EDIT: As of right now I'm making this thread's primary concern whether or not I can unlock my CPU's hidden core. Overclocking can wait until I know for sure or not whether I have a tri-core or a quad-core.
My monitoring/benchmark software: Easy Tune 6, CPU-Z, HWiNFO64, Core Temp, Speed Fan, and Prime 95.
To be perfectly honest, I know that there are minimal risks in unlocking an extra core and that's about it. I'm speculating, but I would assume that an unlocked core would result in a increased voltage and, in turn, higher temps. I've been told that if the unlock fails then I should turn down the HT (Hyper Threading, I do believe) Link Speed to 1600MHz in the BIOS. From this, I've also gathered that you're allowed more than one attempt at unlocking the extra core(s). The only thing I have to worry about is the stability of the core if I can even unlock it. Plus, wouldn't unlocking an extra core mean that I probably won't even have to overclock the CPU a lot?
* I am using my stock CPU heatsink. I keep the fan running at 100% and that appears to be 3308-3590rpm ever since I cleaned out my tower. My priority here is being able to safely push my CPU to a level where it increases performance, but doesn't sacrifice stability.
Edited by Metallica93 - 7/31/12 at 4:16am
My monitoring/benchmark software: Easy Tune 6, CPU-Z, HWiNFO64, Core Temp, Speed Fan, and Prime 95.
To be perfectly honest, I know that there are minimal risks in unlocking an extra core and that's about it. I'm speculating, but I would assume that an unlocked core would result in a increased voltage and, in turn, higher temps. I've been told that if the unlock fails then I should turn down the HT (Hyper Threading, I do believe) Link Speed to 1600MHz in the BIOS. From this, I've also gathered that you're allowed more than one attempt at unlocking the extra core(s). The only thing I have to worry about is the stability of the core if I can even unlock it. Plus, wouldn't unlocking an extra core mean that I probably won't even have to overclock the CPU a lot?
* I am using my stock CPU heatsink. I keep the fan running at 100% and that appears to be 3308-3590rpm ever since I cleaned out my tower. My priority here is being able to safely push my CPU to a level where it increases performance, but doesn't sacrifice stability.
Edited by Metallica93 - 7/31/12 at 4:16am
