Which amd processors can be unlocked. Phenom II, Athlon X2, Athlon II, Sempron: unlocking, enabling hidden cores, cache. Testing an unlocked processor

If you have a computer equipped with a modern AMD processor, this means that you have a chance to significantly increase the performance of your PC without spending a penny on this goal. We are talking about a technology called “unlocking AMD processor cores.” This technology allows you to increase the number of processor cores available to the system - usually from two to four or three.

Of course, such an operation is very tempting. Indeed, as tests show, in some cases the performance of the updated processor almost doubles. Moreover, to successfully carry out this operation, you only need a little knowledge of BIOS options, and, incidentally, a little luck.

First of all, let's try to understand the question of why AMD needed to “hide” the processor cores from the user. The fact is that each processor manufacturer within a certain line has several models that differ in both price and capabilities. Naturally, cheaper processor models have fewer cores compared to more expensive ones. However, in many cases it is irrational to specifically develop models with fewer cores, so many manufacturers, in this case, AMD, do it simpler - they simply disable unnecessary processor cores.

In addition, many AMD processors may have defective cores that have a number of disadvantages. Such processors are also not thrown away, and after disabling unnecessary cores, they are sold under the guise of cheaper varieties of processors. However, the discovered shortcomings of disabled kernels may not be critical for their functioning. For example, if the processor core has a slightly increased heat dissipation compared to the standard one, then using a processor with such a core is quite possible.

It’s worth saying right away that the success of the core unlocking operation largely depends not only on the AMD processor line and its model, but also on a certain series of processors. In many series, only the cores in individual processors can be unlocked, while in other series, almost all processors can be unlocked. In some cases, it is possible to unlock not the kernel itself, but only the cache associated with it.

AMD processors that can be unlocked belong to the Athlon, Phenom and Sempron lines. Typically, unlocking is possible for cores No. 3 and 4 out of the four available cores. In some cases, you can unlock the second core of a dual-core processor, and in some cases, the 5th and 6th cores of a quad-core processor.

Features of unlocking various series of processors

Here are some examples of AMD processor series that can be unlocked, as well as their characteristic features of this process:

• Athlon X2 5000+ – cores No. 3 and 4 (selected copies)
• Athlon II X3 4xx series (Deneb/Rana core) – core No. 4 and cache memory
• Athlon II X3 4xx series (Propus core) – core No. 4
• Athlon II X4 6xx series (Deneb/Rana core) - only level 3 cache
• Phenom II X2 5xx series - cores No. 3 and 4
• Phenom II X3 series 7xx - core No. 4
• Phenom II X4 8xx series – only 2 MB of Level 3 cache can be unlocked
• Phenom II X4 650T, 840T, 960T and 970 Black Edition – cores No. 5 and 6 (selected copies)
• Sempron 140/145 - core No. 2

Which chipsets support unlocking processor cores?

It should be noted that not all motherboards support the ability to unlock AMD processor cores. You will only be able to unlock cores if your BIOS supports Advanced Clock Calibration (ACC) or similar technology.

ACC technology is used in the following chipsets:

• GeForce 8200
• GeForce 8300
• nForce 720D
• nForce 980
• Chipsets with south bridge type SB710
• Chipsets with south bridge type SB750

There are also several AMD chipsets that do not support ACC technology, but instead support similar technologies. These chipsets include chipsets with south bridges of the following types:

• SB810
• SB850
• SB950

The method for unlocking cores on these chipsets varies depending on the motherboard manufacturer

Unblocking method

To unlock the cores, the user must access the BIOS tools. If the motherboard supports ACC technology, in most cases it is enough to find the Advanced Clock Calibration parameter in the BIOS and set it to Auto.

For motherboards from specific manufacturers, some additional steps may also be required. On ASUS motherboards, in addition to ACC, you must enable the Unleashed mode option, on MSI boards, the Unlock CPU Core option, and on NVIDIA boards, the Core Calibration option. On Gigabyte boards you need to find the EC Firmware Selection option and set it to Hybrid.

