How to Unlock the Core 2 Extreme Multiplier in Windows

The multiplier unlock feature is working great. If you don't have an Extreme CPU then you won't be able to try this new feature because an adjustable multiplier is only supported on Extreme CPUs.

I've heard that many Acer laptops do not have great bios support for Intel's Extreme CPUs with their adjustable multipliers. I decided to post this here first so I can get some feedback.

somebody over on TechPowerUp provided me with some information how to go about doing this while you are in Windows. Adjusting the multiplier higher on an Extreme CPU is possible even if the motherboard bios you are using does not support this feature.

This feature has been added to ThrottleStop 2.51 so let me know if it works for you. Right click on ThrottleStop to bring up a couple of new menu options. Not only can the FID (multiplier) be adjusted as high as you like, you can also adjust the VID higher. Hopefully this is going to open up a few doors for users with Extreme CPUs. Post some screen shots including CPU-Z, so I can see how this is working on Acer laptops and remember to include your Acer model number.

Once you adjust the FID or VID higher than the default setting, this setting will remain in the CPU until you reboot whether ThrottleStop is running or not. To reset both of these settings, there is a right mouse menu option in ThrottleStop called Reset CPU FID/VID which will take your CPU back to its default settings.

If you have an Extreme CPU but it is not being correctly recognized as an Extreme CPU (no new right mouse menu options), post a screen shot of CPU-Z so I can have a look. Some ES processors don't have the correct information written into them but I have a work around ready to handle this.

Happy testing.

Edit: A couple of minor updates for version 2.52 and 2.53.

If you have an Extreme CPU like an ES that is not properly recognized as an Extreme CPU by ThrottleStop (ie. no new right menu options to unlock your CPU), you can try adding Extreme=1 to the ThrottleStop.ini configuration file. This trick will do absolutely nothing and might cause problems if you do not have an Extreme CPU.

A Core 2 Extreme CPU should have these two new options available.



Newer versions of ThrottleStop should have an UNLK (unlock) button and a Reset button on the main screen.




Did you like this Post? Did you learn something from it? Then vote for it in the NBR Amazing Content Contest

 

The first test is in on the Lenovo forum so I thought I'd share.

I think he's happy. Now that Core 2 Extreme CPUs can be fully utilized, you better head to Ebay before they are all gone.

 

Just have to say, you're doing a lot of good and interesting things with ThrottleStop +rep again.

 

thank you very much it seems to be working for me although i would still like to have it done through bios but this will have to do till then if ever


EDIT: I dunno if this is a bug but i was messing with the multipliers and once i click a 14x multi i instantly bsod.
What i found a little troublesome was that it saved this setting and i was experiencing an endless loop of bsod once the os tried to load.
long story short i was only able to fix the problem by booting from last good configuration in the f8 menu of windows right before boot. I though that this program didnt save the settings on reboot?

other then that fantastic program

 

Removing the battery and powercord would have suffice.

Anyway , Here's mine (MSI machine)


+Rep Webb

 

ryokowashu: When you unlock the CPU multiplier using this method, it is temporary and when you reboot, the higher multiplier value is lost. When playing with these settings, don't click on the Save button until you have done some stress testing and you know your settings are stable. When you click on the Save button in ThrottleStop, it will then unlock the maximum speed of your CPU as soon as ThrottleStop starts. If you save unstable settings, this can lead to an instant crash every time you start ThrottleStop.

When you clicked on the 14X multiplier, it doesn't sound like you had any time to Save your settings so I'm not sure what happened. As soon as your computer reboots, it should have went back to its default settings. If this ever happens again I would also suggest unplugging and pulling the battery for a few seconds to make sure that the maximum multiplier register is completely cleared. By the way, going for the 14X multiplier on the first day with this new feature is getting a little greedy isn't it?

Dead2th3world: It looks like users are having fun with this new feature. I can't wait until the X9000 is a little more reasonable on ebay so I can get one for my laptop.

 

i wasnt actually stress testing anything was just curious to see how high it would go before bsod lol. but yeah i didnt even have time to gasp much less click save

good to know that just pulling the battery should fix it though. Hopefully in the next few days i can overclock the correct way since i dont really have time for it now

 

Holy crap this changes everything. Forget the PLL mod, I'm just going to get an X9000.

