I am building a new computer to hook up to our HDTV, primarily to watch and record on-line programs through Windows Media Center. I have an AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition AM2 CPU. I had this CPU in an MSI MB that didn't work out. While setting up the BIOS I noticed an "Unlock Core" function. I have not seen this before and do not know anything about why multi-core CPU's need to be unlocked. I assumed if the CPU has multiple cores, all would be working. Then I discovered the unlock function. Questions: 1 - Have ordered a Gigabyte MB (due in 12/21) to replace the MSI and want to make sure I set up the CPU correctly. 2 - THINK I have read here that multi core CPU's can only be unlocked if the CPU supports it. Correct me if I am wrong. 3 - THINK I have read here that dead cores will be locked and can not be unlocked, correct? 4 - Also, cores that work but are not fully functioning can be unlocked but will cause problems, right? Have worked as an electronics tech for 15 years and have been building computers a long time (10 in 15 years for family) but mostly just put them together "AS-IS". Am retired now and want to learn the finer points of computer building. PC Specs MB - Gigabyte MA785GM-US2H AMD785G Socket AM2+ MB CPU - AMD Athlon X2 7850 Black Edition AM2 OEM CPU Mem - Corsair 4096MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz (2x2048MB) DHX Cooler - Thermaltake CPU Cooler for AMD Opteron & Athlon 64 PS - Corsair VX450W 450W Power Supply DVD - Plextor 24X DVDRW SATA w/Lightscribe OS - Win 7 Pro 64 bit HD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB 7200 RPM TV Card - Hauppague 1600 The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech support at our website: http://freepctech.com