I wasn't satisfied with the 12.5 max multiplier on my T-bred "B" core. I have an Epox 8RDA+ and apparently this NForce2 mobo only unlocks to the maximum spec'd multiplier which is 12.5 on my chip. Since my Crucial PC2100 can't do 166 Mhz (keeping it at 150), my quest for 2+ GHz remained unfulfilled.
So, I tried to unlock it by cutting the 5th L3 bridge. (since that is what will trick the mobo to giving me 13.0 and higher mults). I used a utility knife razor blade and carefully scored between the two bridge dots. Unfortunately, when I put the chip back in and powered up, the computer wouldn't boot! After I calmed down a bit, the next day I went to Fry's and bought a new 2100+ B chip. I put it in and luckily the computer booted once I reset the CMOS. I am able to achieve a decent overclock with this new chip (150 x 12.5 = 2025 Mhz) but it sucks that I am out the $52 bucks for the 1700+ that is dead. I guess I must have scored too deeply. Oh well, I guess it could be worse. Maybe some brave soul will buy the chip for $5 and try to fix it.
Since the Fry's chip is $120 including TX sales tax, I'm going to take it back. I've just ordered a 2100+ B core from NewEgg which will be my replacement CPU. I should have just bought the 2100+ to begin with...but didn't know I would run into the 12.5 multiplier ceiling. Stay tuned for my updated overclocking results later this week.
So, I tried to unlock it by cutting the 5th L3 bridge. (since that is what will trick the mobo to giving me 13.0 and higher mults). I used a utility knife razor blade and carefully scored between the two bridge dots. Unfortunately, when I put the chip back in and powered up, the computer wouldn't boot! After I calmed down a bit, the next day I went to Fry's and bought a new 2100+ B chip. I put it in and luckily the computer booted once I reset the CMOS. I am able to achieve a decent overclock with this new chip (150 x 12.5 = 2025 Mhz) but it sucks that I am out the $52 bucks for the 1700+ that is dead. I guess I must have scored too deeply. Oh well, I guess it could be worse. Maybe some brave soul will buy the chip for $5 and try to fix it.
Since the Fry's chip is $120 including TX sales tax, I'm going to take it back. I've just ordered a 2100+ B core from NewEgg which will be my replacement CPU. I should have just bought the 2100+ to begin with...but didn't know I would run into the 12.5 multiplier ceiling. Stay tuned for my updated overclocking results later this week.