Destroyed XP2000+ ?

[Humlan]

I have today unsuccessfully tried to unlock my Athlon XP2000+, by using a supposedly conductive epoxy, that turned out to be no more conductive than an ordinary plastic epoxy (i.e. infinite resistance). I guess the silver in the tubes wasn't mixed very well...

Scratching to remove the epoxy, I unfortunately also removed some laquer (I can see a metal surface under a couple of scratches in the surface), so that when using a conducting silver paint, all the L1 terminals are now suddenly connected to the ground. I don't think it is possible to isolate them again. :-(

My question is; can I still use the processor as a multiplier-locked CPU, or will I have to order a new one? I'm looking for a simple answer, either "Yes, they can all be grounded without a problem" or "No, sorry, just buy a new CPU."

[sohailm6]

I would say yes, it may also be an idea to piant over the damage with non-conductive material.

[Humlan]

I have now scratched the CPU to get rid of all the remains of the failed epoxy, the silver paint and the super glue.

Measuring now, all the top L1 terminals are not grounded, but all the bottom ones are, albeit with a little resistance.

I'm seriously thinking of just testing it, I'm tired of the suspense.
I've already attached the big heatsink. I'm gonna do it, you just watch... :-)

*****************

Courage is a good thing! It worked, the multiplier is now set at the default 12.5x, so my CPU is back to its normal, locked state. I wouldn't call it "pristine" from the scratched look of the CPU, but it is up and running at 12.5 x 143 = 1802 MHz.

I'll think twice before trying to unlock it again, that's for sure!