Sempron to Mobile AXP Unleashed...

• jcmarfilph on January 10, 2005 12:13 PM

  ------------------------------------------------------
  Warning this article was made that's all...
  
  Nope seriously... you should not try this unless you have the guts and glory, the buck from your mommy and so on and so forth...
  
  By doing this will void your Sempron's Mr. Warranty right there on your receipt...
  
  This article is intended for novice and expert users only....
  
  This should be done with your own risk.. any damage cause by you... well I think its your problem...
  ------------------------------------------------------
  
  Fellow Sempronians...
  
  Time has come for our Sempron to regenerate into a new breed....
  
  Thanks to the good old pencil trick, first tried by our fellow member DXDMD, we will now unleash how to convert your Sempron to a mobile AXP...
  
  What is mobile AXP, what are the benefits...
  
  AMD Athlon� XP-M Processor Overview
  
  Great performance, reliability, and readiness...
  Experience high-performance computing with
  the mobile AMD Athlonâ�¢ XP-M processor. By incorporating advanced features such as AMD PowerNow!â�¢ technology and 3DNow!â�¢ Professional technology, the mobile AMD Athlon XP-M processor allows systems to run the most demanding Microsoft�® Windows�® compatible business and multimedia applications available today.
  
  See the word PowerNow, together with Cool-N-Quiet Technology our Sempron will now run faster by demand cooler on idle....
  
  Thats the most important benefit you can get by converting your Sempron to Athlon XP-M... plus...plus...plus... locked multiplier? not anymore... with Powernow technology you can adjust the multiplier of your Sempron on-fly without restarting your PC in Windows.
  
  
  What is a pencil trick?
  
  A pencil trick is method of shorting the bridges of a processor using just a pencil with high graphite content.
  
  This trick uses the graphite of the pencil to enable current to flow from one end of the brigde to the other.
  
  What is a bridge?
  
  A bridge is more like a switch or jumper that is either fixed or laser-cut. This enables certain parameters of the processor to be configurable. Examples are voltage level, multiplier, ON-OFF features etc...
  
  Bridges A Closer look..
  
  This is the default state of L5 Bridges..
  
  
  
  
  Bridges are usually labeled with an "L"
  Those with the dark spots are the laser-cut bridges while the other are ofcourse the fixed bridges.
  
  I will only discuss here the most important brigde to look for the L5. Lets call L5 as mode of operation. L5 is a group of 4 bridges from 0 to 3.
  
  L5 [ 3 ] Closed : Multiprocessing Capable
  L5 [ 2 ] Closed : AXP-M mode
  Open : Default-Mode
  L5 [ 1 ] Closed : Canceling the value of L6, and set to 24x max multiplier.
  L5 [ 0 ] Closed : Maximum SVID or vcore voltage at 2V reference on L8
  
  L5-2 - this is the key brigde to convert your sempron to AXP-M. AXP-M by default has this bridge closed. Bartons and TBredB core AXP were manufactured with L5-2 laser-cut by default.
  
  
  Converting your Sempron
  
  What you will need:
  
  - A Sempron proc of TBredB or Thorton core.
  - A Socket A mobo that support FSB of upto 333 or higher with a VIA or SiS Chipsets. I will post later some list of successful mobo and not.
  - A pencil with high graphite content... I suggest to use a mechanical pencil like this one...
  
  
  
  
  - A magnifying glass
  
  By scratching the L5-2 i.e connecting it with a pencil , your processor will now be identified as AXP-M ( note on some mobo, AXP-M is suported but not correctly identified like unknown cpu type, unknown processor type, k7 processo..)
  
  How am I gonna do it?
  
  Hold your CPU in your left hand ( or righthand ) and look very closely at the CPU, so as to clearly see the L5 bridges. You can use the magnifying glass to see it even closer. Connect the L5-2 bridge by rubbing the pencil back and forth over the two end points about twenty times until it is dark black, not the normal gold color.
  
  This is a sample picture on how youre gonna do the pencil trick...
  
  
  
  
  You should get similar result like that on the first bridge.
  
  Note:
  
  The processor is not the actual sempron here..
  Sorry too lazy to take picture of my hands and Sempie....
  
  
  In this configuration, your Sempron will now have the PowerNow & Cool-N-Quiet Technology. You can now adjust the multiplier from x3 upto x11. x11 was reference thru L8 as the maximum multiplier.
  
  A modded L5-2 Bridge
  
  
  
  
  
  But wait... there's more.....the L5-1, by default this bridge is also laser-cut. By shorting it, our Sempron will now have a whooping max multi of x24. And thus ignoring the max multi set on L8.
  
