We have another set of information about choosing AMD Athlon XP “Thoroughbred B0” processors for overclocking. Since all the facts published in such news-stories are unofficial and no one from AMD confirms or denies them at once, we have to add more publications in regards the matter as we receive new facts.

We previously reported that the eighth and ninths digits in the second (or the second "part" of the first line) line in the marking of AMD Athlon XP processors represent the "originally designated" model number for the particular CPU, however, this web-site claims that the digits are nothing more than are the laser marker ID used for chip tracing.

Note that there were quite a lot of Athlon XP “Thoroughbred” B0 processors with 1.5V core-voltage manufactured earlier this year. They are mostly processors with 1700+ and 1800+ model numbers. You can find out the Vcore of an AMD Athlon XP CPU by its OPN (the first line of the marking). The OPN consists of numbers and letter and looks as follows:

AXD A 1700 D L T 3 C

Where,

• AXD stands for AMD Athlon XP Processor Model With QuantiSpeed Architecture for Desktop Products;
• A – for “desktop processor”;
• 1700 or any other numbers – for the model number or performance rating;
• D – for package type, D stands for OPGA;
• K – for operating voltage: L=1.50V, U=1.60V, K=1.65V;
• V – for critical die temperature: T=90 degrees Celsius, V=85 degrees Celsius;
• 3 – for size of L2 cache: 3=256KB;
• D – for Front-Side Bus frequency: C=266MHz, D=333MHz.

If you do not want to cope with OPN, check this script that determines quite a lot of information about your processor and presents it in a more convenient way.

Keep in mind that certain Athlon XP “Thoroughbred B0” CPUs with 1.5V Vcore made in early 2003 can even work at higher frequencies with core-voltage reduced to 1.4V, while after increasing the Vcore such microprocessors are just perfect for overclocking towards 2250MHz and beyond.

We assume that AMD still works on its process technology to get higher yields for CPUs running at higher core-clocks. As a result, the latest CPUs should have more chances to be overclocked successfully than the chips made some time ago.

Keep in mind that overclocking is a risk and no one can guarantee its successful outcome.

If you are a first-time visitor, please check the news-stories noted below to learn everything we know about how to choose the best Athlon XP Thoroughbred B0 CPUs for overclocking.