Core unlocking with Gigabyte 770 mobo?

D

DeerSteak

Gawd
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Aug 7, 2008
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If this is the wrong forum, I apologize. I was wondering if anyone has had any luck with Phenom II X2/X3 core unlocking. I've got a Gigabyte MA770-UD3 rev 2.0 motherboard that supposedly can re-enable dormant cores in Phenom II X2 and X3 CPUs, even with updated BIOSes thanks to some sort of "hybrid" mode that can use older microcode to keep those CPUs unlocked. Right now I've got an Athlon X2 4000+ (old-ass Brisbane, 2.1Ghz stock running at 2.8) in the board, but I'm thinking "hey, I can save some bucks on an upgrade if I get an X2". I was just wondering if anyone's tried it and how it worked.

If the failure rate is high, I'll probably just go with an X4. I bought this board (as an upgrade from an M2A-VM) specifically for the unlocking features and the awesome price ($75, $65 after MIR on Newegg).
 
It seems pretty much all gigabyte boards with SB710 or SB750 with the latest bios can unlock the dormant core.

Before anyone goes to newegg and checks out this motherboard. Newegg still has the specs from rev 1.0 which has SB700. OP has rev 2.0 which has SB710.

http://www.gigabyte-usa.com/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=3097#anchor_os

Just like my AM3 version of the 770 board there was only two bios. The original bios and a new bios wti the description "Update ACC code and CPU ID (Support AGESA 3.3.2.4 code for Phenom X3 CPU)"

If you have the original bios I can bet there will be no hybrid mode till you update the bios to the latest one. You can update the bios from a USB, or memory card and update it during the boot up screen or within bios.

I manage to unlock my X3 720BE and OC it to 3.8GHz at 1.5V. For now I keep it at 3.6GHz at 1.45V.
 
That's awesome news - exactly what I was hoping to hear.

I don't see the hybrid option even with the latest BIOS because right now I have a Brisbane CPU in it. I'm going to go order an X2 550 now just for funzies. Should I fail to unlock the cores, I'll pick up an X4. I just have $100 burning a hole in my pocket right now, and the added value is in the fun of trying this out.
 
It seems the X2 550BE are a better unlocker than the X3 720BE and overclock slightly a bit better too.

If you go to the ACC feature and look around you might see the hybrid feature.
 
I took today off knowing that UPS was coming with my CPU. It arrived at around 10:45am Central time. Well, I have good news and bad news about my MA770-UD3 rev 2.0 board.

Good news: even with the latest BIOS, the rev2.0 board DOES unlock cores.

Bad news: when I unlock my Phenom II X2 550 that I got today, Orthos fails, even at stock 3.1GHz speeds. So I re-locked the cores and cranked up the CPU speed using the latest EasyTune 6 from Gigabyte's website. I went for 3.6 to start and it ran Orthos for about 90 minutes while I ran some errands. Right now it's at 3.8GHz at default voltage cranking away on Orthos again. So far it's survived about 40 minutes, and I'd like to let it go for a while. I've read that 4GHz isn't unheard of on these things, and it'd be awesome if I made it there.

I should point out that the retail heatsink/fan sucks. A cheapy aluminum. The retail heatsink that came with my X2 4000+ is better. I'm waiting on a Cooler Master Hyper 212 from Sundial Micro (which should arrive tomorrow) before I crank it up anymore. With the Athlon's HSF, it's around 51-52C under load according to the EasyTune 6 software.
 
While unlock have you try increasing the cpu volts to 1.45V?

Since it is a dual core it uses less volts than a quad core. Even when it is unlock it will be running at lower volts around the dual core area.

My X3 720BE wasn't stable as well till I increased the volts to a more proper area for a quad.
 
DTN107 said:
While unlock have you try increasing the cpu volts to 1.45V?

Since it is a dual core it uses less volts than a quad core. Even when it is unlock it will be running at lower volts around the dual core area.

My X3 720BE wasn't stable as well till I increased the volts to a more proper area for a quad.
Click to expand...