On those chipsets that do not support ACC technology, the unlocking method depends on the specific manufacturer. Let us briefly list the options that must be used in the case of each specific manufacturer:

• ASUS - ASUS Core Unlocker
• Gigabyte - CPU Unlock
• Biostar - BIO-unlocKING
• ASRock - ASRock UCC
• MSI - Unlock CPU Core

Unlock check and core testing

In order to make sure that the unlocked cores of AMD processors really work, it is best to use information utilities such as CPU-Z. However, even if you verify that the unlocking was successful, this does not mean that the unlocked kernels will work without problems. In order to fully check their performance, it is recommended to conduct thorough testing of all processor parameters. Also, the failure of the unlocking process may be indicated by malfunctions in the computer, and sometimes by the inability to boot it. In the latter case, you will have to resort to clearing the BIOS memory and resetting it to the factory default state (we talked about how to carry out this process in a separate article).

If new cores are found to be faulty, the user can disable them at any time using BIOS options. In addition, you should keep in mind that the operation of unlocking processor cores only works at the BIOS level, and not at the level of the processors themselves. If you install a processor with unlocked cores on another motherboard, they will still be locked.

And I would like to note one more point. Although unlocking a processor is not the same as overclocking it, however, increasing the number of working cores in your processor will automatically lead to an increase in the heat dissipation of the processor die. Therefore, perhaps in this case it makes sense to think about upgrading the processor cooling cooler.

Conclusion

Unlocking the cores of AMD processors is a simple step that can, however, help the user realize the full potential of their computer hardware. This operation is carried out by enabling the necessary BIOS options. Although unlocking cores is not always guaranteed to lead to success, nevertheless, like overclocking, it is not associated with significant risks, and can be tried in practice by any user.

1. General information.
2. What is ACC? What is NCC?
3. Motherboard requirements. Setting up the motherboard BIOS.
4. A small list of the most common questions and answers.
5. News, articles and polls on the topic
6. List of motherboards that have been confirmed to be unlockable with a specific bios version

General information

Attention! The main condition for normal operation of the system as a result of unlocking the processor is a normal power supply with an “honest” 350-400W of power at least, which it actually produces (and not a “veteran” from the times of Socket 754). With questions like “Will this power supply be enough for me?” contact the corresponding forum "Cases, power supplies, modding".

Often, to release cut-down/low-end models of their products, companies do not release new revisions of boards/microchips, but use rejects that have not passed tests to work with the characteristics of older models. However, the level of rejection (which, moreover, decreases as production develops) is lower than the sales of cut-down products. As a result, completely nutritious products end up under the knife. Sometimes, through certain manipulations, you can activate what is disabled.

Processors of the K8/K9 generation (Windsor/Orleans/Lima/Brisbane, etc.) and older ones are not discussed here: there is simply nothing to unlock.

At the moment, to release all processors based on the K10.5 architecture (these are Phenom II and Athlon II, as well as Sempron 140/145 and Athlon X2 5000+), AMD uses only four types of crystals: six-core Thuban, four-core Deneb, its stripped-down version (without L3 cache) Propus and dual-core Regor (i.e. all Semprons are initially based on a dual-core die, just one core is disabled).

Sometimes the older Athlon X2 7750 BE can be unlocked, but in general, it is no longer relevant as outdated (AMD Athlon X2 7750 BE can include two more cores), based on the K10 architecture.

General characteristics (with the exception of Thuban, more about them below):

Addition:

1. Phenom II X4 920 and 940, Athlon X2 5000+:
   Connector: AM2/AM2+ only
   Memory support: DDR2 533/667/800/1066 only
2. The Regor core has been slightly improved compared to Deneb: hardware support for C1E has been added, the L2 cache has become 1024Kb per core (Deneb - 512Kb)
3. Athlon II X2 215/220 have only 512KB L2 cache.

It should also be noted that, as can be seen from the above characteristics, processors of the Athlon II X4/X3 family can be based on either the Deneb core or the Propus core.

Previously, it was possible to distinguish which core was included in a particular processor by the CPUID of the processor: in the case of Deneb, the processor has CPUID 00100F42h, in the case of Propus - CPUID 00100F52h. The CPUID can be seen when the system boots on the POST screen. This information can also be seen from the OS environment: in the Windows environment - in CPU-Z on the "CPU" tab - the "Model" column ("4" in the first case, "5" in the second); in the Linux environment - the output of the command cat /proc/cpuinfo (model line, similarly - “4” in the first case, “5” in the second). By release date: from the 33rd to the 39th week of 2009, almost all processors are based on the Deneb core, later - Propus with rare exceptions. However, some processors of the latest batches with CPUID 00100F52h now also have a third-level cache that can be easily unlocked to a full 6MB.

