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- Jan 12, 2001
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VID PIN WIRE WRAPPING THE NORTHWOOD P-4 FOR MORE VOLTAGE
by batboy (senior member) private message are welcome if you have questions or comments
Warning and disclaimer
Do this modification at your own risk! If this Northwood VID pin wire wrap procedure is not done correctly, your CPU is going to be an expensive piece of fried junk, which potentially could short out the motherboard too. Be aware, this will undoubtedly void your warranty. Don't blame me if you damage components or injury yourself. However, this procedure has been successfully performed and tested by myself and several others. NOTE: it is now known the overvolting Northwoods (like above 1.75v) for long periods of time can lead to the CPU dying.
What is VID pin wire wrap and why would we do this modification?
Well, this is a modification procedure of wrapping a single strand of wire around certain CPU pins in order to fool the motherboard BIOS into thinking the default CPU core voltage is higher than the original factory default. VID pinning or wire wrapping is done in order to overcome voltage limitations often associated with many motherboards. The idea is to increase the number of available vcore settings. A successfully performed wire trick is easy to undo in case you later decide to sell the CPU, all you need to do is remove the wire and it's back to normal.
Specifically, Intel internally connects different combinations of VID pins in their processors which sends the motherboard a default voltage signal. Most overclockers are aware that we often need to increase the CPU core voltage to help stabilize an overclocked system. The higher you push the limits of a computer, the more voltage you will probably require. However, the BIOS of most motherboards generally will only allow a certain amount of voltage increase above default which keeps "mental midgets" from unwittingly frying their CPU from too much voltage and not enough cooling.
Heat is the enemy
Overclocking your computer creates considerably more heat than normal. Increasing voltage also results in much hotter CPU and system temperatures. Too much heat can destroy computer components. Cooling is critical to prevent damage and to reduce the risk of electromigration, which is a fancy term to discribe the damage done to a CPU due to overvolting. A cool running computer will be more stable and your components will have a longer lifespan, which ultimately saves money and down time.
References and credits
I have some previous experience in doing this wire wrap trick to increase the default voltage with a Celeron 566 and a P-III 700. However, because I never VID pinned a Northwood P-4 before, I followed the procedures (with some modifications) outlined in an article written by Andy Owens (see below listed link) and a Japanese article (see below listed link). The photos and diagram used in this document were borrowed from these two articles.
http://www.hexus.net/review.php?review=278
http://www2.justnet.ne.jp/~kiti/Paso/00pen4-3/northwood01.htm
Actual VID pin wire wrapping procedure
The first thing you should do is to use a low "user define" BIOS voltage setting before beginning. Do not leave the BIOS setting at default or the computer will automatically boot up to the "new" vcore default the first time after you wire wrap the VID pins.
The second thing you should do is to unplug the computer power cord and ground yourself to protect against static electricity. Always touch the metal computer case to discharge any static prior to working on components inside a computer.
Now, you must decide how much of a modified default voltage you desire, keeping in mind that currently the real default in the Northwood P-4 is 1.5v. Next, you need to figure out which VID pins to connect to obtain your vcore goal. The easiest to do is to connect VID4 to VID3 pins for a modified default of 1.7v. Since there is only two pins to connect if you choose this option, it might be easier to bend a tiny piece of wire into a "U" shape and drop it down into the appropriate socket pin holes. I initially tried this method, but my Abit TH7-II motherboard only increased the max setting from 1.625v to 1.85v, so I decided I wanted more. NOTE: Currently, wiring up just VID #3 and #4 seems to be the best plan, since too many Northwoods have died from overvolting recently.
Another option is to connect VID4, VID3, and VID2 pins together for a modified vcore default of 1.8v. This would probably be a good compromise and should provide more than enough voltage for most overclocking projects. For extreme overclocking freaks (like me) that want maximum voltage settings, the last option is to connect VID4, VID3, VID2, and VID1 pins together for a modified vcore default of 1.85v. This allowed me access to a maximum BIOS setting of 2.2v on my Abit TH7-II motherboard, which is more than enough voltage to get me into major trouble if I am not careful.
IMPORTANT NOTE: this paragraph was added later once the new C1 stepping was released. The new C1 stepping Northwoods have a default vcore of 1.525v. With the original B0 1.5v default Northies, VID0 was connected internally and VID1 was open (not connected), but with the C1 1.525v default Northies, VID0 is open and VID1 is internally connected. VID4 is internally connected on both B0 and C1 steppings. So basically, there are only two easy VID pinning options for the C1 stepping CPUs, which are as follows:
Connecting VID3 and VID4 to give you 1.725v
Connecting VID2, VID3 and VID4 to give you 1.825v
For my project, I decided to throw caution to the wind and wire wrap VID pins #1, #2, #3, and #4 to give me the most vcore I could get. It was not entirely an easy task. I worked carefully and took my time knowing if I made a mistake that it would be very costly. My tools used were a magnifying glass, small tweezers, and a medium sized sewing needle. Having lots of patience and a steady hand would be an added bonus. Be advised that socket 478 CPU pins are tiny and extremely close together.
