'Unlocking' CPU?

[The Coolest]

I read a lot of people 'Unlock' their CPUs L1 bridges, I don't fully understand what for... What does it do when u unlock the CPU?

[robjustice]

Connecting the L1's allows you to change your multiplier. So if you have a 1 gig,(100x10) you my run it at (100x11) so now you have a 1.1 gig. Or possibly(100x12) for a 1.2 gig. Without the L1's connected you can only change the FSB. So your 1 gig might be able to run (105x10) which is 1050.

[jimmys3]

by unlocking your cpu you can change the multiplier and potentially overclock your chip. For instance you have a 1.2 tbird. If it is the 266 version then you have a 133fsb x 9multiplier. If you raise the multiplier to 10 then you have a 1330 and if you change to 11 then you have a 1463 cpu speed. it is the easiest way to oc a chip by far. The best way is to oc the fsb and multiplier to reach a overall system overclock. that way everything runs faster not just your cpu..ie 150x10 is a 1500mhz processor speed but your ram is running at 150 instead of 133 so it will be noticably faster. hope this helps some.

Jimmy

[The Coolest]

Do all CPUs require the bidges to be unlocked? I have a 1.2 Tbird, don't know what stepping didn't check. I don't want to remove the cooler cause I got thermapaste there and I don't want to apply it again. So if I want to o/c the multiplier I'll have to unlock the CPU as well?

[jimmys3]

no not usually. I have a 1.2 and it came unlocked. I think all the ones after certain 1ghz come unlocked from the fab. Try changing them in the bios and see what happens. Up the voltage as needed and watch your temps.

Jimmy