AMD 770 Chipset based GIGABYTE motherboards enable Triple core CPU to be turned into Quad core CPU

Product Management Team

Index
Introduction Gears you need Step by Step Proof and Performance Test result Summary

Introduction
Why it can be achieved? Answer: When AMD produces multi-cores CPU, for some quality control issues, (such as extreme high or low temperature), AMD samples out some quad core Phenom II / Athlon II CPU and turn it into triple core CPU for sale. So inside of a triple core CPU, it is still a quad core internally. How to enable it? Answer : To enable triple core CPU into quad core CPU, you need AMD SB 750/710 with EC circuit, special BIOS to allow AMD ACC (Advanced Clock Calibration) and AMD triple core CPU as well. Whats benefit? Answer : End user can get as a Free bonus by purchasing a triple core CPU and turning it into a more expensive quad core CPU without paying extra. Performance also gains too.
Warning : User has to be aware, AMD and GIGABYTE will NOT honor and guarantee the performance and success of enabling this feature. Also the system stability may be effected.

Gears you need

To enable GIGABYTE AMD 770 chipset MB, you need following gears :
Motherboard with AMD SB 750/710 + special EC mode BIOS : MA770T-UD3P F2C MA770-UD3(2.0) FB MA770-US3(2.0) FB

AMD Phenom II or upcoming Athlon II Triple Core CPU

Warning : User has to be aware, AMD and GIGABYTE will NOT honor and guarantee the performance and success of enabling this feature. Also the system stability may be effected

Step by Step
Step One : Enter BIOS and verify
Hint : By press F9 in BIOS, you can see hardware information It shows current CPU is triple core Phenom II X3 CPU

It shows current motherboard model and BIOS version

Step by Step
Step Two : Enter M.I.T Menu
M.I.T is centre of overclocking menu for advanced user

Step by Step
Step Three : Enter Advanced Clock Calibration mode
Enter AMD ACC Menu for enabling special EC firmware

In default, the EC firmware will be set as Normal mode, and ACC is Disabled. Now we are prepared to enable both.

Step by Step
Step Four : Enable Hybrid EC + ACC Auto mode
Enter EC firmware selection menu, select Hybrid mode to enable special tuned BIOS.

In ACC selection, default is Disable , now go enabling ACC in Auto mode to enable Sb750/ SB 710 ACC feature.

Step by Step
Step Five : Save and Exit BIOS

BIOS will automatically update new EC firmware and re-boot the system again to apply quad core setting. Please do turn off or reset system during processing.

Step by Step
Step Six: Verify it
After BIOS enables Hybrid EC + ACC, you can see, in BIOS hardware information (F9) The current CPU now is AMD Phenom II X4 8700e !

Step by Step
Step Six: Verify it in post

Before

After

Proof and Performance Test result

Check ET6 under Windows 7 RC

Proof and Performance Test result

Performance Test result 1 : CineBench R10 Multi CPU score

Quad Core EC enable

Standard Triple Core 6122

8015

Quad Core EC enable

Standard Triple Core 137 Watt

148Watt

Proof and Performance Test result

Performance Test result 2 : 3DMark 05 CPU score

Quad Core EC enable Standard Triple Core

Quad Core EC enable

Standard Triple Core 140 Watt

145Watt

Summary
After tests we can say : GIGABYTE Hybrid EC firmware with ACC works Performance gains depends on application 3~30% Enabling Quad Core will increase slightly more power consumption In test, with exclusive GIGABYTE technology, to enable this hidden trick from AMD CPU is simple enough. No hassle, no pain.

Models available

MA770-US3 (Rev. 2.0)

MA770-UD3 (Rev. 2.0)

MA770T-UD3P