Facing backlash, Intel extends warranty on crash-prone CPUs
What's the story
Intel, which just laid off over 15,000 employees in an effort to revive itself, has announced an extended warranty for its 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core processors.
This decision comes in response to reported instability issues with these chips and the growing backlash faced by the chipmaker.
The company is adding two years to the existing warranty period, aiming to support customers who may have received potentially faulty processors.
Impact
Which models are affected?
Thomas Hannaford from Intel, in a statement to The Verge, emphasized the company's dedication to assisting all customers experiencing issues with their 13th or 14th Gen desktop processors.
He stated that "Intel is committed to making sure all customers who have or are currently experiencing instability symptoms on their 13th and/or 14th Gen desktop processors are supported in the exchange process."
Information
Extended warranty details and root cause of instability
Previously, Intel's boxed CPUs were sold with a three-year limited warranty. This extension increases the coverage to five years for most affected processors.
Intel has identified an "elevated operating voltage" as the primary cause behind these desktop CPUs's instability issues and is developing a patch to address this problem. The update is expected to arrive later this month.
Damage control
Patch won't fix pre-existing damage to chips
Intel has clarified that the upcoming patch will not repair any pre-existing damage to the chips.
This implies that replacement remains the best solution for damaged processors.
The company advised customers who purchased systems from OEM/System Integrators to contact their system manufacturer's support team for further assistance, while those who bought a boxed CPU should reach out to Intel Customer Support.