Phenom II x3 710 run with 4 core!

[JumpingJack]

how is this remotely possible??
i thought the disabled core was defective?

If a statement from an AMD marketing agent can be taken as real:

"...The vast majority of the products we sell as triple-core are fused from the factory as triple-core from inception."

http://www.betanews.com/article/AMDs...ead/1234220042

If I make the following assumption -- AMD began tri-cores as a yield recovery mechanism, but are now intentionally disabling functioning cores. An assumption I do not know is valid, but assume it is...

This is the danger of bringing in the original tri-core concept, they are now disabling otherwise functional silicon as yields have improved. This makes for an expensive way to service a new market.

[flippin_waffles]

Good stuff. I've been running my x800 pro with all 16 pipes unlocked since day 1 and no problems with this card whatsoever. I wonder if I could get as lucky with this cpu!

[Mad1723]

I remember when I started to hear about more overclocking computer stuff, I heard about X800 being transformed into X850XT PE by a simple bios mod IIRC. Great times ^^

[vietthanhpro]

THis is a Valid

[[XC] gomeler]

Most interesting. Wonder if you can buy the X3 black edition and unlock to a 940 black edition.

Awful CPU score there...

Phenom II typically scores around 4k CPU score in 3D06 at 3GHz. My latest testing for a review was 4191, 4388, 4372, all done at 3GHz and 4GB of DDR2 @ 800C5.

[G0ldBr1ck]

Most interesting. Wonder if you can buy the X3 black edition and unlock to a 940 black edition.

That is basicaly what is being done. It has all the L3 and all 4 cores if the 4th core is good, actualy would be a 945be tho. I bet AMD is kicking there selfs over this.

[DFI pit bull]

Mobo: Biostar TA790GX (they said you can use any 790GX + SB700 mobo to unlock)

THis is a Valid

According to that validation a 790FX can also be used to unlock, thats great

[vietthanhpro]

According to that validation a 790FX can also be used to unlock, thats great

Yes !

[Lightman]

I have a feeling this whole core unlocking story is quietly approved by AMD.
It triggers much higher product demand from budget limited enthusiasts and this has domino effect on whole DIY market.

I'm tempted now to get X3 sooner than planned

[v_rr]

Well at least it confirms high yields.
This Mod is just awesome, put everyone tempted to just get one of these + 790GX/FX

[sargatanas]

well seems like it is possible with a x3 produced during the 4th calendar week 2009

[Flambo]

Brings back memories of pencil modding 8500LE ... except you don't need a pencil! Also brings back memories of unlocking 4 extra pipes in a 6200 with riva tuner. This could be very interesting... at least fun to give it a try.

[[XC] gomeler]

That is basicaly what is being done. It has all the L3 and all 4 cores if the 4th core is good, actualy would be a 945be tho. I bet AMD is kicking there selfs over this.

Good point on the 945BE versus 940BE. I doubt AMD would be kicking themselves over this, should result in a lot of positive press and secretly lets them release a chip that isn't truly ready for the market.

[Lightman]

Good point on the 945BE versus 940BE. I doubt AMD would be kicking themselves over this, should result in a lot of positive press and secretly lets them release a chip that isn't truly ready for the market.

I have a feeling 945BE will be a new stepping. Of course press should now better

[DoubleZero]

This is the danger of bringing in the original tri-core concept, they are now disabling otherwise functional silicon as yields have improved. This makes for an expensive way to service a new market.

There no way that's happening, they are just 945 that didn't met the specs, either by a lot, no functional core, or by just a detail, hence the 4 cores 3.8ghz overclock with one cpu, and 4 cores at 1ghz that fail prime with another one.

[MAS]

I have a feeling this whole core unlocking story is quietly approved by AMD.

+1

amd just prepared wolfdale's death

[STaRGaZeR]

+1

amd just prepared wolfdale's death

LOL

[>HyperlogiK<]

vietthanhpro, any luck running any benches with that OC?

I'm curious as to whether it can run prime95 for 1000000 hours, is just about game stable, or if it gets into windows wthout BSOD once every 10 boots.

amd just prepared wolfdale's death

If some of these are cut down Denebs that were fully functional, it's an expensive way to compete with a dual core.

[Jaco]

That is basicaly what is being done. It has all the L3 and all 4 cores if the 4th core is good, actualy would be a 945be tho. I bet AMD is kicking there selfs over this.

Or a smart marketing trick to win back some overclockers

[drizzt5]

This is some cool stuff!

Why couldn't you do this with the old phenom tri cores?

[SamHughe]

Himm great idea! I'll try the same trick to turn my E6700 into a q6700

[Bobsama]

Or a smart marketing trick to win back some overclockers

Well AMD ought to be making some profit on each of these chips sold, so the worst they're doing is driving up the sales of their chipsets and processors. Imagine if every Tom, *Richard*, and Harry went out and bought a 790GX board and an X3 710 or X3 720! They'd be "rolling" in new profits, and so long as one of these ordinary Joes can unlock his X3, they'll only sell more. And for those that can't unlock it? They'll still get what they paid for. For the cost of a 790GX and X3 710 ($200-230 in USA), you get a pretty good processor, a good board, and a lot of features that you can't find on similar $100 Intel boards (like CrossFire support, RAID, &c).

[V2-V3]

ROFL, very nice discovery

Maybe AMD left this Easter Egg for us?

Discrete Product Marketing any one?

any way, lets hope they leave all their X3's like this.

give us overclocks something to do

[vinister]

How have the overclocks and heat been on the regular 3 cores? If if failed QC to become an X4, then how do you know the 3 good cores you are spending money on are any good?

[Dami3n]

I didn´t see yet a proof that fourth core works stable. Any prime/occt/orthos screens?