  
  Wait wait wait.... if your Sempie is of Thorton type...
  
  i.e markings are SDCxxxxxxxx
  
  Say hello to its big brother Barton... coz you can now enable the
  other 256KB L2 cache that has been disabled on thorton Sempies...
  
  
  How???
  
  By just shorting the L2 Bridge and bingo... your Sempie will be identified now
  as Barton Type. Isnt that really good.... =)
  
  
  
  A modded L5-1&2 Bridges
  
  
  
  
  You cant change the multi even if your mobo has an adjustment either onboard or in BIOS... please let me know if you did it in your mobo...
  
  You can use any of the following to adjust the multiplier of your Sempie in Windows.
  
  - CpuMSR
  - CrystalCPUID (Recommended)
  - CBid (Central Brain Identifier)
  
  I did a research on the possible mobo for this modding:
  
  VIA : The product shipped after KT266A.
  SiS : SiS735, SiS740, SiS741 and SiS748.
  ALi : Possible
  ATI : It has succeeded in RADEON 320.
  AMD : Possible.
  NForce : Still trying by some folk out there....
  
  Here is the list collated from different sources:
  
  
  Manufactures Products Chipset CPUs Notes
  Abit KV7 KT600 XP 2500+, L5 -
  Abit AT7 MAX2 KT333 XP-M 1400+ -
  ASUS A7V8X KT400 XP-M 1500+ 4X is unstable.
  ASUS A7V333 KT333 XP 2500+, L5 [Zoltan]
  ASUS A7S333 SiS745 XP 2500+, L5 -
  ASUS A7S266VM SiS740 XP-M 2500+ rev1.02 BIOS 1009
  ASUS Terminator K7 DDR SiS740 AHM1100AVS3B -
  ASUS SONY PCV-JX12BL5 SiS740 XP-M 2500+ -
  Aopen AK77-600N KT600 XP-M 2500+ -
  AOpen AK77-8X Max KT400 XP-M 1600FWS3B -
  Aopen MK77M KM266 XP-M 1700+ -
  AOpen AK76F-400N SiS748 XP-M 1400+ 4X is unstable.
  AOpen AK75 SiS745 XP-M 2500+ -
  BIOSTAR M7VIT Grand KT600 XP-M 1700+ -
  BIOSTAR iDEQ 200V KM400 XP-M 1500+ -
  BIOSTAR M7VIG Pro KM266 XP 2500+, L5 -
  BIOSTAR M7VKS KLE133 AHM0900AVS3B -
  Chaintech CT-7SID SiS735 AX1600DMT3C, L5 -
  CFD KX333PRO KT333 XP-M 1700+ -
  Epox 8KMM3I KM400 XP-M 2400+ -
  EPOX EP-8K7A AMD761/- AHM900AVS3B -
  FIC AT31 RADEON 320 IGP XP 2500+, L5 -
  Gigabyte GA-7VT880 Pro KT-880 XP-M 2500+ -
  GIGABYTE GA-7VT880 Delta-FSR KT-880 XP-M 2500+ AMI BIOS
  Gigabyte GA-7VT600-L KT600 Duron1600, L5 -
  Gigabyte GA-7VM400AMF KM400A XP 2500+, L5 -
  Gigabyte GA-7VM400AM KM400A XP-M 1700+ FSB automatic detection is a problem.
  Gigabyte GA-7VAXP KT400 XP-M 1700+ -
  Gigabyte GA-7VTXH+ KT266A XP-M 1400+ AMI BIOS
  Iwill K7S2 SiS746FX XP-M 1700+ 5x to 11x
  IWill XP333-R ALiMAGiK 1 XP-M 1400+ It starts by 11x.
  MSI MS-6378 VER.3 KLE133 Duron 1.4GHz, L5 -
  MSI K7Master AMD761/VT82C686B XP-M 1800+ -
  Iwill MPX2 AMD-760MPX Dual XP-M 2500+ We were successful.
  Tyan TigerMPX AMD-760MPX Dual XP-M We were successful.
  ** **
  AMD-760MP, AMD-760MPX AMD761/VT82C686B Dual XP-M It seems that it is possible.
  
  
  ** ** nVidia Athon XP-M Freeze
  ** ** VIA KT-133 Athon XP-M Freeze
  
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Note: Some mobo listed there supports only upto 266FSB and most likely will not work for Sempron processor...
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  
  
  Sorry for this short article... and my bad english... (",)
  
  I will update this thread from time to time...
  
  Download CrystalCPUID here...
  <click here for link>
  
  
  
  To change the multiplier:
  
  
  
  Download CPUMSR here:
  <click here for link>
  
  
  
  
  Happy overclocking.... (",)
  
  -- edited by jcmarfilph on Sep 22 2006, 08:47 PM

• nickparker on January 10, 2005 12:27 PM

  eto lang tanong ko, pano mo malalaman kung
  
  - A Sempron proc of TBredB or Thorton core.
  
  pwede pa kung TBred (but how will you know kung A or B?), i've never seen a Sempron w/ a Thorton core (limited din lumabas na Thorton mismo dito usually new/locked version pa).

