Intel is catching a break in its chip mishap — and so are laptop and desktop manufacturers using the second-generation Core processors. The delay in shipping flawless chips won’t be as long as first expected.
On Jan. 31, the chipmaker found and fixed a support chip in the Intel 6 series, code-named Cougar Point. In some cases, Intel said, the Serial ATA (SATA) ports within the chipsets may degrade over time, potentially impacting the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard drives and DVD drives.
The design issue in the Intel 6 series chipset has the potential to impact certain PC system configurations. As a result of discussions with original equipment manufacturers who use the chips — along with specific requests from computer makers — Intel said it is resuming shipments of the flawed chipset for use only in PC system configurations that are not impacted by the design issue.
Not Impacted by Design
“Only computer makers who have committed to shipping the Intel 6 series chipset in PC system configurations that are not impacted by the design issue will be receiving these shipments,” Intel said . “In parallel, Intel has started manufacturing on a new version of this support chip. Intel now expects to begin shipping the new parts in mid-February.”
Intel had stopped shipment of the flawed chip, corrected the design issue, and started manufacturing a new version of the support chip that will resolve the issue. Intel has been clear all along that the Sandy Bridge microprocessor is unaffected and no other products are affected by this issue.
Intel had originally expected full-volume recovery in April. Intel still plans to work with its OEM partners to accept the return of the affected chipsets, and plans to support modifications or replacements needed on motherboards or systems. The systems with the affected support…