Thanks to all for all the great info on here, it truly was a deciding factor when I purchased my card.
I have an ATI X850Pro AGP. Bought this from ebay from dealtree techstore on 11/2/05 (just do a search for x850pro and a ton will pop up). It was an openbox item (looks like it was a Best Buy return based on the "Best Buy" inspection tape on the box). These cards have been going for $175-$190 and there are plenty on there. Looks like I lucked out and got an unlockable one. The fifth charachter in Die fuses is F, and the last charachter in subrate is F. Last number in ROM fuses is 1.
from what I understand, alot of the newer cards are comming Die on locked. If you are looking, don't be afraid to take a chance on open box items, as most have been returned to and inspected by ATI. Just make sure that the seller has a fairly liberal return policy just in case.
I havent tried to unlock yet, but I will soon and I will post the results. Thanks again to all of you modders that help noobs like me get the most for my money