What is and how do you unlock Pipelines?

[ADE]

What does it mean to and how do you unlock Pipelines?

OK, I know what pipelines are I just want to know what does it mean to unlock them and how is this done?

 

[audiobahn1000]

The Core Two Duo would own that 4200. Its not the best of the best.

 

[ADE]

what are you talking about? Why say that in the video card section and what does that have to do with unlocking pipelines?

 

[kof2000]

probably drunk

certain cards shipped with the extra pipes disabled, you can unlock those. the 6800 is an example.

 

[Jet]

OK, I know what pipelines are I just want to know what does it mean to unlock them and how is this done?

It is done by flashing the Video Card's BIOS to a different one. However, only certain cards can be unlocked.

 

[ADE]

Is it safe and can the 7900GS do it? And why have them locked in the first place?

 

[ceewi1]

OK, I know what pipelines are I just want to know what does it mean to unlock them and how is this done?

Unlocking them allows the additional pipelines to be used. They can be unlocked either by flashing the cards' BIOS or using a program like RivaTuner (see here for instructions).

Is it safe

Using RivaTuner is relatively safe, flashing a cards' BIOS involves a degree of risk, particularly if you're not 100% sure you've chosen the correct BIOS.

and can the 7900GS do it?

No

And why have them locked in the first place?

It's cheaper for the company to cripple the same higher end card, and release it as a midrange card, than it is for them to design an entirely new midrange card. It also allows defective GT cores to be used as GSs in some circumstances.