CPU Buying a locked/unlocked Sandy Bridge

Is it something to do with the multipliers? I can't find any info on it. Was planning on getting an unlocked as I heard they were better for OCing but they are all sold out on Scan which is where i'd like to buy from if possible. Ebuyer doesn't even have unlocked ones.

I will only be OCing on air and im only a beginner so does it really matter that much to me? Thanks guys.

 

Locked chips do not overclock at all

Unlocked chips do.

 

SandyBridge with 'K' at the end of the processor number denotes unlocked multiplier.

2500K in stock at Scan:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/inte...uadcore-33ghz-gpu-850mhz-6mb-cache-95w-retail

2600K in stock at Scan:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/inte...e1155-qd-core-gpu-850mhz-8mb-cache-95w-retail

OK, they're the retail boxes rather than OEM but you're only paying less than £5 more and you get an 'emergency' heatsink

 

You need the K for overclocking- the new chips are restricted to a base clock of ~100, and only the multiplier can be changed

 

Fantastic thanks guys, I see now. The OEM ones were the only ones that had unlocked in the name on the product. I didn't know about the K reference. Thanks a lot, means I can order my upgrades tonight now

 

The k version is only 10 pounds more and they overclock like a champ.
Well worth it.

 

Mmmmmm... K version. Special k.

 

But remember it only makes a difference if you have a P67 motherboard as the H67 can't OC anyway.

 

as far as im concerned the only way to go is the unlocked 'k' models as they are the only ones overclockable. however DO NOT alter the base clock, the way to OC these is just via the multiplier.