 

sad to say but this is not working for me I cant seem to get the multiplier to go up at all. I dont get it. I have an x9100. Can someone please help? Where did you guys dump the files for this to work? I dumped mine in a folder on the desktop. Is that the right place? I also did what it says to do in power options. Thanks in advanced

 

did you click the turn on button? once you do that right click and hit the unlock max vid. once you do that it should let you up the multiplier. it might take a few seconds before it applies so dont go thinking it doesnt work cause it isnt instant (well not instant in some cases )

 

Try this:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/msi/349540-official-msi-gt725-owners-lounge-733.html#post6322253

Because you have an ES CPU, it should work after you add that line...

 

I do not have an Extreme CPU but without a doubt Unclewebb +rep.........

 

WOW!!!!!!!! NOW THATS MORE LIKE IT!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the fast reply ryo! rep +1 for you!

 

All of a sudden, I have this desire to purchase a Core 2 Extreme X9000...
Great work as always, unclewebb!

 

unclewebb you are the man!!! rep +1 for you and your hard work making this possible. Thank you so much!

 

If only I had cash to burn on the extreme CPU...

 

Trust me, it's instant. The only thing that isn't instant is CPU-Z reporting what happened. That takes a second or two. If you use the More Data option in ThrottleStop you will see how quick it changes.

vic3210: Your X9100 is fully supported. Follow the directions posted by ryokowashu and you shouldn't have a problem. If you do, contact me so we can figure out what's going on. This is a wonderful feature built into these CPUs so a conservative motherboard bios should not be able to get in the way of having some fun.

ryokowashu: I thought some more about your original BSOD when you were first playing. I think what happened is that you might have corrupted Windows. That's why you would have had to go back to an earlier time.

For others playing with this, go up in baby steps and do at least a few minutes of Prime95 Small FFTs testing to make sure you are not already over the edge. Overclocking a CPU from within Windows can be a dangerous sport when you're not 100% stable. It's lots of fun though.

I'm in the same boat as some of you guys. Now I need to go buy an X9000 for my laptop. I still haven't gotten around to explaining to the wife the QX9650 I needed to buy to learn about this little feature.

 

Great news. Thank You Unclewebb.

 

wow this is awesome! Better the setfsb but it doesn't work with non extreme CPU's.

 

This is brilliant! Thank you so much!

 

+1 unclewebb!

 

This works brilliant, Im scared to push the voltage up too much in case I kill it. But I can now overclock to at least 3.25Ghz @1.200v stable where before I couldnt even break 3.1Ghz without lock-up.

 

Thanks unclewebb, I can confirm this works on my HP 8530w with my ES QAVR spec Q9200 Quad C2D. I'm running it on the proper quad core mobo for 8530w (has a 3rd power stage compared to the dual core mobo's 2), but over-clocking isn't going well at all...

I can only get stable @2666. Even if I leave it at stock 2400MHz, and just bump up the voltage, it BSODS at just under 1.3v. I think the mobo just isn't up to the job of supplying the power I need. HP only supplied it with max QX9300 and no overclocking supported in BIOS, so I'm guessing they just designed the mobo to that level. But I was kind of hoping for a wee bit more, I can't even get stable @2800 at any voltage high or low, oh well. Great work all the same. +rep.

 

the fileden link has build 27 hosted. Can you please give us a never changing link for downloading new version?

or setup a google site so we can bookmark it please..

 

I was just waiting to get some feedback about this new feature before uploading it to the FileDen site that I normally use. There were some minor bugs with my first attempt at this, version 2.50, so I wanted to make sure everything was OK before switching the main download.

Here's a MediaFire link until I get around to replacing the main version:

ThrottleStop 2.53
http://www.mediafire.com/?mh1wn2njmg4

If you don't have an Extreme CPU then there is no reason to use this new version. The version 2.00 series is fine for non-Extreme CPUs.

stumo: When overclocking, nothing is ever guaranteed, especially with an ES processor. In theory, any board built to the Intel design spec should be able to deliver the required voltage. The Intel spec is a maximum of 1.50 volts for a mobile CPU. It's more likely that your chip is not cooperating but either chip or board is possible.

