Unlock now or later?

[Sidetracker]

I'm putting together my first computer using a AMD Athlon 1GB processor and a Abit KT7A-RAID motherboard. I want to first get it running at stock settings and then later try overclocking it. Will it be a problem if I unlock the L1 bridges now when I first assemble it, or should I wait until I'm ready to OC?

 

[BayouL]

I'd unlock now. It'll save you the hassle of pulling the heatsink and fan of later.

BayouL

 

[rondeemc]

I agree. I had a heck of a time putting my CPU on my KT7a because of a brace in the tower. I had thought I had unlocked it with the pencil trick but no luck. Now I have to go back in and I am not looking forward to it. I am going to do the conductivity ink this time. Radio Shack has it for $9.95 as a special order.

 

[esung]

There should be no problem to unlock now. but I'd power up the system first to see if the cpu works or not before I unlock it (just an insurance, make sure you didn't get a CPU, although the chance is really really really slim).

 

[chrismcclellan]

I'd overclock now. I didn't and now wish I did, and putting the heat sink and fan on can be a real pain. This is especially the case on some of these newer motherboards with their small forests of capacitors around the socket.

 

[twong82]

I'd unlock it now. I don't like removing the hsf because there would be a greater chance that you would crack or damage your core.

 

[Quad]

yep i agree
i'm in the EXACT same boat as you, and i'm waiting for my alpha hsf before i can't put this computer together.

my cpu is sitting in my family room, and i just unlocked it a few minutes ago.

so go ahead, should be easy

good luck

 

[Mavo]

Unlock it now. Take you time when you do your bridges and make sure you do a good job so you won't have to remove the HSF again.

 

[Sidetracker]

Thanks. That was exactly what I was thinking but being new at this I wanted some advice first.

 

[Davegod75]

mine as well do it now

 

[tea217]

Hey guys,...what if when u r unlocking the L1 bridges with a lead pencil and accidentally made careless strokes that connected those bridges together???
How to fix??

 

[rondeemc]

tea217

just erase the part and redo but make sure you clean off all or the debris from the eraser

 

[tea217]

U mean u can actually use an eraser to erase on the L1 bridge..?? would'nt that cause some damage or sth??

 

[rondeemc]

I have done it several times with out a problem. If you are concerned you might start a thread about if there is a down side. Be interesting to see the responses.