Introduction
Intel has announced a significant two-year extension to the warranty of its 13th- and 14th-Gen Core processors.
This move comes in response to widespread crashing and instability issues that have affected these processors for several months.
The extended warranty applies to all 65W and higher models, broadening coverage from flagship models to mid-range chips.
Typically, Intel processors come with a three-year warranty, but this extension brings the warranty period to five years for most boxed processors.
- Reason for extension: Ongoing stability problems with the processors.
- Affected processors: 13th and 14th generation Core processors.
- Warranty extension: Two additional years, bringing the total warranty to five years.
- Action for users: Those experiencing issues should contact their system manufacturer or Intel Customer Support.
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The Problem
Intel’s 13th and 14th generation Core processors, codenamed Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh, have been plagued by instability issues. These issues manifest in various ways, including:
- Frequent crashes: Systems abruptly shutting down.
- Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): Windows errors leading to system restarts.
- Performance issues: Unpredictable slowdowns or freezes.
The root cause of these problems appears to be related to voltage regulation. Intel has acknowledged the issue and is working on a software patch to address it.
The Solution
To mitigate the impact of these issues and restore customer confidence, Intel has extended the warranty on its boxed 13th and 14th generation Core processors by two years. This means that instead of the standard three-year warranty, these processors will now be covered for five years.
Important to Note:
- Boxed processors only: The warranty extension applies to processors purchased in retail packaging, not those pre-installed in systems.
- System builders: If you built your own PC with a 13th or 14th gen Intel processor, you’ll need to contact Intel directly for warranty claims.
- Pre-built systems: If you purchased a pre-built system with a 13th or 14th gen Intel processor, contact the system manufacturer for support.
- Software patch: While the warranty extension provides temporary relief, Intel is also developing a software patch to permanently resolve the underlying issues.
Intel has committed to supporting customers affected by these problems. However, the process of claiming a warranty replacement has been reported to be complex in some cases.
Impact of Crashing Issues
The crashing issues have been prevalent among users, causing unexpected PC crashes and Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) during gaming and other workloads.
Intel attributes these problems to excessive voltage, which can cause permanent damage to the processors.
To address this, Intel plans to release a microcode update by mid-August. While this update aims to prevent future issues in unaffected processors, it will not repair already damaged units. Users with faulty processors will need to return them for replacements.
Concerns About Long-Term Damage
One major concern is whether processors exposed to excessive voltage might suffer invisible degradation.
While they may not show immediate symptoms, these processors could develop errors or crashes in the future.
Intel’s extended warranty is designed to alleviate these concerns. Additionally, Intel is investigating methods to enable easy identification of affected processors, ensuring that users can determine if their chips are at risk.
Class Action Lawsuit and Warranty Details
Intel’s announcement coincides with investigations into a potential class action lawsuit related to the crashing issues.
Although full details of the new warranty extension are yet to be shared, Intel has indicated some models will benefit.
The Special Edition KS models, which initially had a one-year warranty, will now have a three-year warranty.
The two-year extension applies to boxed units found at retail. Intel advises users with OEM systems to contact their manufacturers for support. This suggests that OEMs may also offer warranty extensions.
Intel’s Response to Oxidation Issues
In its statement to Tom’s Hardware, Intel apologized for the delay in addressing these issues and clarified that the Via Oxidation is not the root cause of the current instability.
The Via Oxidation issue was identified in late 2022 and addressed with manufacturing improvements and enhanced screening in early 2023.
Intel confirmed that all affected processors were removed from the supply chain by early 2024, although some units might have remained on retail shelves until then.
Intel’s Official Statements
Intel released statements addressing both the warranty extension and the Via Oxidation issue.
The company reiterated its commitment to supporting customers experiencing instability symptoms and detailed the steps it has taken to resolve the Via Oxidation problem.
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Intel Two-Year Warranty Extension Statement
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.
We stand behind our products, and in the coming days, we will be sharing more details on two-year extended warranty support for our boxed Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors.
In the meantime, if you are currently or previously experienced instability symptoms on your Intel Core 13th/14th Gen desktop system:
- For users who purchased systems from OEM/System Integrators – please reach out to your system manufacturer’s support team for further assistance.
- For users who purchased a boxed CPU – please reach out to Intel Customer Support for further assistance.
Intel is also investigating options to easily identify affected processors on end-user systems and will provide additional guidance as soon as possible.
We apologize for the delay in communications as this has been a challenging issue to unravel and definitively root cause.” – Intel statement to Tom’s Hardware.
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Intel Via Oxidation Statement
“The Via Oxidation issue currently reported in the press is a minor one that was addressed with manufacturing improvements and screens in early 2023.
The issue was identified in late 2022, and with the manufacturing improvements and additional screens implemented, Intel was able to confirm full removal of impacted processors in our supply chain by early 2024.
However, on-shelf inventory may have persisted into early 2024 as a result.
Minor manufacturing issues are an inescapable fact with all silicon products. Intel continuously works with customers to troubleshoot product failure reports. The company provides public communications on product issues. This occurs when the customer risk exceeds Intel’s quality control thresholds.
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Conclusion
Intel proactive approach in extension warranty and addressing both current and potential future issues demonstrates the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and product reliability.
While the immediate future holds challenges, these measures are a step toward restoring consumer confidence in Intel’s 13th- and 14th-Gen Core processors.
