Intel® Chipset Design Issue May Affect Certain HP Desktop and Notebook PCs
» HP Customer Care
This document will be updated as additional information is available.

Overview
On January 31, 2011 Intel announced that they “discovered a design issue in a recently released support chip, the Intel 6 Series, code-named Cougar Point, and have implemented a silicon fix. In some cases, the Serial-ATA (SATA) ports within the chipsets may degrade over time, potentially affecting the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD-drives.”
For additional information please refer to the Intel website .
To deliver a high-quality experience to our customers, on January 31, 2011 HP stopped manufacturing products with the affected Intel technology and placed a shipment hold on products in HP and channel inventory.
Not all HP computers with Intel chipsets are affected by this issue. To confirm if your computer contains the affected chipset, refer to the following section:
Determine if your HP computer is affected
Use the following steps to identify your chipset using the Device Manager.
Click Start , type device into the search field, and then select Device Manager from the list.
Click the plus sign (+) to expand the System devices entry.
If the chipset name in Device Manager is in the “Intel 6 Series/C200 Series Chipset Family," then your HP computer has the affected chipset.
Figure 1: Affected chipset listed in the Device Manager
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Q:purchased an HP computer with the affected chipset, HP recommends that you choose one of the options below:
A:
- Participate in the no-charge HP service solution after updated parts are available. HP will inform customers through product support pages on www.hp.com when the service solution becomes available.
According to information from Intel, PCs that use the affected Intel chipset can continue to be used until a service solution is available.
Your HP computer will be supported under your existing warranty.
-Return your HP computer to the original point of purchase for a refund.
-Return your HP computer to the original point of purchase and choose a comparable system.
Q:What do I do if my computer does not have the affected chipset?
A :No further action is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions :

Q :How long have HP products with the affected Intel chipset been available for purchase?
HP products with the affected Intel technology have been generally available since on or about 9 January 2011.
Is HP still making products with the affected Intel chipset?
A: No. HP has stopped manufacturing products with the Intel technology at issue and has placed a shipment hold on products in HP and channel inventory.

Q : When does HP expect to announce the service solution?
A:HP is planning to offer a no-charge service solution as quickly as possible after updated parts are received. We will inform customers through www.hp.com when the service solution becomes available.

Q: How much time do I have to return my HP PC?
A: Once the no-charge service solution is available, you will still have an opportunity to decide if you want to return your PC for a comparable product or refund or to participate in the service solution.

Q:Can I wait to return my HP PC for a replacement until one with an updated chipset is available?
A: Yes, or you may have your HP PC updated by choosing the no-charge service solution that might be available sooner.

Q:What are the technical details on this issue?
A:For technical information about the Intel 6 Series chipset, please refer to the Intel website at: http://www.intel.com/support/chipsets/sb/CS-032263.htm .
source : http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/documen...product=5041097