Unlock cores on an AMD Phenom II processor!

source: overclock.net (raxen) (http://www.overclock.net/amd-cpus/535501-amd-phenom-ii-core-unlocking-guide.html)

Introduction
Core unlocking of AMD processors has been the hot topic of discussion all over the internet. The possibility of spending a mere Rs.4,500 for a x2 or a x3 processor and unlocking the factory locked cores to yield a x4 chip (Rs. 9,500- Rs. 11,000) is exactly the dream for every over clocker around - spend the least amount of money possible and get the most bang for your buck. This is exactly what people have been wanting to do from the time the processor is installed.

I've consolidated all information I could find on the internet to help you unlock your cores and answer your questions. Oh and remember - CORE UNLOCKING IS NOT ALWAYS 100% SUCCESSFULL.

Architecture and Information
The Phenom II is AMD's answer to Intel's Core2Duo and Core2Quad series. Manufacturing series for the Phenom II are Phenom II x4 (Quad Core), Phenom II x3 (Tri-Core) and Phenom II x2 (Dual-Core).

At the fabrication plant (Global Foundries) all processors were being manufactured as a Quad Core, not all the processors make it successfully- there might be a faulty core. Now what AMD does here is, instead of discarding the faulty processor, they could just lock the faulty core or cores and have them retailed as Dual core or Tri core processors. Not only is AMD benefitting from this, also saving the consumer budget market by providing them with processors that are very affordable.

Now, depending on increase in market demand, a few of these Quad core processors might deliberately have a lock set on 2 cores or 3 cores. If this is the kind of processor that you have, then you are in for a treat!

Now, Let's look at some specifications of the Phenom II x2

Clock Frequency - 3.1 GHz
Max TDP- 80 Watts
Cache- L1 Cache 64k (per core), Each for instruction
L2 Cache 512KB per core
L3 Cache 6MB Shared
Process Technology - 45 nanometer SOI (Silicon-On-Insulator) technology
Transistors - Approximately 758 MILLION.

The surge in demand for these processors started when a Korean overclocker unlocked a Phenom II x3 720BE using Advanced Clock Calibration (ACC) on a motherboard with the SB750 Southbridge which supported that. The motherboard the guy used was a Biostar TA790GX. Soon after, others reported successful unlocks and thus led the rise in demand for the processor.
AMD at this point, deliberately locked cores on a x4 processor to satisfy this market demand.
"so?" ... Well, the chances that you might have a un-lockable processor just got better :)

Parts needed
:: AMD Phenom II processor [Heka (Tri-Core) OR Callisto (Dual-Core)]
(**AMD Athlon II x2 and x3 can be used.)
:: A motherboard with ACC support (SB710 or SB750 Southbridge) or NCC (nVidia's ACC) AND should
support core-unlocking.

Choosing the right processor
As specified before, Phenom II x2 processors are actually x4 processors with 2 disabled cores and
Phenom II x3 processors are actually x processors with 1 disabled core.
If ACC is enabled with the motherboard that has a feature of unlocking cores, you've got yourself a winner!
Basically, you could choose from a Phenom II x2 550 Black Edition or,
Phenom II x2 555 Black Edition or,
Phenom II x3 720 Black Edition.
Why these processors? Because if the unlock does not happen, you can always overclock these processors (Black editions).

If you need help with a particular stepping, have a look at these links:

1. 550BE Steppings with Successful/Failed Unlocks
2. 720BE Steppings with Successful/Failed Unlocks
   

FOR ALL MOTHERBOARDS- GO TO THE END OF THE POST

THE UNLOCKING PROCESS

All right, let's get down to business. Core unlocking is quite simple.

Step1 : Get into the BIOS of your computer.
Step2: Set the Automatic Clock Calibration (ACC) or nVidia Core Calibration (NCC) to AUTO.
*Important: Some motherboards feature a setting "EC Firmware" . Now, this needs to be
set to "special" (also "hybrid" on some motherboards). For a few ASUS and
Gigabyte motherboards, you will need to enable Unleashing.
Step3: Reboot!

If this process is successful, you should see your processor information showing you x4 for 4 CORES. You probably just unlocked your processor .. Congratulations!!

Boot into Windows and run stability tests on the processor. Suggested test: Use Prime95 "Blend Test", run it for 12 hours to ensure stability before overclocking the processor.

I see x4, But I have only 2 cores
Some users have been reported seeing the "X4" designation, but no unlocked cores when verifying through CPU-Z. Please ensure that you have set Windows to use all 4 cores by going to "msconfig --> Boot --> Advanced Options --> Number of Processors." If you still don't see unlocked cores, then most likely that your disabled cores are defective.

HELP!! My computer can't POST!!
If your computer didn't POST, don’t despair. Here's a list of things you should verify and try, one after the other.

1. Do you have the proper BIOS version installed?
   *For those with Asus motherboards, please update your bios to the latest version. It fixes significant problems encountered with unlocking.*
2. Is ACC or NCC enabled? For Asus/Gigabyte motherboards, how about "Unleashing" and "EC Firmware"?
3. Did you incrementally increase Vcore from 1.325 to 1.4v?
4. Did you incrementally increase Vcpu-nb from 1.2 to 1.35v after trying to increase Vcore?

