What is the success of K7-classic overclocking?

[Rigoletto]

I know for many K7 overclocks are not easy because many goldfinger devices require opening the cartridge. Other people try messing with the FSB on an AsusK7M.
I have read about a goldfinger type device which needs no cartridge mods.
I was wondering what overclocks could be expected. As you see, I have a 600 bought in March which is running on an unimpressive coolermaster fan with dodgy crumbling thermal tape, consequently it's either 41 or 48C now depending on which reading you believe. If I sorted out this cooling, I wondered if I could get 850 out of it, it would be a good value overclock...

 

[Technonut]

You probably could get 800-850 out of it if you dropped the cache from the stock 1/2 to 2/5 with decent cooling. I have not heard of a GFD that could be installed without opening the case. If you could post a link to it I would appreciate it. It sounds interesting. I have popped the covers from many Athlons, and if you are careful, you could always put them back on. It will run alot cooler too, and you can throw a GFD on it.

EDIT: There are some programs floating around (Mathlon comes to mind) that allows you to drop the cache speed without a hard mod.

 

[SmackdownHotel]

You could also be lucky and have a higher rated core, but the only way to find out would be to open the case. If it is a "true" 600 core, then I think it would be hard, but not impossible to get 800-850, most likely 800 though. That is with top-notch cooling, mind you.

 

[Rigoletto]

Now that I look closer at the device, it only promises overclocking without soldering.
Isn't a letter on the cartridge supposed to tell you the batch it has come from and the chance of a successful overclock?

 

[stockjock]

The only way to find out the core is to rip off the plastic covering and the heatplate...it does not tell you in the numbers on the case what your actual core is....
Use the GFD...it is easy and simple to install and as Technonut said, removing the plastic case will make your chip run cooler...go here for a good explanation on how to remove your case:
Athlon Case Removal
Good luck and feel free to PM or email me if you have further ???'s

OOh BTW..be prepared to get better cooling...like an Alpha P7125..

 

[Rigoletto]

UPDATE:
I now have a golden orb fan, silicone thermal compound and a YS-tech power fan.
I prefer in most circumstances to run with the power fan off- I just browse the web mainly anyway. I am getting temperatures 2 degrees lower than before with this setup.
The power fan makes a big difference, like 8 degrees at least, cooler.
I will buy my preferred type of golden finger device when it arrives in the country. I plan to overclock to 800 in order to keep the system going passably to 2003 or until the processor blows up(yes, really).