Pentium 4: Unlocked?

[Glock30]

Is Pentium 4 unlocked from the factory? If it isn't, is it possible to unlock it, and how? Thanks in advance.

 

[Wingznut]

No. No. You're welcome.

 

[cherrytwist]

<< No. No. You're welcome. >>



heh.

 

[DimZiE]

<< No. No. You're welcome. >>



short and direct.

 

[Egrimm]

The only Pentium 4s that are unlocked is the factory samples sent to testers like Anand (thats how their 1,8 reached 2,0). There is no way a normal person can get an unlocked P4

 

[AlGood]

theres gotta be a way

 

[Adul]

there is no way around it. It is locked on the die of the cpu with lasers before it is sealed in its package. (I believe that how it is done)

 

[Wingznut]

Adul is correct.

 

[Rand]

<< there is no way around it. It is locked on the die of the cpu with lasers before it is sealed in its package. (I believe that how it is done) >>




Oh... I'm sure it's possible... if you have a team of Intel microprocessor engineers and and all the tools necessary I'm sure they could find some way to unlock it

That isnt exactly a realistic option though.
Basically, there isnt any way in hell your ever going to see anybody unlock a P4.

 

[Glock30]

That sucks. Well, Intel sucks.

 

[Wingznut]

Before proclaiming that "Intel sucks", do you realize why Intel locks the multiplier?

Believe it or not, it's not to screw you over. Actually, it's to protect both Intel and the consumer. The fact of the matter is that prior to Intel locking the multiplier, an extremely large number of cpu's were being overclocked, remarked, and resold as a higher mhz part.

Remarking still occurs, but can you imagine how bad it would be if Intel cpu's were still unlocked?

 

[Rand]

I agree, (S)Intel sucks

Though my reasons for thinking so have more to do with their corporate practices then anything to do with locking their processors.

Given the rampant remarking in some places back when Intel's processors were unlocked I can't say i overly mind too much that they are multiplier locked right now.
Makes for a bit more hassle and effort for overclocking, but it's more then worth it to be rid of remarkers.