F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Search for unlocking methods for AM3 core micro-ATX motherboards.

Search for unlocking methods for AM3 core micro-ATX motherboards.

Search for unlocking methods for AM3 core micro-ATX motherboards.

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CandyXelo
Junior Member
41
11-10-2016, 03:12 AM
#1
He shared some old computer components with me, which filled up his garage. After examining them, I discovered a box containing an AMD CPU from a Phenom II x2 550 B.E. model. It seemed to have two cores that might still be functional. The motherboard it fits on is an older Dell OEM board. Unfortunately, this setup doesn’t allow core unlocking or overclocking. I’m wondering if it’s even feasible and what steps I’d need to take. I’m hoping to replace the board entirely instead of trying to modify it. My search so far hasn’t turned up any compatible parts—except listings that are currently out of stock on sites like Newegg and Aliexpress. Do I really have to wait? What’s my chance of finding something similar around this time? Please help!
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CandyXelo
11-10-2016, 03:12 AM #1

He shared some old computer components with me, which filled up his garage. After examining them, I discovered a box containing an AMD CPU from a Phenom II x2 550 B.E. model. It seemed to have two cores that might still be functional. The motherboard it fits on is an older Dell OEM board. Unfortunately, this setup doesn’t allow core unlocking or overclocking. I’m wondering if it’s even feasible and what steps I’d need to take. I’m hoping to replace the board entirely instead of trying to modify it. My search so far hasn’t turned up any compatible parts—except listings that are currently out of stock on sites like Newegg and Aliexpress. Do I really have to wait? What’s my chance of finding something similar around this time? Please help!

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ChaoxicMatter
Member
51
11-12-2016, 12:21 AM
#2
The most important thing is whether it’s worth the investment. Honestly, unless you can actually get a good motherboard for under five dollars, it probably isn’t. Anything priced higher than that seems excessive. Still, if you’re looking for a model that supports this feature, the Asus M5A78L-M LX V2 works in my old PC.
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ChaoxicMatter
11-12-2016, 12:21 AM #2

The most important thing is whether it’s worth the investment. Honestly, unless you can actually get a good motherboard for under five dollars, it probably isn’t. Anything priced higher than that seems excessive. Still, if you’re looking for a model that supports this feature, the Asus M5A78L-M LX V2 works in my old PC.

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kervinc
Posting Freak
804
11-12-2016, 06:32 AM
#3
This review evaluates the processor's performance and features.
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kervinc
11-12-2016, 06:32 AM #3

This review evaluates the processor's performance and features.

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IchKommeHD
Junior Member
8
11-17-2016, 07:56 PM
#4
You're wondering how to find a motherboard when you already have the CPU.
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IchKommeHD
11-17-2016, 07:56 PM #4

You're wondering how to find a motherboard when you already have the CPU.

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Scheepo
Junior Member
5
11-18-2016, 07:01 PM
#5
That’s exactly what I thought too. It’s not worth the effort to actually work on it, but since it’s a fun side project and we’re in 2019 with 64-core CPUs, it’s pretty impressive. Neither AMD nor Intel would ever do this again—though they still disable cores. It’s wild to see and feel like I’ve accomplished something cool. This reminds me of my days in tech, just to relive that nostalgia and show off a bit of geekiness.
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Scheepo
11-18-2016, 07:01 PM #5

That’s exactly what I thought too. It’s not worth the effort to actually work on it, but since it’s a fun side project and we’re in 2019 with 64-core CPUs, it’s pretty impressive. Neither AMD nor Intel would ever do this again—though they still disable cores. It’s wild to see and feel like I’ve accomplished something cool. This reminds me of my days in tech, just to relive that nostalgia and show off a bit of geekiness.

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Jason2005_HD
Member
155
11-26-2016, 01:29 AM
#6
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Jason2005_HD
11-26-2016, 01:29 AM #6

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teddy2000000
Junior Member
39
11-26-2016, 05:18 AM
#7
Not familiar with any device featuring USB 3.0. Consider a PCI-E card offering USB 3.0 for better performance if required.
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teddy2000000
11-26-2016, 05:18 AM #7

Not familiar with any device featuring USB 3.0. Consider a PCI-E card offering USB 3.0 for better performance if required.

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DrShadowyDeath
Junior Member
42
11-26-2016, 08:21 AM
#8
I managed to acquire an ASUS m5a78l-m/usb3 card and unlocking performed well. Overclocking is fine only when the memory hits 1600MHz, but it becomes unstable after that. I installed a GT710 1GB in this setup running Linux and achieved over 100 FPS at 720p 60fps. It’s a cool piece of tech history I intend to keep as a pure Linux build for experimentation. Thanks for your help and advice.
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DrShadowyDeath
11-26-2016, 08:21 AM #8

I managed to acquire an ASUS m5a78l-m/usb3 card and unlocking performed well. Overclocking is fine only when the memory hits 1600MHz, but it becomes unstable after that. I installed a GT710 1GB in this setup running Linux and achieved over 100 FPS at 720p 60fps. It’s a cool piece of tech history I intend to keep as a pure Linux build for experimentation. Thanks for your help and advice.