The voltage boosts may be needed when making the fourth core stable enough to boot into windows.
If your computer still doesn't POST, then most likely your disabled cores are defective. In general, the unlocking process is really that simple. There are no hidden options or tricks.

If you want to get back to the way it was, Clear the CMOS settings on the motherboard using the CMOS jumper. Check your motherboard manual for the JUMPER location and how to perform this step.

Unlocking disabled cores should be seen as a bonus, and not a feature.

My Phenom II x2 550 BE unlocked to x4! CPU-Z VALIDATION

Consequences of Unlocking
While some of you will be lucky enough to see the "X4" designation during POST, not all of you will be able to boot into Windows. A simple Vcore/Vcpu-nb boost may help stabilize the unlocked cores, but ultimately the cpu may remain unstable and crash later on. Unfortunately, your disabled cores are most likely defective.

For those who can unlock and pass any stability test you can throw at the computer, congratulations. However, you may have already noticed that you can no longer monitor your cpu core temperatures. Fortunately, most motherboards have a cpu temperature sensor located in the cpu socket area. It is up to you to find out how closely this temperature reading relates to the actual cpu core temperatures.

To do so, revert back to a locked X2/X3 state and download HWMonitor. Depending on your motherboard, the cpu socket temperature sensor can be TMPIN0, TMPIN1, or TMPIN2. Next, observe how closely TMPIN0 or TMPIN1 or TMPIN2 relates to core temperatures at 100% load. This will tell you your approximate temperatures when unlocked. You can use this reading as a rough estimate of your core temperatures.

You may also notice that your computer runs hotter after unlocking. This is perfectly normal, as you've got an extra core or two generating heat. As a result, for those who plan on unlocking, get the best cooler you can possibly afford. For those on a budget, the Xigmatech s1283, OCZ Vendetta 2, and the Sunbeam Core Contact Freezer are the recommended choices. Those who have unlimited budgets will want a Prolimatech Megahalem, or more exotic cooling solutions such as water or TEC. Keep your cpu cool, and it will reward you back with high overclocks.

Conclusion
Good luck with Phenom II core unlocking. The take-home point however, is the following:
AMD Phenom II X2 and X3 processors have disabled cores which can be unlocked using the right motherboard and BIOS. Ultimately, however, those cores were disabled for a reason.

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The Motherboard List (Ongoing Work):
CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME!! - If you see your mobo not on the list but you have successfully unlocked, post a screenshot of CPU-Z showing 4 cores and the mobo + bios revision like the sample below and I'll add it to the list.
This list is NOT COMPLETE WHATSOEVER. If your motherboard is not on the list, don't assume it won't work. Give things a try with the directions below.

Asus *See Special Note Above*
GeForce 8300
M4N78 Pro - 1004 Official Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks Henderson*
nForce 980a SLI
M4N82 Deluxe - 0906 Official Bios - SUCCESS!! Pending screenshot *Thanks biaxident*
770G/SB710
M4A77TD PRO - 1007/0316 Official Bios - SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! *Thanks flex0r and mymsll*
785G/SB710
M4A785D-M PRO - 405 Official Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks ptblank*
M4A785M - 0503 Official Bios - SUCCESS!! - *Thanks Bkobe7*
785G/SB750
M4A785TD-V EVO - 0410/0602 Official Bios - SUCCESS!!/SUCCESS!! - *Thanks Frefox1337 and DJLanceRock*
790X/SB750
M4A79XTD EVO - 0605/0704 Official Bios - SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! - *Thanks Mr Sprinkles and Lancer33*
790FX/SB750
M3A79-T Deluxe – 0030 Mod Bios - SUCCESS!!
M4A79 Deluxe – 1602 Official Bios – SUCCESS!!
M4A79T Deluxe – 0079 Mod Bios/1801 Official Bios – SUCCESS!!/TRI-CORE SUCCESS!! *Thanks T1Cybernetic*
Crosshair III Formula - 0702 / 1003 - FAILURE / SUCCESS!! *Thanks Gz1*
790GX/SB750
M3A78-T – 0023 Mod Bios – SUCCESS!!
M4A78-E – 1204/1803 Official Bios – SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! *Thanks Tyr5*
M4A78-E SE – 0023 Mod Bios – SUCCESS!!
M4A78T-E – 1402 Official Bios – SUCCESS!! - SUCCESS #2!! *Thanks AMDRick*
890GX/SB850
M4A89GTD-PRO/USB3 - 0307 Official Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks habib_his*

Asrock
780G/SB710
A780GMH/128M - 1.50 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks giveen*
785G/SB750
A785GMH/128M - 1.00 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks cokesodacan*
790GX/SB750
AOD790GX/128M – 1.40 Bios – SUCCESS!!
A790GMH/128M - 1.20 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks fortesquieu*
A790GXH/128M – 1.20 Bios - SUCCESS!!
A790GX/128M - ???

