yes AMD has started making locked barton cores but they can be simply
unlocked according to this method given in the link
http://www17.tomshardware.com/cpu/20030210/

i would suggest that you get 2 sticks of 256 mb or better 2 of 512 mb pc
3200 ddr ram if you want to turn ur 2500+ into a 3200+ . you would have to
go up on the core voltage as well ......... ummm say about 1.85 V ........
thats just a speculation , it actually differs from processor to processor.
one more thing ........ i would recommend in investing in some good quality
ddr ram as they go a long way in overclocking. get arctic silver 5 ......
way better than coolermaster ....... as for the hsf ...... if you want the
pc to look good ....... not be too loud and still have good cooling ........
invest in about a couple of more low volume case fans ( thermaltake makes
some of the best ones) and go for a swiftech heat sink ........ the new one
http://www.swiftnets.com/products/mcx462-V.asp
coupled with a thermaltake smart fan
http://www.thermaltake.com/products/...an2coolMod.htm if you
want it to look cool or
http://www.thermaltake.com/products/dcfan/a1214.htm
if you want functionality. the volcano is going to be too loud . it really
rivals vantec's tornado in sound and the cooling is alright ...... its
around the same as volcano 11+ ( which i have ) .
also getting a decently powerful PSU is very important in o/c ( anything
over 400 watts if good enough if made by a good company )
also get a thermaltake heatpipe vga cooler for ur radeon 9800 pro and o/c
that baby too ............. i think these should help u make a very good rig
as well as running it cool enough ........... always remember there should
be enough air circulation in your case ......... like i have five fans right
now ......... 3 blowing out ( 80 mm) and 2 blowing in ( 80mm and 120mm )
none of them are those loud variety types.

lemme know if you need anymore help.

[D.A.]!@#Bourne

Athlon XP 2700+ ~ 2.4 ghz
MSI K7N2 Delta ILSR mobo
Geil Dragon pc3200 1gb ddr ram ( 512 X 2 )
Sapphire Radeon 9800 pro @ 410/740