Only by the processor marking on the cover can you determine whether there is a chance of unlocking the L3 cache:

• Regor/Sargas (2 cores, no physical L3 cache): **E** series: AAEEC, CAEEC, AAEGC, NAE1C, etc.
• Propus (4 cores without L3 cache physically): **D** series: CADAC, CADHC, AADAC, NADHC, NADIC, AADHC, etc.
• Deneb (4 cores, L3 cache physically present on the chip): **C** series: CACYC, CACUC, CACVC, CACZC, CACAC, CACEC, CACDC, AACYC, AACSC, AACTC, AACZC, AACAC, etc.
• Thuban (6 cores, L3 cache physically present on the chip): **B** series: ACBBE, CCBBE, etc.

The list is not complete (AMD is constantly releasing new ones), so let the author know if you have information about new ones.

From the above we can see what can be unlocked on a particular processor model:

• Phenom II X4 8xx - 2 Mb L3 cache;
• Phenom II X3 7xx - fourth core;
• Phenom II X2 5xx - 3rd and 4th cores;
• Athlon II X4 - L3 cache in the case of the Deneb core;
• Athlon II X3 - fourth core + in the case of the Deneb core - L3 cache;
• Athlon II X2 - nothing to unlock(only a model with index 220 can be found on a quad-core Deneb - look at the markings on the cover).
• Sempron 140/145 is the second core.

A list of such motherboards is given below.

The availability of the ability to control the unlocking function itself must be clarified either in the manual for the motherboard, or by reading the FAQ and user messages in the thread for the corresponding motherboard in the Motherboards section. Studying threads with reviews is preferable: not all manufacturers update instructions for motherboards (and they do not always advertise this possibility), and there are also features of implementing this function on specific motherboards.

Settings in bios of motherboards:

AsRock

Advanced -> Chipset Configuration -> Advanced Clock Calibration or (different models/bios versions vary)
OC Tweaker -> Advanced Clock Calibration.

Activate Advanced Clock Calibration, then reboot. After this, various options for activating cores will become available.

On nVidia chipsets with NCC support
Advanced -> NVIDIA Core Calibration
Core management: Active Core Setup.
L3 cache management: L3 Cache Allocation.

On motherboards supporting UCC technology
OC Tweaker -> ASRock UCC
Core management: CPU Active Core Control.

Asus

On AMD SB710, SB750 south bridges
Advanced -> CPU Configuration -> Advanced Clock Calibration from Disabled is changed to the desired position. After this, the Unleashing Mode option appears. Setting this option to Enabled activates unlocking.

On AMD SB810, SB850 south bridges
Advanced -> ASUS Core Unlocker and CPU Core Activation.

On nVidia chipset
Advanced -> JumperFree Configuration -> NVIDIA Core Calibration

Biostar

On AMD SB710, SB750 south bridges
I’ll warn you right away: for motherboards from this company, in order to successfully unlock, sometimes you have to lower the HyperTransport frequency even when working at nominal frequencies (HT is configured here: Performance Menu -> Hyper Transport Configuration -> HT Link Speed)
Advanced -> Advanced Clock Calibration.

On AMD SB810, SB850 south bridges
Advanced -> BIO-unlocKING
When the system starts, the POST screen prompts you to press F2 to activate two cores, F3 to activate three cores, or F4 to activate four. Depending on the processor. If you skip a sentence (the system does not ask for confirmation, but simply starts further), everything is automatically unlocked.

Diamond Flower Inc (DFI)

On AMD SB710, SB750 south bridges
Genue BIOS Setting -> CPU Feature -> Advanced Clock Calibration.

On AMD SB810, SB850 south bridges
No data available. Let the author know if you have them!

Foxconn

On AMD SB710, SB750 south bridges
Fox Central Control Unit -> Fox Intelligent Stepping -> Advanced Clock Calibration.

On AMD SB810, SB850 south bridges
No data available. Let the author of the FAQ know if you have them!

Gigabyte

On AMD SB710, SB750 south bridges
MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.) -> Advanced Clock Calibration -> Advanced Clock Calibration - to Auto or another value as necessary, reboot the system, then, in the same place, set EC Firmware Selection to the Hybrid position.

