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Well, you'd never have guessed it, but afaik this is a UK exclusive baby. Exciting huh? Yeah... well... it is to me. Anyway, I hear you cry, what the hell IS "trace tape". Well, we all know (don't we?) that to overclock an AMD processor you need to unlock it, be it with a pencil (dodgy) or conductive pen (pricey). There is also this much easier method, and I would predict more reliable. Step forward Trace Tape.
"Trace tape is an easy way to allow you to change the clock multiplier of MP, Duron, or Thunderbird AMD CPUs" so says the blurb at Plycon, the place that seemingly pimps it so *perhaps* makes it (I'm not all too sure). Basically its 4 (or 5 on the new MP strips) small conductive strips on the underside of a clear sticker that complete the connections between the level 1 bridges on the CPU. You simply stick the tape over the area, and a connection is made - no mess, no fuss.
As mentionned above, new MP processors have 5 bridges, and the new tape has adapted as such and now has 5 conductive strips rather than the 4 that my tape has. The 5th strip is simply wasted when used on a tbird or duron so the tape remains compatible. Unfortunately, plycon's site says the tape does not work well with XP chips. XP's have cut bridges like their predecessors, but also a small trench in between, meaning a line cannot be drawn straight between the bridges. I would have thought something like this would be perfect in that situation but it seems not :/ - "NOTE: We have not been able to get consistent results using the new trace tape with XP CPUs. We would not suggest buying it for those CPUs at this time". I reckon with a little remodelling they will soon come out with an XP compatible model, and that's where I think this product would shine - to unlock XP's with the traditional tricks requires filling in this trench with epoxy or similar... instant warranty voiding. Something like this trace tape is removable, so could be very useful for XPs. I'm surprised it doesn't work too well with them, but never having had an XP chip I can't test or comment.
As it is, for Tbirds, MPs and Durons this tape is certainly a good idea, works well (it unlocked my test Duron 750 perfectly), and is easily removed in case the chip needs to be returned (oops, chipped core anyone ;)). However, at £6.99 each from my supplier PCLincs it's a little pricey. I would definately recommend it though, especially to those people who are perhaps a little scared to "draw" on their chips with pencil or conductive pen. If you're a newbie overclocker and want to take minimal risks (don't we all?) then this is the product for you, and you can get your grubby mits on one here, along with a new processor if you so wish ;D (mmm, MP 1.8Ghz *droooool*).
Rating time then, and as I outlined above, this is a godsend for the non-risk-takers out there (I can see you...) but perhaps a little OTT pricewise for us more mature overclockers... "fry a duron? bah who cares, done it a million times" ;D yeah that's the stuff. Umm, where was I, oh yeah. I give mr. tracetape full marks for effort  , but next time try and be XP compatible, and cheaper ;)
Simple yet effective. Now how can I blue LED mod it...
mrplow, 01-11-01. November sucks, it's cold :(
PS: As an afterthought, here's a guide on how to install the tape properly (yes, I did follow it mother) : click here (looks like they forgot to update this page with their new style...)
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:: Review Images ::
1: The tracetape
2: The victim XD
3: Clean that sucka
4: Stick it on
5: Perfick!
6: Get yer own!
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