Intel Puts the Lock on Overclocking

Patrick Schmid writes "Intel included an overclocking-prevention mechanism into the 915/925 chipsets. So far, only Asus and Gigabyte know how to override it. You can start from the beginning or jump to where we discuss the overclocking lockout."

Comments

The new processor

[AviLazar]

I was not very impressed with the ratings of the new processor. While it has a little bit of improvement - you really need to get a completely revamped system (mother board, memory at the minimum - but you want a video card to be able to utilize the new speed). I believe even SATA hard drives had some problems.
Not to mention that the fastest P4 runs at 35 degrees centigrade, while this processor runs at 70 degrees. That is a major problem, imho, for a marginal increase.
Overall, this is not impressive technology. They rushed the material out. I referenced my information from Toms Hardware.

Re:Agreed

[nelsonal]

Several years ago some white box OEMs were selling overclocked systems as though they contianed the rated chip. I don't know how common it was, but that was the offical reason that Intel clamped down hard on the practice. When it was just geeks in their houses saving a few bucks it was a minor loss (probably good advertising--Intel generally has the better manufacturing process and most overclocking headroom), once frad was diluting their brand and really reducing revenue they stepped in and put a stop to the practice.

The article in a nutshell

[l33t-gu3lph1t3]

Within the 915/925 chipset is a function that halts the function of the cpu should the cpu-chipset bus speed deviate outside of the acceptable tolerance (5%) of the rated bus speed. This affects both overclocking and underclocking the bus. The "fix" mainboard makers are considering is not much more than a small hack that allows for another 10-15% deviation from the nominal bus speed.

Analysis: this is nothing new. Intel retail mainboards have *never* allowed overclocking, and their processors have been multiplier-locked since 1998.bottom line: the lock is there for stability concerns. If you want to overclock a socket-T processor, use a mainboard with a different chipset.I'm sure Ali, SiS, VIA, and Ati would love your business.

Re:Market Share

[ValourX]

If anything, the overclocker group is *shrinking*, not growing. Back when there was a huge difference with OCing, it had a following. Nowadays it isn't nearly as popular or as common a practice not necessarily out of technological restriction so much as a lack of need for an insignificant gain in speed.

-Jem

Forget overclocking, I want to underclock

[MalikChen]

I really don't care if they stop me from overclocking because I don't do it. I don't do intensive CPU tasks, so I have no need for it.

But, what I do is UNDERclock my CPU so that it runs cooler, thus needing fewer/quieter fans. I don't need all 2.4ghz, so I send the FSB and voltage down a bit. And then, instead of hitting 45 celsius when idle and fans blazing, I get around 40 degrees, and can't hear the fan at all. If I need to do something intensive, I just reboot, change to default and flip the switch that turns the fan on "high" mode.

If they are locking the FSB, voltages, multipliers, and everything else, this doesn't just prohibit overclocking, it stops tweaking at all. Which, in some form or another, is a fundamental need for most of the /. community.

Re:What about underclocking?

[evilviper]

in fact, its so damn hot now, I'm thinking about dropping the overall GHz.

Your heat problems are almost certainly related to the S2K bus disconnect problem. Either run fvcool (if your chipset is supported) or buy a newer AMD-certified motherboard that says it comes with S2K bus disconnect enabled.

You will see a massive decrease in heat, and a more than 50% drop in electricity consumed by your CPU. Read my most recent journal entry for more information. In addition, you should probably invest a few dollars in thermal paste, a decent heatsink and 80mm fan. My 2GHz AMD processor doesn't even reach 130 F degrees, despite 90 F degree ambient tempuratures, a demand for silent fans, and a motherboard that isn't supported with FVCOOL.