** Caution ** - Intel Sandy Bridge Processors

[ChrisP]

http://www.scan.co.uk/shops/intel/news

BACKGROUND
Intel Sandy Bridge ** Caution**
Intel launched their Sandy Bridge platform on Sunday 9th January 2011, this launch of the new 2nd Generation of Intel Core Series Processors coincided with their release of the new P67 and H67 Chipset Motherboard Families.

EVENT
31/01/2011 - POTENTIAL PROBLEM
The potential problem as outlined by Intel® is as follows:-
In some cases, motherboards featuring the 6 Series Chipset (P67 & H67) that have Sata devices connected to ports 2-5 could potentially degrade over time.
Motherboards with devices connected to Ports 0 & 1 remain unaffected.

ACTION
31/01/2011
We have been advised by Intel that there may be a potential issue regarding Sandy Bridge and the P67 Chipset.

There is considered to be no immediate threat, and Intel urges customers not to panic or be alarmed, as this is, at this stage, considered to be a precautionary measure.
Scan are in discussion with Intel as to the finer details of the issue, and at present there is no need for customers to return products, and this will continue to be the case until such time as Intel advise on any necessary course of action.

In light of these events, Scan have decided to temporarily suspend all shipment of Sandy Bridge architecture until further notice.
All customers will be contacted over the next few days with regard to the current situation, once we have received a definitive Returns Procedure from Intel, should this be the case.
At present, there is no immediate threat / danger / risk of damage to CPUs, Motherboards or Systems, and we urge that customers continue to use their systems normally for the time being.

Any required replacements will be handled efficiently, and any further updates will be announced via the homepage on the Scan Website.

At this time, we would request that customers do not contact us with regards to this issue, as we are of course fully aware, and will publish all information as we have it via our website.

If there are any OTHER issues with regards to reporting problems with 3XS Systems, then of course still do so in the usual way, however please avoid contacting us regarding this particular issue as it just swallows up resources on fielding calls, where the information has already been made available via our website, and we will continue to inform of any updates ongoing etc.

Any replacement parts will have their warranty period commence from the date that the replacement is shipped, therefore giving full warranty on the NEW part.

Scan's view on the situation...

"Intel have discovered a bug that potentially could be a problem somewhere down the line. Although Intel have identified a possibility of some SATA port degradation, this has not been expanded on as of yet. We see this as a short-term issue, and over the next few days we expect that a swapout procedure will be highlighted, until such times, please continue using your systems as normal."

[ChrisP]

**UPDATE** 02-02-2011

We have just had Important Update information from Intel, Asus, Msi and Gigabyte 16:30Hrs Today - 01/02/11.

This is an agreement Scan has reached with Intel/Asus/Msi & Gigabyte and is not for the time being a general to all vendors. We suggest you check with your Vendor/Supplier.

All of the above parties have agreed on a intermediate solution to the Sandybridge problem.

As there is No Immediate Danger/Fault and as this fault is likely to affect a small number of boards over time and Replacement Stock will Not be available until realistically in April/May, all the parties above have Guaranteed Direct Swap Out of all P67/H67 Boards bought from Scan should you the end user wish to do so at a later date.

Based on this Swap Out Guarantee, we have decided to make all P67/H67 Boards available for sale again.

The Decision to buy and use still lies upon you the end user customer.

[ChrisP]

Background

Intel had announced a defect with its Cougor point chipset in Jan 2011. The severity of the issue was small and various swap out programmes are now in place to replace the original motherboards.

Recommended process to obtain a replacement

We have a manufacturer approved process below. Scan would recommend following this process, however this is voluntary and intended to promote good relations with an efficient manufacturer backed swap out process.

Important
In individual circumstances the provisions of the voluntary code may be more or less favourable to you than your statutory rights. You are free to withdraw from the operation of the code at any time and pursue your statutory rights. If you are in any doubt about your statutory rights you may wish to consult a solicitor or your local citizens advice bureau.


• If you have purchased a motherboard :-
Click the manufacture link below and register your purchase and the manufacturer will arrange a swapout of the board directly at their cost.

The advantage of this approach is that the manufacture will absorb the increased cost of the new revision.

• If you have purchased a 3XS system or bundle
The Scan 3XS team will be in touch over the coming weeks to schedule a replacement date to suit your needs.

Manufacture links to register a parts swapout.

Asus – http://event.asus.com/2011/SandyBridge/notice/

Gigabyte - http://uk.gigabyte.com/press-center/...e.aspx?nid=988

MSI - http://uk.msi.com/sandybridge/