I took a short length of fine wire strand that I stripped out of standard automotive grade speaker wire. You could also use a single strand out of a length of computer fan power wire or something similar. Next, I made a loop in the middle of this strand of wire by first wrapping it around a sewing needle. Then, I lassoed VID pin #1 with the loop, which was harder than it sounds, because you need three hands to hold the magnifying glass, the tweezers, and the sewing needle (which I used to guide the wire loop down over the pin).
After the loop was over VID1 pin, I carefully pulled both ends of the wire to tighten up the noose. Next, I criss-crossed the wire in a braid pattern around each of the other VID pins for maximum contact with the pins and also to add more friction to help keep it from sliding off the CPU VID pins. Once all of the desired VID pins were connected, I used the tweezers to twist the wires tightly together at the end in a pig-tail. Be careful not to bend the delicate CPU pins. The tail of the wire was trimmed with scissors and curled around the edge of the chip out of the way. This also helps prevent the wire from falling off the pins when the CPU is inserted back into the socket. Make sure the CPU is pushed solidly down into the socket all the way.
Conclusion
After everything was back together, I booted the system and went into the BIOS. Yippee, it worked! The default voltage registered 1.85v since I had wrapped all four VID pins. Better yet, I now had considerably more additional vcore settings than I previously had before. However, I must caution you good folks not to get carried away with running too much voltage. That's an invitation for disaster if you don't have exceptional cooling. If you're using air cooling, I'd think twice before going above 1.8v (real measured vcore) for any extended period of time. That's a 20% increase in voltage above the original 1.5v default.
Good luck and happy overclocking. This new found vcore voltage options should allow you to unlock the full potential of your Northwood. Prior to wire wrapping the VID pins on my Northwood 2.0a gig CPU, the highest I was able to overclock my system was 2.5 gig, even with lots of cooling mods. Now with higher voltage, I have benchmarked my computer up to a maximum of 2.66 gig. I hope your system will soar to new heights like mine did. Just be careful and watch those temps.
The top photo is how the author wrapped VID4 and VID3 pins in the original article for 1.7v modified default.
The bottom photo shows in red how I criss-crossed the wire in between VID pins for 1.85v modified default.
by batboy (senior member) private message are welcome if you have questions or comments
Warning and disclaimer
Do this modification at your own risk! If this Northwood VID pin wire wrap procedure is not done correctly, your CPU is going to be an expensive piece of fried junk, which potentially could short out the motherboard too. Be aware, this will undoubtedly void your warranty. Don't blame me if you damage components or injury yourself. However, this procedure has been successfully performed and tested by myself and several others. NOTE: it is now known the overvolting Northwoods (like above 1.75v) for long periods of time can lead to the CPU dying.
What is VID pin wire wrap and why would we do this modification?
Well, this is a modification procedure of wrapping a single strand of wire around certain CPU pins in order to fool the motherboard BIOS into thinking the default CPU core voltage is higher than the original factory default. VID pinning or wire wrapping is done in order to overcome voltage limitations often associated with many motherboards. The idea is to increase the number of available vcore settings. A successfully performed wire trick is easy to undo in case you later decide to sell the CPU, all you need to do is remove the wire and it's back to normal.
Specifically, Intel internally connects different combinations of VID pins in their processors which sends the motherboard a default voltage signal. Most overclockers are aware that we often need to increase the CPU core voltage to help stabilize an overclocked system. The higher you push the limits of a computer, the more voltage you will probably require. However, the BIOS of most motherboards generally will only allow a certain amount of voltage increase above default which keeps "mental midgets" from unwittingly frying their CPU from too much voltage and not enough cooling.
Heat is the enemy
Overclocking your computer creates considerably more heat than normal. Increasing voltage also results in much hotter CPU and system temperatures. Too much heat can destroy computer components. Cooling is critical to prevent damage and to reduce the risk of electromigration, which is a fancy term to discribe the damage done to a CPU due to overvolting. A cool running computer will be more stable and your components will have a longer lifespan, which ultimately saves money and down time.
References and credits
I have some previous experience in doing this wire wrap trick to increase the default voltage with a Celeron 566 and a P-III 700. However, because I never VID pinned a Northwood P-4 before, I followed the procedures (with some modifications) outlined in an article written by Andy Owens (see below listed link) and a Japanese article (see below listed link). The photos and diagram used in this document were borrowed from these two articles.
http://www.hexus.net/review.php?review=278
http://www2.justnet.ne.jp/~kiti/Paso/00pen4-3/northwood01.htm
Actual VID pin wire wrapping procedure
The first thing you should do is to use a low "user define" BIOS voltage setting before beginning. Do not leave the BIOS setting at default or the computer will automatically boot up to the "new" vcore default the first time after you wire wrap the VID pins.
