I want to invest in a PC that is cheap but powerful. I want to utilize a core i3/core i5 but i don't want to spend more money on a 'k' CPU. They say the 'k' CPU's have a unlocked multiplier, so that must mean that a 'non-k' CPU has a locked multiplier and is has the potential to unlock and overclock.
Are there tips/tricks on how to unlock the multiplier and overclock the CPU. P.S: I will have a good cooling solution so heat may not be a problem.
Thanks in advance.
Locked multiplier is locked.
Yeah. The multiplier can't be unlocked, or at least no one's been able to do it to my knowledge. You can do some limited OCing on non-K processors though. It can be achieved by adjusting the bclk (though it can be tricky to get dialed in and runs fairly high risk of doing some damage, especially for a beginner), or there is the turbo OC which can net you +4 CPU bins above the turbo frequencies, if your processor has turboboost. Of course, this is all dependent on your motherboard as well.
To be honest, if you REALLY want to overclock, I'd save a little more and get a K processor. They're much more flexible and there is far less work/risk involved.
Ivy bridge is the last with the partially unlocked multiplier. I have my non k with the multiplier at 41 across all cores. I can raise the bclock, but you really have to be careful about mobo temps. You will also need a z77 mobo otherwise you are stuck with turbo, which is lame.