AthlonXP Underclocking for a Low-Power Fix

Transformation: An AthlonXP Becomes An AthlonXP-M

What You Need

The task at hand is to close two bridges left open at the factory so that we can activate the desired functionality. As it is no disadvantage for the processor to be recognized as an AthlonXP-M, you don't need to worry about the permanency of this step. This decision provides an added bonus in the form of the materials to be used: conductive silver lacquer. As soon as it is dry, the bridges are permanently closed, and the CPU does not need to be handled with extra care.

Connecting the pair of pins to unlock the multipliers, as required on the Barton Athlon, was far more complicated since the wire loop quickly comes undone when removing the processor. An alternative to overclocking is offered by a socket adapter, from U.S. manufacturer Upgradeware, for example.

To ensure nothing goes awry when applying the conductive silver lacquer, we need an isolator to seal off the surrounding bridges. Thin adhesive tape is perfect and sticks well to the Athlon's plastic casing.

We chose an AthlonXP 2800+ for the modification.