On AMD SB810, SB850 south bridges
Advanced BIOS Features -> CPU Unlock
The CPU Unlock option, which is responsible for unlocking, works independently of the CPU core Control option and has only two positions - Enabled and Disabled. Obviously, with processors that can be patched to a limited extent (some of the cores are broken), a combination of these parameters should be used. There is no option responsible for unlocking the L3 cache separately; it is always unlocked when the CPU Unlock option is activated.

MicroStar (MSI)

On AMD SB710, SB750 south bridges
On an AMD chipset: Cell Menu -> Unlock CPU Core and Advanced Clock Calibration set to Enabled.
After this, additional settings appear that allow you to selectively enable/disable processor cores.
Detailed instructions with pictures + a list of motherboards that support this function) are available on the official MicroStar website: MSI's Unlock CPU Core Technology Introduction (in Russian) (beware - traffic due to screenshots).

On AMD SB810, SB850 south bridges
No data available. Let the author know if you have them!

On nVidia chipset
Cell Menu -> Nvidia Core Calibration set to Enabled.

Zotac, Sapphire, Jetway

There was no data about unlocking. Let the author know if you have them!

ECS (EliteGroup)

On September 8, 2009, official technical support announced that unlocking support would not be implemented. However, then the policy changed.

On AMD SB710, SB750 south bridges
M.I.B. II (MB Intellegent BIOS II) -> Advanced Clock Calibration.

On AMD SB810, SB850 south bridges
No data available. Let the author know if you have them!

Some tricks for unlocking.

1. Try varying the ACC percentage values ​​(on chipsets that initially do not support ACC and it is implemented separately by the motherboard manufacturer, these parameters are not available):

We have started to change the ACC setting to other modes besides "Auto" while using the "All Cores" option. By changing it in 2% increments, we were able to get the fourth core back at a -6% setting. And while previously the system could not pass the Prime95 test at all, in this case it worked fine for an hour without errors before we turned off the computer. It seems that a more aggressive ACC setting will stabilize the unlocking of the fourth core.

2. Increase or decrease the voltage on the processor and/or built-in memory controller (NB Core).

3. Reduce the frequency of Hyper Transport and/or RAM.

If suddenly, after unlocking the processor cores, you observe that in the bios the processor is identified as unlocked (the cores and cache are displayed on the POST screen, as well as in the characteristics in the bios), but after loading into Windows the number of processor cores remains unchanged (in the CPU- Z, for example), then follow the following simple procedure.

1. If the "Number of processors" checkbox is checked, then uncheck it.
2. If the "Number of processors" checkbox is not checked, check it and specify the number of cores in the drop-down menu.

Save changes and reboot.

After this, all kernels should be displayed.

Testing an unlocked processor.

CPU tests

Prime95:
Free. English interface only.

Introduction

History is forced to repeat itself often: manufacturer X, known for its flagship product Y, recently began releasing a mid-level product Z, which is built on a silicon crystal that for some reason does not reach Y. But instead of throwing away the crystal, X disables it a certain part, after which it sells it as Z - at a lower price.

Typically, in most cases (but we don't know how big that majority is), it's because the kernel actually has a defect. But sometimes a manufacturer just needs to release processors at a certain price level that are in short supply. ATI Radeon HD 4830, nVidia GeForce GTX 260, AMD Phenom II X3 700 and 800 lines are all examples of products based on more expensive components.

AMD Phenom II

For testing, we bought a retail version of the X3 processor. Click on the picture to enlarge.

A couple of months ago from Korea information has arrived, which stated that you can simply unlock the fourth core on the Phenom II X3 processor by enabling the Advanced Clock Calibration feature on some motherboards, which turns the $135 Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition (from 6 thousand rubles in Russia) into a Phenom II processor X4 920 (Black Edition) for $190 (from 6.9 thousand rubles in Russia) by changing the option in the BIOS. For now, we'll ignore the question of whether it's worth saving to get a potentially unstable system.

As you remember from our article dedicated to the launch of the Phenom II, AMD stated that ACC technology does not change anything technically for the Phenom II, since it is already integrated into the Phenom II. The same ACC technology allowed the Phenom to reach higher frequencies after overclocking. Now, this feature of the SB750 southbridge appears to have affected the Phenom II in a different way.

