Thorton Core XP2400 Questions

[bigrod]

I have a XP2400 (Thorton core) and a DFI NFII Ultra Infinity coming to me tomorrow and I have a couple questions.

First, what is the easiest way for me to tell if the Thorton is unlocked? I have read through several threads, and it seems if it was made before week 35 of '03 that it should be factory unlocked. Can someone verify that?

Second, I have read several things about unlocking the remaining L2 cache to make it essentially a Barton core (http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/cpu/di...0930171549.html). This article shows you what bridge to cross, but not what to cross it with. Can you still use a high lead pencil like with the old T-birds? Or do you have to use something like a conductive pen?

Finally, I am wondering what kind of overclock I can expect out of this chip and I can't find many resources that talk specifcally about Thorton core chips. If anyone has a personal experience or knows a website that mentions specific results, please post it for me.

Thanks!

 

[multifacitedonyx]

I fit is pre week 35 your are pretty assured it will be unlocked. Most pre week 39 are unlocked, and a few latter weeks are also unlocked. The easiest way to tell is stick it in a system and see if you can change the mulitplier. If you can, it is unlocked and you have a good chance of also unlocking the extra L2 cache.

I don't know if pencile works, but I used window defogger paint, basically copper based paint, to connect the bridge and it worked like a charm. I did this on five thortons, three were unlocked, 2 were not. Also, the overclock was not that great, but what do you want, your L2 cache and your high FSB as well?

 

[bigrod]

I would prefer that the multiplier be unlocked, the cache would just be an added bonus.

I guess I will have to decide on that, I don't know how hip I am on using conductive paint, as that seems it would be a fairly permananent fixture.

Thanks for the reply!