Intel Core 2 Duo Voltage Boost

Intel Core 2 Duo Voltage Boost

The Core 2 Duos bring the joy back for the Intel Overclockers with their easy to handle heat and ample of overclock head-room. However, the overclocking capacity depends as much on the motherboards paired with them. Some of the enthusiasts on a tight budget are stuck with a limiting motherboard , particularly in the voltage department. (ASRock Motherboard Users come to mind ;) ) Well now here's a way out for you!

You can basically over-ride the default voltage of 1.325v inherent on many of the Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs, E6300 to X6800, with a simple "pin-mod". Well yes, there are no longer pins on these LGA packaged processors... in fact that makes them easier to modify! All you need is some electrical insulation tape and some conductive ink!

**Take Note that such Voltage Modifications would void the warranty for your Processors!!**

**As some CPUs come with a different default voltages such as 1.2875v, etc, using these mods will get you different results so I will be updating with more info for CPUs with different default voltages. For now, this is for 1.325v default.**

To get a slight bump to 1.4v, simply connect the 'pins' shown below with conductive ink. This is a direct representation of your Processor and not your motherboard socket, do take note!

To facilitate precision, tape over the surrounding 'pins' except the ones you are trying to connect.

Pins conductive-inked

To get to 1.45v, you not just have to conductive ink, you will need to tape over a pin as well. However, this is not tough at all and just need some patience. Cut a really small piece of tape the size of an LGA 'pin' Land. Then tape this over the pin marked in the green square tightly. Also, connect the 'pins' shown below with conductive ink, the ones marked in red.

This is how it should look like

More Voltage Please!

To get to 1.5v, similar thing. Cut a really small piece of tape the size of an LGA 'pin' Land. Then tape this over the pin marked in the green square tightly. Also, connect the 'pins' shown below with conductive ink, the ones marked in red.

To get to 1.55v, simply connect the 'pins' shown below with conductive ink, the ones marked in red.

To get to 1.6v, simply connect the 'pins' shown below with conductive ink, the ones marked in red.

If you want to clean off the mods or any mistakes, simply use nail varnish remover or Zippo lighter fluid and clean off easily!

For those who want to check CPU Core Voltages to verify the increase, just in case your motherboard does not support voltage read outs, you can check with a multimeter on the MOSFET legs right beside the LGA socket, such as this:

Vcore Measurement on ASRock ConRoeXFire-eSATA2 Motherboard

*For those with 1.2875v Default voltage, head on to the next page for the mods. The Default Voltage is usually listed on the Retail CPU Package Box.

For 1.2875v Default CPU

The following applies if your CPU default voltage is 1.2875v. This is usually listed on your retail box package itself. Same thing like what I've explained in the early part of this article, connect or tape up the following pins accordingly for voltage wanted.

For 1.35v Default

For CPUs with default 1.35v!

To facilitate precision, tape over the surrounding 'pins' except the ones you are trying to connect.

To get to 1.45v, you not just have to conductive ink, you will need to tape over a pin as well. However, this is not tough at all and just need some patience. Cut a really small piece of tape the size of an LGA 'pin' Land. Then tape this over the pin marked in the green square tightly. Also, connect the 'pins' shown below with conductive ink, the ones marked in red. For a more illustrative explaination you can refer to our first LGA Pin Mod Guide.

To get 1.5v:

To get 1.55v:

To get 1.6v:

Really Simple right?? Now you don't have to feel lousy running a budget motherboard. The mods should give you enough juice to keep up with the overclockers on premium boards!

As for FSB mods, for those who need it, we'll share this goodie soon! Stay tuned!