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Product:
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Upgradeware XP-TMC Athlon XP Multiplier Upgrade Kit |
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Price:
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$40 (CAN) / $28 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Bytewize Computers
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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August 4th, 2003
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Mike from Bytewize Computers
for sending the Upgradeware XP-TMC Athlon XP Multiplier Upgrade Kit for review.
Introduction:
The art of overclocking developed as an underground enthusiast hobby, which has been embraced by
computer users world wide. In its basic form, overclocking allows an individual to run a computer
product over the recommended manufacturer's specification. The gain is an increase in overall
performance but also a reduction in a product's shelf life and additional heat generated.
AMD was one of the first manufacturers in the world to offer a means
for computer users to overclock their core CPU products. Over the years the home grown techniques
for unlocking L1-L3 bridges on AMD processors has been refined after each new product release.
A few vendors have started to manufacturer and distribute professional unlocking kits, which allow
a consumer to unlock sealed bridges in less than 30 minutes. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be
evaluating the Upgradeware XP-TMC Athlon XP Multiplier Upgrade Kit, a product that allows consumers
to adjust the multiplier clock on AMD processors using toggle switches.
Specifications:
The XP-TMC overclocking and upgrade adaptor is an all-inclusive kit that allows consumers to adjust
multipliers for overclocking as well as enable new Athlon XP CPU's to run in Socket A boards which
only support up to 100Mhz FSB. Here are some specifications taken from the Bytewize Computers and
Upgradeware websites:
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Upgradeware XP-TMC Athlon XP Multiplier Upgrade Kit - Key Specifications:
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| Upgradeware XP-TMC Athlon XP Multiplier Upgrade Kit: Manufactured by Upgradeware |
| Support new AMD Athlon XP (Thorton/Thoroughbred, L2 256K), based on 0.13-micron technology |
| Support new AMD Athlon XP (Barton, L2 512K), based on 0.13-micron technology |
| Support new AMD Athlon MP (Thoroughbred, L2 256K), based on 0.13-micron technology |
| Support new AMD Athlon MP (Barton, L2 512K), based on 0.13-micron technology |
| Patent with AMD multiplier adjustment technology providing adjustment function from 5x ~ 24x |
| Support QuantiSpeed Architecture |
| Support 3DNow! Professional Technology (72 instructions, full SSE compatibility) |
| Support Double Data Rate (DDR) |
| Dual Processor support (Athlon MP) |
| Easy Installation. Driver is not needed |
| 462 PGA package |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Upgradeware XP-TMC Athlon XP Multiplier Upgrade Kit ships in a small formed cardboard package
suitable for retail display. The front of the package has an image of the XP-TMC as well as a
list of the supported AMD processor cores. The back of the package details the product specifications
as well as a summarized list of features.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The Upgradeware XP-TMC Athlon XP Multiplier Upgrade Kit includes the XP-TMC module itself, two custom extension
brackets, a small package of Stars Thermal Compound and a two page reference sheet. The included reference
sheet provides a brief overview of the product, a CPU Multiplier Settings Chart and a 12-step instruction guide on
how to complete the installation of the product. After reading the two page reference sheet, I felt that more
comprehensive information could have been included with this package, especially if this product is targeting
specific user groups. Novice users who require a little more hand holding will be pleased to know that Upgradeware
has a small FAQ on their website that
should address most questions. Surprisingly, the reference sheets don't cover any precautions or warnings about
the dangers of overclocking and there is an assumption that you should be at least familiar with some of the basic
principles before considering a product of this nature. MTB covered two basic introduction articles that can
be found here for reference:
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