That thought had not occurred to me. I can report that it helped - Orthos has been running at 3.1GHz with 4 cores for about 45 minutes error-free. Before, I had plenty of crashes right off the bat.

joecuddles, I"m reading user reviews on Newegg that some people are still getting the 1.0 revision from them. I bought mine locally - I paid more, but I knew ahead of time that I was getting a 2.0 and I felt like it was worth it to me. Right now it appears I got a 3.1GHz quad for $99 instead of $215, and the motherboard only cost me $15 more than Newegg's current $75 list price. As a result, I'm saving $100 if this winds up working.
 
Voltage bump idea +1

Unlocked cores, but bios still reads dual core needs. 1.45 is fine and you should be stable at 3.1x4
 
Does anyone know a reputable online dealer that has the rev2.0 Gigabyte 770 board for a good price?

Last review on newegg says a guy received a rev1 this month.

My spare computer just went belly up on me so I need to replace it. I was going to get a 790/SB750 Gigabyte originally but then I noticed they seem to be lacking the parallel port header and I need that for my old laser printer that just wont die. Sure I could get an add on card or a network print server but that's extra money spent when the 770/SB710 has everything I want.

If no one knows where I can get a rev2 board I will just order the DDR3 T variation.

Either way the CPU will be an X2 550 BE. I don't have much interest in overclocking it but I do want to try an unlock the extra cores. I still need to figure out what speed ram to get with this CPU at stock speeds but until I figure out if I am getting a DDR2 board or am stuck buying the DDR3 version I don't see much point in looking in to it.
 
well I've settled on 3.6GHz with all 4 cores, 1.45v. My temps seem to hover around 50C. I can go up to 3.9 at 1.5v but the temps jump up to around 55-57C. I'd prefer to keep temps a little lower. My heatsink is decent for the price, but not great. Coolermaster Hyper 212.

TGA, if you can find one, you will not be disappointed. :) And if you go DDR3, it can handle up to DDR3-1333, IIRC.
 
Well I think I am going to just give up and go with the GA-MA770T-UD3P from newegg with a X2 550 BE.

I am looking at this ram for the system.

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK - Retail

Also looking to grab a XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 since I suspect the stock heat sink isn't the same one they use for the high end quads.

Also I wouldn't mind picking up a MOSFET cooler for it but I haven't a clue what the whole spacing is on this board. If someone who has this board could get me some measurements that would be great...
 
TGA said:
Well I think I am going to just give up and go with the GA-MA770T-UD3P from newegg with a X2 550 BE.

I am looking at this ram for the system.

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK - Retail

Also looking to grab a XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 since I suspect the stock heat sink isn't the same one they use for the high end quads.

Also I wouldn't mind picking up a MOSFET cooler for it but I haven't a clue what the whole spacing is on this board. If someone who has this board could get me some measurements that would be great...
Click to expand...

you can use Enzotech MST-88 C1100 $15 + ship
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835708016

or

5 pcs of Microcool chipsinks for $5 + ship
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/mimoch.html

heres my 770T with microcool
 
Yeah I am kicking my self for giving away a box of old heat sinks last month. I had an old Intel slot Xeon cooler that I could have sliced a piece off of and had a one piece cooler for it.

I know I could save some money going with something like you did but I prefer something that mounts to the board rather then a sticky tape or thermal epoxy solution.

But anyway you saying the hole spacing on the gigabyte board is 88mm just right for that MST-88? If so that great and the one I already had in the cart. I figured worse case I would trim it to fit.

And since you have the same board I was wondering what you think of the NB and SB cooler? Do they get the job done or are things running a bit hot under heavy lead? I ask cause long term stability is key for me.

I realize adding after market coolers really takes away from the great value this board offers but I am not buying it over a 790 for value I am buying it for the LPT1 parallel port.
 
TGA said:
Yeah I am kicking my self for giving away a box of old heat sinks last month. I had an old Intel slot Xeon cooler that I could have sliced a piece off of and had a one piece cooler for it.

I know I could save some money going with something like you did but I prefer something that mounts to the board rather then a sticky tape or thermal epoxy solution.

But anyway you saying the hole spacing on the gigabyte board is 88mm just right for that MST-88? If so that great and the one I already had in the cart. I figured worse case I would trim it to fit.

And since you have the same board I was wondering what you think of the NB and SB cooler? Do they get the job done or are things running a bit hot under heavy lead? I ask cause long term stability is key for me.