The second thing you should do is to unplug the computer power cord and ground yourself to protect against static electricity. Always touch the metal computer case to discharge any static prior to working on components inside a computer.
Now, you must decide how much of a modified default voltage you desire, keeping in mind that currently the real default in the Northwood P-4 is 1.5v. Next, you need to figure out which VID pins to connect to obtain your vcore goal. The easiest to do is to connect VID4 to VID3 pins for a modified default of 1.7v. Since there is only two pins to connect if you choose this option, it might be easier to bend a tiny piece of wire into a "U" shape and drop it down into the appropriate socket pin holes. I initially tried this method, but my Abit TH7-II motherboard only increased the max setting from 1.625v to 1.85v, so I decided I wanted more. NOTE: Currently, wiring up just VID #3 and #4 seems to be the best plan, since too many Northwoods have died from overvolting recently.
Another option is to connect VID4, VID3, and VID2 pins together for a modified vcore default of 1.8v. This would probably be a good compromise and should provide more than enough voltage for most overclocking projects. For extreme overclocking freaks (like me) that want maximum voltage settings, the last option is to connect VID4, VID3, VID2, and VID1 pins together for a modified vcore default of 1.85v. This allowed me access to a maximum BIOS setting of 2.2v on my Abit TH7-II motherboard, which is more than enough voltage to get me into major trouble if I am not careful.
IMPORTANT NOTE: this paragraph was added later once the new C1 stepping was released. The new C1 stepping Northwoods have a default vcore of 1.525v. With the original B0 1.5v default Northies, VID0 was connected internally and VID1 was open (not connected), but with the C1 1.525v default Northies, VID0 is open and VID1 is internally connected. VID4 is internally connected on both B0 and C1 steppings. So basically, there are only two easy VID pinning options for the C1 stepping CPUs, which are as follows:
Connecting VID3 and VID4 to give you 1.725v
Connecting VID2, VID3 and VID4 to give you 1.825v

For my project, I decided to throw caution to the wind and wire wrap VID pins #1, #2, #3, and #4 to give me the most vcore I could get. It was not entirely an easy task. I worked carefully and took my time knowing if I made a mistake that it would be very costly. My tools used were a magnifying glass, small tweezers, and a medium sized sewing needle. Having lots of patience and a steady hand would be an added bonus. Be advised that socket 478 CPU pins are tiny and extremely close together.

I took a short length of fine wire strand that I stripped out of standard automotive grade speaker wire. You could also use a single strand out of a length of computer fan power wire or something similar. Next, I made a loop in the middle of this strand of wire by first wrapping it around a sewing needle. Then, I lassoed VID pin #1 with the loop, which was harder than it sounds, because you need three hands to hold the magnifying glass, the tweezers, and the sewing needle (which I used to guide the wire loop down over the pin).
After the loop was over VID1 pin, I carefully pulled both ends of the wire to tighten up the noose. Next, I criss-crossed the wire in a braid pattern around each of the other VID pins for maximum contact with the pins and also to add more friction to help keep it from sliding off the CPU VID pins. Once all of the desired VID pins were connected, I used the tweezers to twist the wires tightly together at the end in a pig-tail. Be careful not to bend the delicate CPU pins. The tail of the wire was trimmed with scissors and curled around the edge of the chip out of the way. This also helps prevent the wire from falling off the pins when the CPU is inserted back into the socket. Make sure the CPU is pushed solidly down into the socket all the way.
Conclusion
After everything was back together, I booted the system and went into the BIOS. Yippee, it worked! The default voltage registered 1.85v since I had wrapped all four VID pins. Better yet, I now had considerably more additional vcore settings than I previously had before. However, I must caution you good folks not to get carried away with running too much voltage. That's an invitation for disaster if you don't have exceptional cooling. If you're using air cooling, I'd think twice before going above 1.8v (real measured vcore) for any extended period of time. That's a 20% increase in voltage above the original 1.5v default.
Good luck and happy overclocking. This new found vcore voltage options should allow you to unlock the full potential of your Northwood. Prior to wire wrapping the VID pins on my Northwood 2.0a gig CPU, the highest I was able to overclock my system was 2.5 gig, even with lots of cooling mods. Now with higher voltage, I have benchmarked my computer up to a maximum of 2.66 gig. I hope your system will soar to new heights like mine did. Just be careful and watch those temps.
The top photo is how the author wrapped VID4 and VID3 pins in the original article for 1.7v modified default.
The bottom photo shows in red how I criss-crossed the wire in between VID pins for 1.85v modified default.
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