• rbpates on January 10, 2005 12:54 PM

  Grrrh!!Naka Nforce 2 ultra board ako:(

• nickparker on January 10, 2005 01:21 PM

  @rbpates,
  
  hehehe, nforce2 ultra limited models lang freely accepts mobile axp, same problem ko din yan.

• lsouljah on January 10, 2005 01:44 PM

  The question is will these converted Semprons will perform like the mobiles when it comes to overclocking?
  
  I guess not.

• meeegs on January 10, 2005 01:50 PM

  The question is will these converted Semprons will perform like the mobiles when it comes to overclocking?

  
  
  still, the unlocked multis will be a welcomed feature... �¼
  
  im actually waiting for more results... thinking if i should replace my tried and tested abred with a sempie on my epox 8krai (kt600)...
  
  cant get past 2.0ghz from the stock 1.6
  
  even if it isnt as hyped as the AXP-M's it does seem like a promising overclocker... �¼

• nickparker on January 10, 2005 01:51 PM

  actually the mobile axp bartons does not out perform non-mobile axp bartons, the mobile axp bartons only has higher oc results. sempron oc, no comment.

• jinrai on January 10, 2005 02:05 PM

  semprons, converted to axp-m or not, are still semproms. overclocking results wouldnt change IMO. but the additiional unlcoked multipliers are good addition to overclocking.

• meeegs on January 10, 2005 02:17 PM

  hehehe... lets give it a chance...
  
  reports have shown an easy 500-600MHz increase by raising only the FSB... im hopefull that the unlocked multis can offer alot more options for the avid overclocker...
  
  this could be one more last hurrah for socket a
  
  but no way am i giving up my barton 2500+ �¼

• jcmarfilph on January 10, 2005 05:51 PM

  
  pwede pa kung TBred (but how will you know kung A or B?), i've never seen a Sempron w/ a Thorton core (limited din lumabas na Thorton mismo dito usually new/locked version pa).
  

  
  
  Actually the TBred version on Sempron is always TBredB. (a rebadge AXP TBredB i.e)
  Im not expert in determining its core by looking if it is of TBred or Thorton on its markings or appearance for we all know, there are some remark cases..
  
  I use instead CPU-Z or any software capable of identifying it.
  
  

  
  semprons, converted to axp-m or not, are still semproms. overclocking results wouldnt change IMO. but the additiional unlcoked multipliers are good addition to overclocking.
  

  
  
  From a default FSB OCing...
  
  Consider what you'll get here....
  - FSB OCing
  - Multiplier Adjustment
  - Cool-N-Quiet Technology/PowerNow Technology
  (on-fly adjustment of multiplier & vcore level)
  
  

  
  The question is will these converted Semprons will perform like the mobiles when it comes to overclocking?
  
  I guess not.
  

  
  
  When it comes to Ocing? Yes
  When it comes to Performance? Maybe...

• ral on January 10, 2005 06:49 PM

  One limiting factor in overclocking the Sempron's. particularly the lower end ones is that they had a very low multiplier (i.e. 9x for the Sempron 2200+) which would mean that you had to run a fairly high FSB to get a good overclock. This made overclocking the Sempron harder.
  
  Now, the XP-M's are good overclockers, but they are really just pre-tested/hand pciked desktop chips so the chance of a good overclock is better than a regular Barton. But not all mobiles will overclock better than a desktop chip, especially when you get the lower end ones (i.e 45W 2400+ or 35W 2200+) so I would not be surprised to find a few Sempron's running as fast as their XP-M sibblings.
  
  Considering that the Sempron 2200+'s are at P2,600 and a mobile Barton will cost you 70-80% more, I think this mod just made the Sempron the bang for the buck chip to get.
  
  Also unless you are running high FSB's (230-250) which really stresses out your motherboard (and which few mothebroards can do) and requires expensive memory (if you do this, best just go with a A64 even running at stock) the K7's tend to start to get front side bus limited at 2000-2300MHz (depending on FSB) so running a very high core speed is often just for bragging rights.

• ral on January 10, 2005 06:50 PM

  Oh, and those of you looking for Barton's, the Sempron 3000+ is a 2000MHz Barton =)

• Hoyas on January 10, 2005 08:08 PM

  sir ral, anong store na meron nyan dito?

• ral on January 10, 2005 08:13 PM

  Unfortunately, I have not seen one yet here.