 

Hey Webb, great mod. Unfortunately I didn't have time to test the X9000 on my 1720, but I did the test on the M1730 and it worked till 3.6GHz, surpassing the 3.4Ghz barrier set in the BIOS, ran Orthos for 15 minutes and it was stable as a whistle. However going past 3.65GHz on 1.3375v (or 19x multiplier) and I got a BSOD on while orthos even increasing the voltage to 1.4v didn't work (And I got a 2nd BSOD again). Well I guess that's the maximum clock speed my X9000 can handle; despite that I've seen a Clevo running an X9000 @ 3.7GHz. For mine it works well @ 3.6GHz.

The X9000 reached around 72*C max on Orthos @ 3.6GHz according to HWM.



PS, I've partially dismantled the 1720 for tomorrow's swap. Oh and the X9000 is an ES CPU; not bad for an ES CPU at all.

Now I hope there's a way to unlock the FSB, from 800 - 1066 or higher

Will update you ASAP...

 

I have an E8400 dual core (desktop CPU) with the same CPUID 0x10676 and C0 stepping as your X9000 ES. It was power hungry and needed 1.40 volts actual to be Prime stable at 4000 MHz. The VID value set in ThrottleStop and reported by CPU-Z is not actual core voltage. Depending on how much vdroop is built into your laptop, actual core voltage might be around 1.35 volts when the requested VID is set to 1.400 volts. vDroop is part of the Intel design and all boards have some but the amount varies from one manufacturer to the next.

The newer E0 stepping CPUs tended to need slightly less core voltage to over clock the same amount but the retail X9000 is listed as C0 stepping only. Users with an X9100 E0 might get a few more MHz out of their laptops before a melt down.

When using ThrottleStop I suggest that you have the Control Panel Power Options -> Minimum processor state set to 100% so ThrottleStop doesn't have to fight with the operating system over control of the FID/VID. You can use the PowerSaver option if you want a low multi at idle when using ThrottleStop.

If you would rather see your core temperature than the DTS column just add this to the ThrottleStop.ini configuration file.

TJMax=100

and if you want to monitor and log your Nvidia GPU temperature then just add this.

GPU=1

Thanks for the updates.

 

Does this also work with the i7 extreme CPUs? and does it help with the TDP limit?

 

Can't wait to test this out. Makes me feel even better to have purchased a X9000. If I can get to 3.4 GHz stable I will be very happy.

 

This trick does not work with the Core i Extreme CPUs. It's quite possible that this trick could be modified to work on the Core i Extreme CPUs but I don't have one to test this theory. It wouldn't change the TDP limit even if it did work. Most decent overclocking motherboards should have an option in the bios to bypass the TDP limit.

 

It would be great of it could work with the i7 cpus, and i dont mind testing the program for you. That TDP limit can get annoying at times

 

I'll send you a PM.

 

anyway to oc the i series procs would be appreciated, and some donations might be in order =)

 

Hey Webb, thanks for the feedbacks, the minimum processor state has been 100% all along, and I've disabled the CPU throttling back to the lowest multipliers for years now; that means the T9300 will run @ 2.5GHz, whether idling and at load, and the same for the X9000 - 2.8GHz 14x multiplier minimum and 3.4GHz 17x multiplier max. I trust the cooling systems for these machines and I've no problems with them running @ 30-40*C idling while constantly being clocked at their stock speeds.

Currently as of now, it's working fine and stable @ 3.6GHz, I managed to make ThrottleStop and RMclock run at startup, and I resetted RMclock's settings to unlock the 18x multiplier profile and VID setting on my M1730. So every time when the M1730 boots RMclock and ThrottleStop will recognize the 18x multiplier setting instead of 17x; thus auto-enabling to run at 3.6GHz max.

As usual, I swapped the T9300 to an X9000 in my 1720, OC'ed it to 3.6GHz and it ran well too. No issues so far! I will post a thread in the Dell forums to share my findings for all Extreme CPU users of Dell.

But what is more surprising is the cooling system of the 1720; I would've expected it go up to 85*C + but it ran cool under 75*C constantly on Orthos @ 1.350v so as the M1730. Not bad at all, given the fact that it's never made as a real-time gaming machine but only to serve as a mid-ranged multimedia laptop.