How it all works remains a mystery to us. Two motherboard manufacturers, ASRock and Biostar, have said they support the ability to unlock X3 processors, but neither company has explained how this happens. To be fair, this is unlikely to be due to any trickery on the part of the companies, and something similar is probably going on: ACC can change the way the CPU checks for errors, increasing error tolerance and reducing the chance of failure under certain conditions. In this case, increasing the error tolerance of ACC made it possible to “revive” the disconnected section of silicon.

We also bought a retail version of the X4 processor. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Biostar's product manager said that any board with SB750 southbridge can achieve the same unlocking effect. ASRock confirmed this, and also provided us with its own test data on a certain number of processors, where there is a fairly even distribution of chips that are unlocked and work stably; chips that can be unlocked but are unstable; chips that are not unlocked at all.

And here's what's interesting. AMD says the ACC/Phenom II X3 hype has boosted sales of a product line that we thought was underperforming. After all, after the X3 first came out, many applications simply didn't know what to do with three cores. And the company says it has no plans to stop enthusiasts from unlocking the X3's fourth core by enabling ACC on the SB750.

But one motherboard manufacturer told us that AMD plans to end ACC support in the SB750 southbridge this month. Another manufacturer reported that AMD is putting pressure on it to update the firmware of the integrated ACC controller and publish an "updated" BIOS version. And if the first is an assumption, then the second seems to be true. Indeed, free cheese only comes in a mousetrap. Proof? A little lower.

Cores and cache

It looks like the X3s aren't the only models that can do more. AMD's Phenom II X4 800 line of chips (those with 4MB of L3 cache instead of the full 6MB) can also be unlocked using the ACC trick, although the benefit in this case seems dubious. The Phenom II X4 810 processor cost $167 (6.8 thousand rubles in Russia) on Newegg.com at the time of publication of the article. The Phenom II X4 920, operating at 200 MHz faster, cost $189 (6.9 thousand rubles in Russia). Of course, the 810 belongs to the Socket AM3 generation, and the 900 line is currently limited to AM2+, but AMD will update the Socket AM3 line with top-end models in the near future, so it hardly makes sense to limit yourself to AM2+ today, especially if you plan to switch to DDR3 in the future.

Click on the picture to enlarge.

But let's get down to the real hardware and see if we can get a stable system after unlocking less expensive processors. Of course, it hardly needs repeating once again that even at standard clock frequencies here we have the same consequences as after overclocking. That is, no one will provide technical support for this step, except for the community of enthusiasts.

Not all motherboards are suitable

First, we decided to choose a platform suitable for testing on Socket AM3. We already knew that ASRock and Biostar are the two manufacturers that initially supported this idea. And in our Expert Club, readers asked to conduct similar tests.

We started by testing the Asus M4A79T Deluxe, which, judging by other sites, should work. But nothing worked out. The board worked well with ACC disabled. As soon as we enabled this feature, our Phenom II X3 720 (which we knew would unlock successfully) began to constantly show a blue screen. We were using the latest BIOS from Asus, so we took another motherboard with an older BIOS.

Next up was the Gigabyte MA790XT-UD4P motherboard. We received this board with BIOS F2 dated January 16, 2009. However, this did not help to unlock our “successful” copy of Phenom II X3. On March 10, Gigabyte released BIOS version F2B, which was supposed to update the ACC code for Phenom X3 processors. We updated the BIOS to the latest version F3, but that didn't help either.

We contacted Gigabyte to find out what is meant by "ACC code update". According to the company, all manufacturers developing new BIOSes with the latest AMD microcode must disable the core/cache unlock feature, which at least explains why ASUS and Gigabyte motherboards with the latest BIOS versions refused to cooperate with us. Why not use the old microcode? The latest firmware fixes many other issues, including the random reboot issue. From a motherboard manufacturer's perspective, releasing a more stable BIOS version is still preferable to leaving behind an unsupported and potentially problematic hack feature. In general, if you want to keep your hacked Phenom II, you need to stick to the BIOS version before the fix.

The ASRock M3A790GXH/128M is the only board in our lab that was still able to unlock all Phenoms. Click on the picture to enlarge.

Finally, we took a board that should be guaranteed to work: ASRock M3A790GXH/128M. What's strange is that even with the ACC function set to Auto, the board enabled the fourth core of the Phenom II X3 720 under Windows. ASRock has only released one BIOS version for this motherboard - the original one. Perhaps a BIOS update will be released after a while and the board will lose unlocking functions?

