AMD removed core unlocking over reputation fears

Posted on Tuesday, April 13 2010 @ 19:33 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Bit Tech heard AMD decided to drop the core unlocking feature from its 8-series chipsets due to fears over its reputation. Supposedly, the company removed the feature because users and system integrators were buying the processors, unlocking them and then blaming AMD if they found the system was unstable or simply didn't work.
The word from the manufacturers here in Taipei is that the reason AMD dropped the core unlocking capacity were fears over its reputation. Users and system integrators were buying the CPUs, unlocking them then blaming AMD if they found the resulting system was unstable or simply didn’t work. AMD decided this wasn't good for its reputation - and we also suspect grey market activity in predominantly developing countries played a part in the decision too.

Multiple motherboard companies told us they were highly critical of this decision prior to the launch of the 8-series chipsets, and decided to continue to engineer workarounds.
While core unlocking is not an official feature of the 8-series chipsets, many motherboards will still support it as manufacturers have developed workarounds.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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