to increasing the multiplier on Core 2 Duo processors. Here is where these pins are located on the motherboard:

At one time, many owners of AMD processors or those who were just about to become so were very excited about the possibility of unlocking additional cores and/or cache memory. This has become possible since the "white-green" company found it expedient to form a line of inexpensive CPUs by disabling some functional blocks from older "stones" that did not pass the stability test in their original form. This approach suited everyone, allowing the company to receive at least some profit from rejected chips, and users to take part in a kind of lottery, in which a significant increase in productivity becomes a prize.

In the camp of AMD's main competitor - corporations Intel- also adhere to the approach in which the same core can serve as the basis for several lines. An example would be processors based on the Clarkdale chip - Core i5, Core i3 and Pentium are produced on its basis. The differences lie in the fact that the former have support Turbo technologies Boost and Hyper-Threading, the latter can boast only the presence of Hyper-Threading, and the cheapest models under the Pentium brand lack both functions and, in addition, have a third-level cache reduced by 1 MB. However, in the case of Intel, this division is mainly marketing in nature, and in fact the cores of all these processors are exactly the same and fully functional, as evidenced by a new initiative taken by the largest manufacturer of desktop CPUs.

She got the name Upgrade Service and is as follows: for an additional fee, owners of some Intel solutions will be able to unlock them to the level of more expensive models. The update process itself comes down to downloading special utility, into which you must then enter a PIN code with Upgrade Card, which will be distributed in retail chains. The first and so far the only sign was the card for the Pentium G6951.

After entering the PIN code, the program unlocks an additional megabyte of L3 cache and also activates the Hyper-Threading function - thus, we get a Core i3 with a slightly lower clock speed. Of course, the cost of such a solution will be more expensive than that of the younger Core i3, which negates the feasibility of such an option in case of buying a new PC. However, for those who already own such a CPU and are willing to part with $ 50 for the improvements listed above, such an offer may be interesting.

It is worth considering that the Upgrade Service program is experimental, and its further fate will most likely be determined based on the reaction of users from the USA, Canada, Holland and Spain - it is in these countries that it is available on this moment. Of course, at first glance, the "free" unlocking of AMD processors looks much more preferable, but do not forget that Intel plans to sell 100% activation ability. additional features, while in the case of their competitors it is nothing more than a lottery.

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 for newcomers to this business, so there were requests at the conference for more full information for rework, 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? By using laser beam certain bridges are cut and the "blank" turns into a working processor. In which? It all depends on the cut bridges.