This short review will focus on how to unlock AMD processor cores . Also, software tools with which this rather complex operation can be performed will be considered. In addition to this, practical advice will be given as to which of them is best suited for each situation. In addition to this, a list of CPUs relevant for this manipulation will also be provided.
Which CPU models are suitable?
Before you learn how to unlock the core of AMD processors, consider CPU models suitable for this manipulation. This list includes the following chip families of this eminent computer manufacturer:
- Septron microprocessors can be converted from single-core to dual-core. This allows you to increase, albeit slightly, the speed of the personal computer.
- The computing devices of the Athlon II line in 2- and 3-module versions can be converted to a quad-core CPU. In turn, some models of microprocessors of this family can be turned into a similar chip in the Phenom II series with a cache memory system in three levels. Accordingly, the speed of the computer will also increase.
- Junior Phenom II chips, under a fortunate set of circumstances, as well as the previously considered chips of the Athlon II line, can be converted from two- and three-core models into four-block ones. Again, the speed of work increases due to the increase of the code processing modules.
All the previously described conversions are relevant for the AM3 platform. AMD's later sockets no longer support this operation.
Implementation methods
Now let's figure out how to unlock AMD processor cores using software tools. This operation can be implemented in two ways. One of them is the use of the BIOS system. This method can be applied only on new versions of motherboards in which an option has been added to the ACC / UCC menu. The second option to enable unused hardware resources comes down to using special utilities. This core activation method is available on any motherboard.
BIOS Usage Algorithm
Now we will figure out how to unlock the AMD Athlon processor cores and other chips within the AM3 socket using the BIOS system. Again, this method is applicable only to those motherboards that were released in 2012 or later. A special item ACC (for AMD chipsets) or UCC (in case of using a system logic set from NVidia) was added to the BIOS menu in each of them.
Both in the first and in the second case, the implementation algorithm is as follows:
- When you turn on the computing system, you must press the F2 button when the test window appears, in order to enter the BIOS.
- Next, using the navigation keys, go to the menu item called Advanced and open it using the "Enter" key.
- At the next stage, we find the ACC / UCC sub-item, translate the pointer onto it using the same navigation keys.
- Then, using the PgUp and PgDn buttons, set it to Enabled.
- Save changes. To do this, just press F10. Next, a request to save the changes will appear. We respond positively to it.
- After that, a reboot will occur. Next, you need to check the stability of the PC after the manipulations by the method, which will be described later.
If the computer is unstable, then using the JP1 microswitch on the motherboard, we return the BIOS settings to their original state.
Specialized Software
Most often, this method is used on older versions of motherboards. But it is also applicable to their newer versions. 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 manufacturer of motherboards for this purpose offered its own utility. For example, Gigabyte recommended using the CPU Unlock program. It could be found on the CD of the motherboard of the same manufacturer.
Next, it was necessary to install it on a PC and, using its main menu, activate disabled computer components.
Health Check
This review described how to unlock AMD Phenom processor cores and more. After performing this operation, it is strongly recommended that you check the stability and reliability of the computer.
To do this, at the first stage, you need to install a specialized program CPU-Z. Then run it and check the microprocessor parameters in detail.
Next, you need to install the specialized utility AIDA64 and, with it, carry out a comprehensive PC scan. If the computer starts to work unstably, then reset the BIOS to its 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.
The relevance of the operation
This review has described in detail the main ways to unlock AMD processor cores. The FX - 4300 and other newer CPUs designed for installation in the AM3 + socket no longer allowed such an operation. That is, only within the framework of a computer platform, this practice has received the greatest distribution.
Again, these microprocessor models were relevant in 2010-2013. Now this platform is outdated. Therefore, a dramatic improvement in performance due to the activation of additional cores cannot be exactly achieved.
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 of sales of previously considered CPU modifications. Now it is outdated and not suitable for the implementation of high-performance computers.
It is most rational to activate disabled resources using special utilities. But it is simpler to do this using the BIOS system. Therefore, if possible, we use the latter method. If the computer has an old version of the motherboard, then you can use a more complex method, which is based on specialized software.