Here is the 1720 modded with the X9000. The BIOS reads it as a Core 2 Duo processor instead of an Extreme, probably a BIOS issue that cannot recognize the actual CPU, but the X9000 works and it reads the actual speed @ 2.8GHz stock.



And here is my throttlestop settings on the 1720.

Click to enlarge

 

If you're only hitting 75C while running Orthos then there might still be another 100 MHz or so hiding in that CPU for general use.

If you only use the highest multiplier like I do then you probably don't even need to use RMClock except when you want to draw some graphs.

Thanks for the detailed feedback. Now that Extreme CPUs can be fully utilized in any laptop, with or without bios support, the price of the X9000 on Ebay is bound to go up even higher.

 

This is amazing.

+1

 

Thanks unclewebb, I use RMclock so that it can downclock to stock 2.8GHz when idling, and helps manage the undervolt @ 1.0265v 14x multi.

Anyway I managed to push my X9000 further on my M1730 and managed to get 3.8Ghz stable @ 1.450v (3775Mhz according to CPUz, anyway) well looks like I've broken Sager's 3.7GHz record. It's a near 1GHz overclock. Will prepare the screenshots when I get back.

However it runs a little warm though, maxing out temperatures around 82*C @ 3.8GHz on Intel Burn test and orthos for only -just- 15 mins. Room temperature is around 25 - 30*C.... the usual hot and humid Singapore.

I'm considering putting it down to just 3.6GHz (1.350v) Runs maxed out in the 70*C + range. Just not too comfortable for a CPU running at 82 - 85*C. What do you think guys?

 

in throttlestop the max multiplirer is 11.5 and my x9100 was already set to use that so cant go any high on my acer 8930g

 

EDIT: Here are the screenshots of my tests.

As you can see the X9000 idles at 40*C + while running at stock 2.8GHz. (Lower than 14x multipliers were disabled in RMclock to achieve the constant stock speed.)

Click to Enlarge


Personally I think 90*C for an X9000 1GHz OC'ed speed @ 3.8GHz is just really pushing it; if only there was a way to bring liquid nitrogen with me (LOL). I may consider clocking to 3.6GHz. It ran stable and fine fortunately and no errors came up. There's no way in hell I'm pushing it further - not with those insane temperatures. ACPI @ 90*C +

Generally my ACPI will hit around 78*C maxed.

Throughout the test, the X9000 ran at 85-86*C constant.

But come to think of it, many if not most notebooks' CPUs run in the 70s - 80s range maxed, some even the same temperatures as what I have - given the fact they're not OCed, and running at normal usage or gaming. Considering this, it's pretty good for a laptop to keep up with the temperatures at 3.8GHz (1.450v stable)

The test was done for 15 mins, without notebook coolers, and ambient temperature is 28*C.

PS, Webb I received your PM, will write back to you tomorrow morning... (It's 1am here!)

Overall I think my ES X9000 (Yes, it's ES only) is capable of running to 3.8GHz, at 80*C + stable.... Now if only liquid nitrogen is capable of being built in....

 

Almost 3800 MHz Prime stable out of a Core 2 laptop looks incredible.
Great job.

What applications do you ever run that create as much heat and stress as Prime95 does? Probably none. For gaming or for whatever else you like to do, 3.8 GHz will probably be just fine and you won't be hitting 90C. Even if you do, these chips are rated to run 100% reliably up to 105C. The thermal shutdown temperature isn't until 25C after that which is 130C.

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=34443&code=X9000

I wouldn't want that on my lap but these CPUs are quite capable of running reliably at some very hot temperatures and won't go ka-boom.

You can enter TJMax=105 into the ThrottleStop.ini configuration file and then it will report fairly accurate core temperatures for you. Intel's sensors are not 100% perfect but are reasonably accurate at the calibration point which you are getting very close to.

You can also add GPU=1 to monitor and log your Nvidia GPU temperature. It should sample both cores in SLI mode and report the hottest core.

Here's what the datasheet says for your CPU.
http://download.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/31891401.pdf



As I always say, as long as your CPU is running reliably, you don't have to worry about its core temperature. These things are built far tougher than most users realize. Don't let a scary number like 90C limit your overclocking. These CPUs do a great job of looking after themselves. I had to pull the heatsink off once or twice to get up over the 125C shutdown temperature. It varies from CPU to CPU but is usually in the 125C to 130C range. I had to confirm that Intel was being honest and they were.

