unlocking the AMD Athlon II

[whiteknight2015]

I know this is very old line of cpu's and after reading through the old threads on the subject i do have question that may seem silly.

I know that the potential for unlocking cores depends on a lot factors including if they are even on the chip lol but is the voltage a factor?

for example if i had a x2 and bios is only showing two cores (i can turn these on and off) if i up the cpu voltage slightly could third core appear in these options?

I think the answer will be no, but i am a newbie and wanted to check.

 

[basroil]

Voltage is a huge factor, but unless this is for fun and you are prepared to see a chip go up in smoke, don't try it

 

[whiteknight2015]

Voltage is a huge factor, but unless this is for fun and you are prepared to see a chip go up in smoke, don't try it

i know that increasing the voltage might be required to make it stable after unlocking, but i am asking if its required to actually see the extra cores in the bios?

its for fun btw, i accept the risk.

 

[CountMike]

Just upping the voltage is not going to unlock cores that may exist. Only if your BIOS can support core unlocking there's potential for that. Keep in mind that some cores are "locked out" because they didn't pass factory tests because they are defective in some way. Even if successfully unlocked, somewhat higher voltage may be required because of more load on the processor.

 

[whiteknight2015]

Just upping the voltage is not going to unlock cores that may exist. Only if your BIOS can support core unlocking there's potential for that. Keep in mind that some cores are "locked out" because they didn't pass factory tests because they are defective in some way. Even if successfully unlocked, somewhat higher voltage may be required because of more load on the processor.

fair enough i thought id better check.

This is setup im playing about with (i will be getting a triple core cpu shortly)

Phenom II X2 560 3.3 GHz HDZ560WFK2DGM 4000 MHz
Crucial Ballistix BLS2C4G3D169DS3CEU Sport XT 8GB (4GBx 2) 240 Pin DIMM DDR3 PC3-12800

Biostar A780L3C Socket AM3

CIT Dual Rail 500W

MSI GTX 460 CYCLONE 1gb

Spire StarCore cpu cooler

120gb solid state driver for windows

2 * 200gb hard drives

AvP Storm-P28 Mid Tower Black 1x12cm Black Fan USB 3.0 Case


installed windows 7 (not registered yet with internet connection) >> most of this is parts i have and no interest in spending more at this stage -- no point in saying buy a quad or fx chip etx.

I got my x2 running at 4.29gtz but it was unstable i am hoping i can get this to around 3.9ghz and be stable.

Is best way to increase multiplier and if unstable up voltage till balance is found?

 

[CountMike]

Had a fast look at MB manual and couldn't find anything to unlock potential extra cores.

 

[whiteknight2015]

Core Leveling
This item allows you to activate Core Leveling function.
Options: Auto (Default) / Manual

Manual you can see the cores on the chip and deactivate and activate.

I take it from your answer this fuction is not unlock potential extra cores....

 

[CountMike]

Sorry but I can't be sure if that option actually unlocks missing cores. Usually those options are called Core Unlocker or something like that and manufacturers are quick to point and advertise that.
Of AMD processors all x3 Athlons and Phenoms have 4th core. Some x2 like Phenom II x2 555BE is practically guaranteed to be able to open to 4 cores because of some AMD policy for selling them out at their EOL. Likewise, Phenom II x4 9xxT are able to run as 6 cores.

 

[whiteknight2015]

As I have x3 cpu coming shortly I will check to see of that bios option does indeed unlock core 4 then. Either way will post results here to help next person. Aside from uncertainty around core unlock this is a pretty decent motherboard.

I am inclinned to agree the core unlock would been bigger selling point

 

[whiteknight2015]

OK tested AMD Athlon II X3 445 on Biostar A780L3C Socket AM3

Result... Core Leveling doesn't unlock 3rd core.
Also the multiplier defaults at its max setting so you can't even overclock in the bios.

Changed my mind I'm not a fan of this motherboard will do more homework next time... at least this thread might help someone else.