• jcmarfilph on January 10, 2005 08:13 PM

  
  Also unless you are running high FSB's (230-250) which really stresses out your motherboard (and which few mothebroards can do) and requires expensive memory (if you do this, best just go with a A64 even running at stock) the K7's tend to start to get front side bus limited at 2000-2300MHz (depending on FSB) so running a very high core speed is often just for bragging rights.
  

  
  
  That's why we found this solution... instead of running your Sempron at high FSB. You can set it to a mid-range say 166-200MHz then adjusting the multiplier for it to hit 2.3 Ghz or more...
  
  -- edited by jcmarfilph on Jan 11 2005, 09:22 AM

• PMAer on January 10, 2005 08:20 PM

  
  - A pencil with high graphite content... I suggest to use a mechanical pencil...
  
  By scratching the L5-2 i.e connecting it with a pencil , your processor will now be identified as AXP-M ( note on some mobo, AXP-M is suported but not correctly identified like unknown cpu type, unknown processor type, k7 processo..)
  

  
  
  This mod is useful.. but is only a temporary one.
  As time goes by, the lead from the pencil would wear off.

• ral on January 10, 2005 08:29 PM

  Yup, had the pencil tricks wear of on me when I was using the pencil trick to OC duron's.... but for the most part they last longer than I kept the chips.

• jcmarfilph on January 10, 2005 08:33 PM

  
  This mod is useful.. but is only a temporary one.
  As time goes by, the lead from the pencil would wear off.
  

  
  
  This would last a year or more... unless you frequently detaching the HSF...
  
  There are alternative solutions but dangerous ones like conductive pen,
  conductive paint, soldering

• PMAer on January 10, 2005 08:33 PM

  I've known some people with pencil trick's lasting for around 5-6months.
  I've also known some which experience instability w/in the first week.
  :P

• PMAer on January 10, 2005 08:35 PM

  @jcmarfilph :
  Have you tried increasing your multi? what was the highest clock speed you were ale to reach?
  
  X2 once had a service offering silver conductive paint to unlock bridges, dunno if he still does it.

• ral on January 10, 2005 08:40 PM

  Actually I had one last for like 3-4 days and some over a year....

• jcmarfilph on January 10, 2005 09:01 PM

  Got a short blackout here in the office hehe....
  
  @PMAer:
  
  Yes, I did it... although my mobo is capable in modding still it is a limiting factor. With the lack of Vcore & AGP lock options on bios. I can only hit at about 2.1GHz. Using CrystalCPUID I can set it at any combination as long as its not beyond 2.1 GHz like 210x10, 100x21 etc... Working beyond 2.1GHz requires you to increase the Vcore level. You can also set it thru CrystalCPUID but your mobo must support it also. Some of our fellow Sempronians was able to hit 2.2Ghz, I bet he can raise it upto 2.3Ghz or more.. He just want to run a cooler setup...

• jcmarfilph on January 10, 2005 09:17 PM

  @ral:
  I guess you didnt scratch it harder than you can that's why it lasts a few days only...

• chanchan126 on January 10, 2005 09:35 PM

  can somebody post a pic of the pencil trick? para we have a clearer view of the things that has been done on the proc. thanks!

• jcmarfilph on January 10, 2005 09:56 PM

  @chanchan126:
  go back to my first post... or look here
  <click here for link>
  Thats the initial state of the L5 bridge...

• ral on January 10, 2005 09:57 PM

  My guess is that sometimes I get good contact and sometimes I dont.... but for the most part pencil tricks last for longer than I keep the chip (about a year).

• meeegs on January 10, 2005 11:09 PM

  so...
  
  aside from sir jcmarfilph, who else was successful at getting the extra multis from the sempron?

• ferdz_33 on January 10, 2005 11:23 PM

  @jomar,
  
  ano ba mobo mo? if thats an NF2 mobo it probably has a PCI/AGP lock on it by default. otherwise, nevermind i asked. hehe
  
  regarding pencil tricks, its really just a temporary solution for bridging the gaps. so we cant really expect it to last, consider yourself lucky if it'll last for atleast 6 months.
  
  best way to go is to use conductive silver paint. i think X2 still can do it i just dont know if he still has some silver paint left. its also reversible. :D

• jcmarfilph on January 10, 2005 11:32 PM

  @ferdz_33: SiS741 ung mobo ko... budget mobo hehe... FSB and DRAM ratio only are available...
  
  With the way I scratched the bridges I think it can go atleast a year.... (",)
  
  Others who have successfully modded their Sempies are dxdmd, earlkudos, eric26, meiroque...

• X2 on January 10, 2005 11:44 PM

  just unlocked my 2600+ Sempron. its now a MOBILE processor..sa tagal ko nang di nag unlock i though ala na ung skill ko..hehehe..meron pa pala..yahoo!!