ASRock representatives told us that the company is in no rush to include the latest microcode fixes. If AMD releases new processors or fixes bugs that it deems critical to firmware updates, then two BIOS versions will be presented to the consumer, and enthusiasts will be able to choose one or the other.

And not all processors either

We ended up testing three Phenom II X4 810 processors and three Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition processors. One processor was received from AMD as samples. We received one processor each from ASRock - these were guaranteed unlock models, which we used to test whether we could unlock processors on other motherboards. Finally, we bought the last pair on Newegg to get an idea of ​​the possibility of unlocking retail versions of the processors.

Of course, we successfully unlocked two processors from ASRock. The Phenom II X4 810 from AMD also worked. But we were unable to unlock the Phenom II X3 720 BE from AMD. We successfully unlocked the Phenom II X4 810, purchased on Newegg. But the Phenom II X3 720 couldn’t.

The processors that we were able to unlock normally had the ACC function set to "Auto" in the BIOS of the ASRock motherboard. The X3 720 sample we received from ASRock passed all of our tests with this setup, showing the performance benefit of including the fourth core. We then ran the Prime95 test to check stability. After just a few minutes, the platform froze, and after a reset, it started reporting only three cores - even with ACC enabled.

We have already read about similar behavior when unlocking the processor “does not take root.” Fortunately, this allowed us to find a way to get the unlocking back, even if it fails.

X3 720 unlocked, ACC enabled.

Regular X3 720, ACC disabled.

We have started to change the ACC setting to other modes besides "Auto" while using the "All Cores" option. By changing it in 2% increments, we were able to get the fourth core back at a -6% setting. And while previously the system could not pass the Prime95 test at all, in this case it worked fine for an hour without errors before we turned off the computer. It seems that a more aggressive ACC setting will stabilize the unlocking of the fourth core.

However, the ACC doesn't work miracles. On our two Phenom II X3 720s, which had the core unlocked and in the "Auto" position, we changed the ACC setting from +12% to -12%, and still did not find any sign of the fourth core.

X4 810 unlocked, ACC enabled.

Regular X4 810, ACC disabled.

Processor results

The results look best for the AMD Phenom II X4 810, regardless of when this processor was produced or what stepping it might have. In all three cases, we were able to unlock and add 2MB of L3 cache on the ASRock motherboard.

Many users have heard more than once that a computer that is not fast enough can be “overclocked,” that is, its performance can be increased. For example, a medium-power computer with a dual-core processor can be turned into a quad-core one. But, inexperienced users do not always succeed and instead of the desired result, you may see a blue screen, called the “screen of death”.

In this case, you need to return the BIOS settings by restarting the computer, but the unlocking process will have to be stopped. Unlocking AMD processor cores has one goal - increasing PC performance with the same stability. But adding two cores does not always increase performance and, as a side effect, system malfunctions may begin.

Is there any point in unlocking?

You can actually achieve an increase in the number of cores in some AMD Phenom 2 and Athlon 2 models. According to laboratory testing results, of all the processors subject to the unlocking process, the Phenom 2 X3 720 and Athlon 2 X3 440 were the best.

Considering that all processors with three cores were quite easily overclocked to quad-core and remained stable, in general, they showed absolutely identical results. To put it more clearly, there is not much point in the unlocking process, since adding an additional core did not affect the performance figures. Additionally, the AMD Phenom 2 X3 720 processor experienced a system crash during the unlocking process and failed.

The best results were shown by processors from the AMD Phenom 2 X2 555 BE line. Thanks to the high capabilities of the GIGABYTE GA-890XA-UD3 motherboard, very good processor unlocking rates were recorded. Performance has more than doubled, the dual-core AMD Phenom 2 X2 555 BE has become a quad-core AMD Phenom 2 X4 955 BE.

Despite the fact that the overclocking process is quite simple, it still requires certain skills. Before unlocking the cores of AMD processors, it is recommended to carefully review the reports of laboratories conducting similar studies and compare the numbers of yours and the tested processors.

The more matches there are in the marking, the higher the likelihood of a positive overclocking result. In addition, the manufacturer may block defective processor cores. In this case, it is not advisable to unblock it, since the result may be unpredictable.