 

Great job, unclewebb, rep added Now I regret my choice to pass a X9000 a year ago. It was for sale here in the forum - Ripfire sold SLAQJ for $300, and the dollar was weak on top of it

SomeFormOFhuman don't worry about those 90ºC Before I found out about undervolting and thermal paste replacement my T5750 hit pretty regularly 105ºC while gaming.

 

Very nice! I was able to get to 3.6 GHz @ 1.35V. My cpu temps were core0 86c and core1 85c. I stopped there because my ACPI temp was already in the 90c range.

 

Awesome program, Unclewebb. I'm using it for my T8100 to do Dual IDA. Free performance boost for PCSX2 and gaming.

Just curious, for overclocking your Inspiron 1720 with x9000, are you using Dell's 90W power adapter?

 

it worked on x21 for short time

 

What did you set the VID to? 1.5000?

 

doesn't this work at all with T9400 and other non extreme CPU's?

 

Ah, that's where I need to tell you this; besides intense gaming I use the M1730 for video & music editing and encoding, 3ds Max rendering, AutoCAD, Photoshop photo merging & poster rendition, and other architecture software works; SketchUP, Rhino 3D. These workstation programs make 100% use of my CPU usage - and it can go on for hours and hours. So that's why I need to pick a suitable operating temperature for my M1730.

My rendering can take up for nearly up to 6 hours depending on the CPU power. And that means constantly using 100% CPU usage for 6 hours until the rendering is complete. I thought maybe a nice CPU boost will help its performance.

Now I'm guessing what temperatures the X9000 will run for hours. Will need a notebook cooler and probably liquid nitrogen LOL.

Yes, it's a 90W power adapter.

That's neat, but I guess the goal of overclocking is to reach a speed that a computer runs stable and reliable with no crashing, shutdowns or heat issues.

Unfortunately no, it only works for CPUs with unlocked multipliers.

BTW webb I think this thread deserves to be in the hardware and aftermarket forum instead of here. The number of Acer users don't seem to be participating but rather other notebook brands and hardware enthusiasts like myself.

 

There are threads about unlocking Extreme CPUs popping up in a few different places now. I had no idea where to start this thread or how many different laptops it would apply to but so far this trick works on any Extreme CPU, regardless of what laptop it is in. It also works on desktop Extreme CPUs. If a mod wants to move this thread somewhere else, that's fine with me.

If you run your laptop at 100% load for hours on end then maybe you will have to settle for 3.6 GHz or perhaps 3.7 GHz if you're feeling lucky. Save 3.8 GHz for when you're working on something that isn't too important or if it is a cool day.

 

1.4625v an Perf1

agree, but me bench for a living me goal is to push me rig to the Extreme

winter here, great for benching.....
sorry cant get orthos or prime95 to work with throttlestop on 19x Wth!!!!!....can run benchies great on 19x , 1.3500v, Perf1 , SSD vista64. Works better for me if dont click on throttlestop's Save Tab.
But on hitachi HD vista64 have probs cant go to 19x..strange?...get BSOD

ran Hwmoitor116 an 3dmark06 together > cpu score = 3332 (both gpu's stock clocks, room temp 18C) throttlestop was on 19x (3.8Ghz), 1.3500v an Perf1 > got max temp core0=60C an core1=75C ..... why 15C difference?
possible at 3.8 hwmonitor is unstable to get reliable temps or to do with vista64
also notice me Cpuz has glitch > always get core 2 duo T9600 up top an extreme x9000 below when on 16x an over

 

19x Multiplier @ 1.3500v is a little bit lowly suspicious. Many people with X9000s at least run at that voltage while at 3.6GHz, 18x multi. (Gateway forums) Will have to ask Webb about it. Heck, anything below 1.35v @ 3.6GHz will BSOD my rig. If it really does run at 1.35v @ 19x, you've got a Golden Chip of the X9000.

Yes I do see that CPUz glitch, but the speeds are read accurately judging from the screenshots. A shot in the dark, but try downgrading your CPUz version to 1.52.2 (Which I'm using) and see if that helps:

Download CPU-Z 1.52.2 - FileHippo.com

Funny, I've not ran 3DMark06 or Vantage to refresh my scores since my OCing...