Overclocking AMD's Socket Processors

Additional Thoughts

Well, I guess I don't need to tell you that altering your processor will void any warranty and might destroy it. Tom's Hardware Guide will not take any responsibility for damaged computer parts or systems. Please be reasonable and take the procedure easy. A professional would never rush and do this job in hectic, because that's exactly when mistakes happen and parts get destroyed.

We are still not clear which way is the best to open up those copper bridges. Etching them away would probably be the cleanest way, but it's extremely important to not remove the whole contact that goes inside the processor packaging. First class masking or possibly applying the etching agent to the tip of a needle, so that only minimal amounts will reach the middle of the bridge might be another option. The next days will show which way is best. I am sure that a lot of people will be crazy enough to try it out.

I guess that the best technique is to get the conductive silver pen, to open all L6, L3 and L4 bridges and then adjust the settings you want with the pen. The conductive silver paint can be removed if you need to alter your settings, and then you can start again.

What Can You Expect?

Well, you might remember that I successfully overclocked a Duron 650 and 700 to 950 MHz. This frequency was reached after cranking up the voltage to 1.85 V. I used an average Thunderbird heat sink with fan and made sure that there was enough airflow around the heat sink. My Thunderbird 1000 went up to 1100 MHz, also after raising the voltage up to 1.85 V. You'll need a good power supply for this kind of speed and you want to make sure to get a high quality active heat sink as well.

OK guys, good luck to all of you! May the Force be with you!

Check out AnandTech: AMD Thunderbird & Duron Overclocking Revealed .