AMD processors. Software tools that can be used to perform this rather complex operation will also be considered. In addition to this, practical advice will be given as to which of them is most optimal to apply in each situation. In addition to this, a list of CPUs relevant for this manipulation will also be provided.

What CPU models are suitable?

Before we learn how to unlock AMD processor cores, let's look at CPU models suitable for this manipulation. This list includes the following families of chips from this eminent computer equipment manufacturer:

1. Septron microprocessors can be converted from single-core to dual-core. This allows you to increase, albeit slightly, the speed of your personal computer.
2. The 2- and 3-module Athlon II line of computing devices can be converted to a quad-core CPU. In turn, some models of microprocessors of this family can be converted into a similar Phenom II series chip with a three-level cache memory system. Accordingly, the speed of the computer will also increase.
3. Low-end Phenom II chips, with a successful set of circumstances, like the previously reviewed chips from the Athlon II line, can be converted from dual- and triple-core models to quad-block ones. Again, the speed of work increases due to the increase in code processing modules.

All previously stated transformations are relevant for the AM3 platform. Later AMD sockets no longer support this operation.

Implementation methods

Now let's figure out how to unlock AMD processor cores using software. This operation can be implemented in two ways. One of them is using the BIOS system. This method can only be used on new versions of motherboards in which the option was added to the ACC/UCC menu. The second option for enabling unused hardware resources comes down to using special utilities. This method of activating cores is available on any motherboard.

BIOS. Usage algorithm

Now let's figure out how to unlock the cores of AMD Athlon processors and other chips within the AM3 socket using the BIOS system. Again, this method is only applicable to those motherboards that were released in 2012 or later. A special ACC item (for AMD chipsets) or UCC (in case of using a system logic set from NVidia) was added to the BIOS system menu in each of them.

In both the first and second cases, the implementation algorithm is as follows:

1. When you turn on the computer system, you need to press the F2 button when the test window appears in order to enter the BIOS.
2. Next, you need to use the navigation keys to go to the menu item called Advanced and open it using the “Enter” key.
3. At the next stage, we find the sub-item ACC / UCC, move the pointer to it using the same navigation keys.
4. Then using the PgUp and PgDn buttons we set it to the Enabled state.
5. Save the changes. To do this, just press F10. Next, you will be asked to save the changes. We respond positively to it.
6. After this, a reboot will occur. Next, you need to check the stability of the PC after the manipulations performed using a method that will be described later.

If the computer is operating unstable, then using microswitch JP1 on the motherboard we return the BIOS parameters to their original state.

Specialized software

This method is most often used on older versions of motherboards. But it is also applicable to their newer modifications. That is, it is quite universal. Like the previous method, this method allows you to turn a low-performance Athlon II series chip into a high-performance AMD Phenom 2 X2 processor, for example.

Each motherboard manufacturer offered its own utility for these purposes. For example, Gigabyte recommended using the CPU Unlock program. It could be found on the motherboard CD of the same manufacturer.

Functionality check

This review described how to unlock AMD Phenom processor cores and more. After performing this operation, it is strongly recommended to check the stability and reliability of the computer.

To do this, at the first stage you need to install the specialized program CPU-Z. Then run it and check the microprocessor parameters in detail.

Next, you need to install the specialized AIDA64 utility and use it to carry out a comprehensive scan of your PC. If the computer starts to become unstable, then reset the BIOS settings to their original state using the same JP1 switch. You can also try to return the system software to its original state using the integrated operating system program.

Relevance of the operation

This review described in detail the main ways to unlock AMD processor cores. FX - 4300 and other newer CPUs intended for installation in the AM3+ socket no longer allowed such an operation. That is, it is only within the computer platform that this practice has become most widespread.

Again, these microprocessor models were relevant in 2010 - 2013. Now this platform is outdated. Therefore, it will definitely not be possible to achieve a radical improvement in performance by activating additional cores.

Conclusion

This review article was devoted to how to unlock AMD processor cores within the AM3 computing platform. At the time of the appearance of such chips, this operation contributed to the growth in sales of previously discussed CPU modifications. Now it is outdated and not suitable for the implementation of high-performance computers.

The most efficient way to activate disabled resources is to use special utilities. But it is easier to do this using the BIOS system. Therefore, if possible, we use the latter method. If the computer has an older version of the motherboard installed, then you can use a more complex method, which is based on specialized software.