A reliable source in the modding community has found that despite popular belief, steel wool applied directly to the die actually DOES increase clocks speeds by as much as 30%.

"I know that this sounds bogus and all, but I've found that if you can scarp off the top 0.02m layer from the die, the resulting increased thinness can enable one to acheive and approximate 30% increase in clock speed AND reduce the heat generation enough to where you don't need a friggin' fan anymore." H.L. from St.Clair Shores was quoted as saying.

While prefacing his comments with a rather stern disclaimer, H.L. was also heard saying, "If you don't believe me, send me all of your old Athlon chips, speed and form factor of any type. I'll turn 'em all into slim 3Ghz speed demons".

GeekExtreme is not responsible for any legal actions or claims resulting from some geek wanting to try this themself.