My brand new 3xs system

[Psionic Wibbly]

Scan would never lock a system like the 3XS down - they are enthusiasts like us

but where is the proof?

[Agent]

but where is the proof?

Unless you’re seriously putting forward that either...

1) Scan has someone that can program assembly and have written custom BIOS to lock out the overclocking options (more chance of winning the lottery )

or

2) They have spoke to the OEM of the mobo and received a custom BIOS with no overclocking options

Either way, a quick reflash would be all that’s needed, assuming that either of those far fetched options were correct.
But i can speak from first hand experience of a 3XS system that they are not locked down in anyway. If you need any more confirmation, you'll have to wait for Scan.
Remember, all motherboards that Scan uses are listed on the specs page for the 3XS systems.

[Psionic Wibbly]

i do know that a lot of the OEM MB used by OEM system builders cannot be overclocked. thats the way they are provided so as to prevent burnouts and failures due to overzealous overclocking

[Agent]

i do know that a lot of the OEM MB used by OEM system builders cannot be overclocked. thats the way they are provided so as to prevent burnouts and failures due to overzealous overclocking

Scan is hardly your normal OEM system builder though

[Pete the Painter]

i do know that a lot of the OEM MB used by OEM system builders cannot be overclocked. thats the way they are provided so as to prevent burnouts and failures due to overzealous overclocking

As is I quote "...systems built for enthusiasts ...by enthusiasts"

3XS Systems are not locked down in any way. The only way they would be locked, is as has been said.....by the manufacturer locking the bios, which is very very rare.

Scan use retail mobo's in there systems and they even offer an overclocking option in their systems as seen here http://3xs.scan.co.uk/ShowSystem.asp?SystemID=490#.....check out the links on the right.
http://3xs.scan.co.uk/optimize.asp

I hope this answers your questions