Introduction

  By factory design, the new Athlon XP processors are locked, meaning that the 
multiplier is set at a predefined value and cannot be altered. By unlocking 
the processor, the user is able to change the multiplier and obtain higher 
clock speeds than the processor's default rating. This is done by connecting 
the L1 contacts on the processor with a conductive substance. While the old 
Athlon and Thunderbird processors could easily be unlocked by using the 
graphite from an ordinary pencil to connect the bridges, the new Athlon XP 
processors prove to make unlocking the CPU a much more difficult task. The new 
generation of processors now feature smaller L1 bridges and have tiny laser-
made pits between the connectors called laser locks. Any attempt of a pencil 
stroke to make the connection would prove to offer too much resistance, and 
the CPU would not recognize the bridges as being in a closed state. The 
solution is to fill the pits with a nonconductive substance and then bridge 
across the filled pits with a conductive substance to individually connect 
each set of contacts. The following 3D image illustrates this concept.


     


While there are many unlocking guides available online, the majority of them 
were not entirely clear in the regards to some of the steps of the unlocking 
procedure. Additionally, many guides did not offer detailed photographs and 
the descriptions tended to be vague. This unlocking guide follows the proven 
and generally accepted method of unlocking the Athlon XP processor, and 
hopefully will demonstrate to provide detailed instructions and leave no room 
for doubt or guesswork. 

When fully unlocked, you will be able to change the multiplier of your CPU and 
experiment with an increased amount of overclocking ability. You will be able 
to make adjustments with both the multiplier and FSB to best tweak your 
system's clock speed.

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