I realize adding after market coolers really takes away from the great value this board offers but I am not buying it over a 790 for value I am buying it for the LPT1 parallel port.
Click to expand...

yup it should fit 770t, but again the MST-88 is so expensive.

for NB im planning to use HR-05 but for SB the clearance for thicker or taller cooler would a challenge.

anyway, as for now with stock NB/SB cooling solution my system is running stable @ 3.7Ghz with unlocked Calisto X2 550. ill prolly just leave it like that.
 
Thanks jhartono0002. Just bought a MST-88 for my cousin's 770T.

How many of the small Microcool mosfet chip coolers you guys think I need for my Gigabyte 780G + SB710.

 
thanks jhartono0002!

Any other places you think I should throw a heatsink on top of it?
 
DTN107 said:
It seems pretty much all gigabyte boards with SB710 or SB750 with the latest bios can unlock the dormant core.
Click to expand...

Does this mean it doesn't matter if its 770 or another chipset as long as its SB710 or SB750? Anyone tried using a different chipset with SB710 or SB750?
 
phiamapa said:
Does this mean it doesn't matter if its 770 or another chipset as long as its SB710 or SB750? Anyone tried using a different chipset with SB710 or SB750?
Click to expand...

It just has to be 710 or 750. I have a 770UD3 Rev. 1 and it has no ACC because it's SB700. Rev. 2 of this board does have ACC, because it's SB710. ACC is available on the other Gigabyte boards (790, etc).
 
After reading the article which was originally link, I felt kind of stupid because it specifically said the 770 boards. Looking at the BIOS update of GA-MA790X-UD4 it has the ACC feature.

Anyone tried using a none 770 board before I go out and buy just any board with SB710 or SB750?

There aren't any 770 here in the Philippines so I'm looking for alternatives.
 
phiamapa said:
After reading the article which was originally link, I felt kind of stupid because it specifically said the 770 boards. Looking at the BIOS update of GA-MA790X-UD4 it has the ACC feature.

Anyone tried using a none 770 board before I go out and buy just any board with SB710 or SB750?

There aren't any 770 here in the Philippines so I'm looking for alternatives.
Click to expand...

Like I said any board with SB710 or SB750 should work. If you want to be sure go to the manufacturers website of a particular board and check the BIOS updates. They will mention ACC (you can see this on the 790 @ Gigabyte's website).
 
@ DeerSteak, where did purchase your motherboard? I'm looking for rev. 2.0 as well.
 
DeerSteak said:
I took today off knowing that UPS was coming with my CPU. It arrived at around 10:45am Central time. Well, I have good news and bad news about my MA770-UD3 rev 2.0 board.

Good news: even with the latest BIOS, the rev2.0 board DOES unlock cores.

Bad news: when I unlock my Phenom II X2 550 that I got today, Orthos fails, even at stock 3.1GHz speeds. So I re-locked the cores and cranked up the CPU speed using the latest EasyTune 6 from Gigabyte's website. I went for 3.6 to start and it ran Orthos for about 90 minutes while I ran some errands. Right now it's at 3.8GHz at default voltage cranking away on Orthos again. So far it's survived about 40 minutes, and I'd like to let it go for a while. I've read that 4GHz isn't unheard of on these things, and it'd be awesome if I made it there.

I should point out that the retail heatsink/fan sucks. A cheapy aluminum. The retail heatsink that came with my X2 4000+ is better. I'm waiting on a Cooler Master Hyper 212 from Sundial Micro (which should arrive tomorrow) before I crank it up anymore. With the Athlon's HSF, it's around 51-52C under load according to the EasyTune 6 software.
Click to expand...


Dude those are pretty damn good temperatures for overclocked and under full load... what are you smoking - "sucky HSF"...?!?!
 
aiya said:
@ DeerSteak, where did purchase your motherboard? I'm looking for rev. 2.0 as well.
Click to expand...
I got it locally, as a special buy. Computer Deli in Peoria, IL.

