unlocking ?'s

[JX]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forums (in fact this is my first post) and I've been reading alot of the sticky faqs and guides in the forums so I don't seem like a complete idiot when I post. :) I have a few questions regarding unlocking an Athlon XP. I'm probably gonna get a unlocking kit from highspeedpc.com b/c i've heard alot of people are using it. I read the instructions so I think I know what I'm supposed to do pretty much. Fill the L1 gaps with gap filler, clean off excess, apply conductive grease to connect the L1 pins so it looks like this: | | | | without touching any of them together. What are some things you absolutely don't want to do while unlocking a processor?

1) Is it safe to touch any part of the top of the processor?
2) What do I use to clean the different parts of the processor?
3) Is there any part of the processor that applying some cleaner to would damage it?
4) What actions can cause a chip to short circuit so I don't do it?
5) When connecting the pins with conductive grease, do I cover the pins completely with grease or just have a line of grease connecting the tips of the L1 pins?

If anyone could answer a few of these or give some tips for a first time unlocking, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[Mr. Chambers]

WELCOME JX!

enjoy your stay, this place is great. yes alot of folks use that kit from highspeed, its a very nice kit, with everything you need. now as for some of your questions:

1.) generally yes, but do take care to make sure you dont zap it with static electricity. ground yourself, they make little wriststraps you can buy, or touch some metal that is grouned (like you cases power supply while its plugged in (not running). for the most part most just touch the processor by the edges, just use care, you'll be fine.

2.) if you need to clean, say some thermal grease off of the core, you can just use a lint-free cloth, dampened with rubbing achohol.

3.) i wouldnt use it on the pins or underside of the processor.. also damped the cloth, dont pour directly on the processor itself (hey i've seen it done!)

4.) basically just dont drop or zap it with static and you should have no worries..

5.) you'll want to completely cover the pins, as it will ensure your chances of a succesful unlocking.

its good to see that you've done some reading (the guides) thats more than most do... relax, follow the instructions and you'll be on your way to OC heaven in no time!

btw: what core/stepping will this be performed on? curious.. good luck!

[JX]

Hey, thanks for the reply! You answered all my questions and more. I'm trying to get all my questions answered before I buy it so that when the it arrives I can unlock it immediately and know what I'm actually doing. I'm planning on getting the Athlon XP 2400+. I heard that the "revision B" core is gonna be a really good OCer. Already bought a Chieftec mid-tower, Thermalright AX-7, and all the fans and internal accessories for it. All I need now is the 2400+, 512 megs Corsair XMS PC3200, and still waiting for the nforce2 chipset to be released.

BTW I'm a little confused on dual channel ddr for the nforce2... does it mean I need 2 x 256 pc3200 or will just 1 x 512 get the benefit of dual channel?

[PCphreak]

Originally posted by JX


BTW I'm a little confused on dual channel ddr for the nforce2... does it mean I need 2 x 256 pc3200 or will just 1 x 512 get the benefit of dual channel?

It's not a true 128-bit controller. It's basically two 64-bit controllers operating together, over two 64-bit memory buses (a CPU's external bus is only 64-bits wide, while 32-bit internally). This is why you need to populate your board with TWO 64-bit DDR SDRAM modules to take advantage of the "Dual DDR" bandwidth. You could still only populate the board with one module, but your only operating on the normal DDR bus.

-PC

[natopotato]

what do u guyz say about the 2400xps? is he correct are they great ocerS?

[OC Detective]

Too early to say whether they are going to be great overclockers or not - will eventually depend on which batches or steppings are better than others ala AGOIA and AROIA XP1600+

[JX]

BTW I was just going off of the Tom's hardware preview of the XP2600+. He was able to OC it from stock (2.13 ghz) to 3400+ speed (2.66 ghz) stable; however, he was using the best watercooler on the market to get it to 166 mhz FSB and a 2.2 volt Vcore. Also I don't think the chip was a final version but I could be wrong so the chips that do make it to the public could be different like OC Detective said.