Biostar
For Biostar special bioses for core unlocking, visit this thread
For ALL Biostar bioses released + modded ones, visit here
785G/SB710
TA785G3 - ???
TA785GE 128m - 88GCO720CE Mod Bios - SUCCESS!!
790GX/SB750
TA790GXB3 - ???
TA790GXBE - ??? - SUCCESS!! *Thanks alg33k*
TA790GXE - Mod Bios available - ???
TA790GXE 128M - Mod Bios available - ???
TA790GX A3+ - 78DAA616 Mod bios – SUCCESS!!
TA790GXB A2 - Mod Bios available - ???
TA790GX 128M – 78DEA113 Official bios – SUCCESS!!
TA790GX3 A2+ - A78DA113 - SUCCESS!! *Thanks DesertRat*
TA790GX XE - Mod Bios available - ???
TA790GX A2+ - 78DBA113 Official bios - SUCCESS!!

DFI
790X/SB750
DK 790X-M2RS - ???
790FX/SB750
DK 790FXB-M3H5 – 04/02/2009 Bios – SUCCESS!!
DK 790FXB-M2RSH – 03/10/2009 Bios- SUCCESS!!
DK 790FXB-M2RS - 02/24/2009 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks eXe.Lilith*
790GX/SB750
DK 790GX-M2RS - ???
JR 790GX-M2RS – 10/30/2008 Bios – SUCCESS!!

ECS
Unfortunately, ECS has decided not to support unlocking in line of motherboards. LINK

Gigabyte
nForce 720D
GA-M720-US3 - F4 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks rnscotch*
760G/SB710
GA-MA78LM-S2 - F1 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks Zaishen*
770X/SB710
GA-770TA-UD3 - F1 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks cloud8521*
GA-MA770T-UD3P - F2c/F3 Bios - SUCCESS!!/SUCCESS!! *Thanks Miked270 and oxymorosis*
785G/SB710
GA-MA785GM-US2H - F5 bios SUCCESS!! *Thanks khoas07*
GA-MA785GMT-UD2H - F3/F5 Bios - SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! *Thanks KayCi and mR_sage*
785GX/SB750
GA-MA785G-UD3H - F1/F5b Bios - SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! *Thanks Nubster and Nburnes*
GA-MA785GT-UD3H - F4/F5a Bios - SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! - *Thanks kkoychev and lance4791*
GA-785GMT-USB3 - F1 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks 5monkey*
790X/SB750
GA-MA790X-DS4 - ????
GA-MA790X-UD3P - F4 Bios - SUCCESS!!
GA-MA790X-UD4 – F3 Bios – SUCCESS!! *Thanks kromar*
GA-MA790X-UD4P – F5/F7/F9 Bios – SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! *Thanks Deuces*
GA-MA790XT-UD4P - F4G/F5/F6/F7 Bios - SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! /SUCCESS!! *Thanks Broodman, Dramamine, and derekb*
790FX/SB750
GA-MA790FX-UD5P - F4c Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks PKV*
GA-MA790FXT-UD5P – F3b/F5 Bios – SUCCESS!! / SUCCESS!! *Thanks jbranton*
790GX/SB750
GA-MA790GP-DS4H – F3h Bios – SUCCESS!!
GA-MA790GP-UD3H - F1 Bios - SUCCESS!!
GA-MA790GP-UD4H – F3h Bios – SUCCESS!!
GA-MA790GPT-UD3H - F2 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks inimical*

MSI
For MSI special bioses for core unlocking, visit this thread.
770X/SB710
770-C35 - Special Bios – ???
770-C45 – 1.3 Offical Bios/1.3B2 Special Bios/10.2 – SUCCESS!!/SUCCESS!!/SUCCESS!! *Thanks Edgemeal and Chickenfoot*
785G/SB710
785GT-E63 - 28.0 08/13/2009 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks rolanista*
785GTM-E45 - 8.0 09/07/2009 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks tacoman*
785GM-E65 - 2.3 Official Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks /\/uLL*
790X/SB710
790XT-G45 - ???
790FX/SB750
790FX-GD70 – 1.5B1/1.5B2/1.5B3/1.7 Bios – SUCCESS!! - (Solves previous 1.4 bios lockup problems, but 1.5B2 and 1.5B3 has HT link stuck at 8x and 10x multiplier respectively. See thread for details.)/ SUCCESS!! *Thanks Kryton*
790GX/SB750
790GX-G65 – 1.4B2 Special Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks mr.05'rsx*
DKA790GX - 1.8 Bios for Platinum version of mobo - SUCCESS!! *Thanks NeoAnderson*
DKA790GX Platinum – 1.9b2 Bios - SUCCESS!! *Thanks Rosaki*
KA790GX - FAILURE
KA790GX-M - FAILURE
Special note about KA790GX/KA790GX-M motherboards: Even though these two motherboards have a SB750, the traces to activate ACC are not soldered on the PCB. As a result, they WILL NOT unlock anything.


ALL CREDITS TO RAXEN ! (Overclock.net)