Intel Chipset Recall Affects All PC Makers: Report

Both Hewlett-Packard (HP) and Lenovo have been forced to admit they unknowingly shipped laptops and desktops equipped with faulty Intel chipsets. Both companies are working on compensation for affected customers.

Lenovo last Thursday told the media it had stopped shipping IdeaPad laptops and IdeaCentre desktops equipped with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors using the Sandy Bridge chipset design. It's not yet clear how many faulty PCs were shipped up to this point, however, since the company has only noted that the affected units are "limited" in number.

Free Replacement or Refund Offered

Lenovo has said it will replace motherboards free-of-charge once replacement parts are made available. It is now compiling a list of customers who need such service.

The following Lenovo products are affected by the problem:

• Ideapad: Y460P, Y560P, Z570, G470, G570, V370, V470, V570, B470 and B570
   
• IdeaCentre: K330, K330A and B520

Lenovo also says it's trying to find an alternative remedy for customers who simply can't wait for a fix, and in special situations can offer a full refund. Replacement parts may not be available until early April. (Source: networkworld.com)

Intel Faulty Chipset Recall Industry-Wide

But the problem is not limited to Lenovo. HP, Samsung and Dell have all admitted they shipped the faulty chipsets, and each are exploring refund and replacement options for customers. HP officials say the problem affects a relatively small number of customers who bought i5 or i7 machines after January 9, 2011.

"HP is working with Intel and our distribution partners to address this industry-wide issue," an HP spokesperson said. "HP and Intel are working together to minimize any inconvenience to customers." (Source: eweek.com)

It's Intel that stands to lose the most from this debacle. Experts estimate that a recall could cost the leading chip maker as much as $1 billion in lost revenue.