VanFanel89, remember that those temps are at stock. It's fine to cool a stock CPU, but I don't think it's a good idea to overclock with retail stuff. Plus it's LOUD. My computer sits on my desk and as a result, it cannot be loud. It's like 2 feet from my head. What I call loud might be quiet to other folks, but even my wife was bitching about the volume. I have 900-1000RPM 120mm case fans and the 120mm fan on the Hyper 212 Plus running at about 1200RPM. Not sure how fast the fan in my Corsair 525W HX runs but it's whisper quiet, too. The loudest thing in the system is the aftermarket cooler on my 8800GT and if I'm sitting on the couch I can't hear it (because the computer is in the living room) - but sitting at my desk I can.

So I'm picky. It can't be even borderline quiet; it needs to be super quiet.
 
DeerSteak said:
I got it locally, as a special buy. Computer Deli in Peoria, IL.

VanFanel89, remember that those temps are at stock. It's fine to cool a stock CPU, but I don't think it's a good idea to overclock with retail stuff. Plus it's LOUD. My computer sits on my desk and as a result, it cannot be loud. It's like 2 feet from my head. What I call loud might be quiet to other folks, but even my wife was bitching about the volume. I have 900-1000RPM 120mm case fans and the 120mm fan on the Hyper 212 Plus running at about 1200RPM. Not sure how fast the fan in my Corsair 525W HX runs but it's whisper quiet, too. The loudest thing in the system is the aftermarket cooler on my 8800GT and if I'm sitting on the couch I can't hear it (because the computer is in the living room) - but sitting at my desk I can.

So I'm picky. It can't be even borderline quiet; it needs to be super quiet.
Click to expand...

Enable Smartfan in the BIOS; the GigaByte utility does wonder combines with EasyTune range configuration.
 
Well, I got my hardware today from Newegg. It's going to take me some time to get it all set up and able to run stress tests but I will report back if the unlock is successful or not. But this assumes my hardware all works.

I am a little unhappy with Newegg. I am always hearing about poor packing in the Drives section of the forum but mine have always arrived with no issues and many wraps of bubble wrap that hasn't collapsed.

However today the drive arrives on the bottom of the box with a single layer of bubble wrap on it that is collapsed all down the one side. So now even if the drive works I am always going to be fearful of it dieing early. But at least the box everything arrived in don't look too banged up. Also my motherboard arrived with a hole punched through the bottom of the box. It doesn't appear to have caused any damage but I haven't taken the board out the static bag yet.

I also opened my heat sinks to make sure they looked alright before I get started. The Xigmatek HDT S1283 looks good though the finish on the base could be a little better but I have seen worse. However the Enzotech MST-88 MOSFET cooler is another story. The packaging had no signs of damage however when I opened it and removed the heat sink I found the cooling pins at the one end were all smashed together. I was able to straiten them back out and don't see any cracks in the copper. It seems like a great product but for $15 I am not overly impressed with the QA/QC. I will be contacting the manufacturer to at least let them know. I have no interest in holding up my build or paying shipping to send it back so it is what it is.


Edit:

I have vista installing on the system right now with CPU at stock. Everything seems to be working really well. I wish the CPU socket orientation was turned 90 degrees to put it in line with my 120mm exhaust but I guess I can't have everything.

I did a quick test and set my CPU voltage +0.5 for a 3.75vcore (lol I have no idea what I was thinking when I typed that, +0.05 for 1.375) and set ACC to hybrid 4core and it does at least post at stock speed on all 4 cores. Once the OS and drivers are all installed I will try the same settings again and see if she passes stress testing with a reasonable core temp.

And seeing how smooth the initial testing went I am rather excited to see just what it can do.
 
Last edited:
I asume that you are making reference to Gigabyte GA-MA 770-UD3 REV. 2.0.
I have been googling widely looking to purchase this motherboard (GA-MA 770-UD3 REV. 2.0 because of the additional board packing and the supposely ease of unlocking processes and also memory increased speed. Could you direct me to the URL or tell me where I might buy the rev. 2.0 board?;)
 
Tried unlocking the extra cores on my 550 with the GA-MA770-UD3 rev2, but it refuses to POST. Even when I set the vcore to 1.45v. Bad extra cores then?

Other than changing the ACC settings to Hybrid and Auto, is there anything else I should be doing? Should the CPU multiplier be on Auto?
 
I wasn't able to unlock my core either on my X3 720BE. My motherboard was MA-GA770-UD3 Rev 2.0.

I think I had a bad core :/ Tried upping the volt with 0.050+

I had my ACC on Hybrid and All cores
 
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