Core unlocking, easy overclocking - non-windows machines?

[t-ray]

I've been out of the hardware game for a long time. I've noticed that a lot of modern boards advertise features for unlocking cores and easy overclocking. How are these features implemented? Are these features implemented in the bios, or in windows programs?

I ask because I plan on an ubuntu build. I'm not overly concerned with either feature, but I would like to know beforehand if I will have to manually overclock or not.

 

[phalsedoom]

I think it depends upon whether the board features overclocking or perhaps core unlocking software that can be accessed through windows or via the bios. You will have to overclock through adjustments in the bios setting. I use slackware and have overclocked phenom IIs manually on an Asus, ecs and with some bios "help" on a biostar. Some boards, like the biostar make overcloking so user friendly that the process might as well be on autopilot. So far no problems with overclocking but have been unsuccessful with core unlocking. Cannot win them all.

 

[weez82]

My ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO unlocks cores in the bios. Turned my X3 445 in to a X4 . My advice is to download the manual for the motherboards you're looking at and read

 

[moparacer]

Just built 2 AMD rigs with Biostar A880G+ motherboards and all thats required its making a settings change in the bios. Just set the Advanced clock calibration to AUTO and bingo! 4 Cores!

The big wild car with unlocking is if the cores are stable after you unlock them. Some you get lucky, and some you dont.

Unlocked a X2 560 to quad and just unlocked a X3 450 to quad last night.

 

[stargazr]

The big wild car with unlocking is if the cores are stable after you unlock them. Some you get lucky, and some you dont.

I also have the ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO on my girlfriend's computer. What happens if you unlock the forth core and it isn't stable? Just change the setting back? Is there any risk? I'm intrigued with this but the computer has to be reliable.

 

[Rifter]

I also have the ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO on my girlfriend's computer. What happens if you unlock the forth core and it isn't stable? Just change the setting back? Is there any risk? I'm intrigued with this but the computer has to be reliable.

I would just run prime95 or linx for a few hours to test, if it passes that its stable. Can always change setting back.

 

[stargazr]

I would just run prime95 or linx for a few hours to test, if it passes that its stable. Can always change setting back.

Thank you, I appreciate it!