CHiL Semiconductor Corporation, a leading developer of high-performance, mixed-signal power management integrated circuits for the server, personal computer and high-volume computing market segments, announces that its digital controllers are highlighted in motherboards containing Intel’s newly launched P67 “Sandy Bridge”-based performance motherboards from Asus, Intel and ASRock. 

The new motherboards reflect the CPU voltage regulator’s (VR’s) key role in both performance and energy savings. The customized power solution showcases performance in overclocking, stability, and features, while at the same time providing exceptional power efficiency. CHiL’s well proven digital power management is at the core of the power solution.

The CHiL VR solutions are found in ASUS high end motherboards, overclocking gaming motherboards, and workstations like the Maximus 4 Extreme and the P8P67. They are also in Intel motherboards like the Intel DP67BG (Burrage) Extreme Series, manufactured by Mitac and the BA 3+0, manufactured by Pegatron, as well as ASRock’s high end motherboards, P67 Extreme 4 and P67 Extreme 6.

Voltage regulator modules are considered among the most essential motherboard design components. According to ASUS, the use of the new digital power design empowers users with superior flexibility and perfect precision to ensure optimized performance, extreme system stability and greater power efficiency.

Anandtech, a leading industry source for hardware analysis and news, notes that these new motherboards have lower power consumption than virtually any other available platform under load.

“The introduction of Intel’s Sandy Bridge processor family brings brand new power requirements to the VR industry,” said CHiL chief executive officer Ram Sudireddy. “These requirements, known as VR12, implement a new, highly digital communication SVID bus between the CPU and the VR in order to optimize efficiency and performance. Implementing this highly digital content means that an all-digital VR solution is definitely the best choice.”

The CHiL VR is extremely efficient, which is of greater concern than ever in the marketplace. When high power use is not needed, many of the phases can be turned off. Unlike analog solutions, which have difficulty maintaining a stable voltage with some or most of the phases disabled, the new digital VR ensures that under any voltage and current, with any version of the Sandy Bridge CPU, the optimum number of phases is chosen, while the voltage is always guaranteed to be stable. At very low power levels, the VR’s digital algorithm automatically senses that power is low and places the VR into a very low power state, called discontinuous mode, which saves even more power, so the user saves power in idle state as well.

The system’s telemetry reports back all critical information to the system with extremely high accuracy, including voltage, current, power and temperature.  The VR can change switching frequency on the fly, to reduce system noise and help with efficiency. When the voltage is changed significantly, or the current increased significantly in an overclocking board, the digital solution’s stability parameters can simply be changed, something impossible with an analog solution.

The CHiL VR also features new circuit protection features. As the voltage changes in overclocking, or as the current increases, overcurrent protection and voltage protection set points can be updated in real time, ensuring the circuit is always protected.

With the P67 family of processors comes a new way to achieve overclocking. The VR solution extends the Sandy Bridge voltage range to reach higher voltage levels with extreme accuracy, stability and voltage and current protection, all managed by CHiL’s digital engine. The VR also allows the motherboard to remain in turbo-mode safely, protecting the CPU with exceptional thermal performance, allowing a much richer, but safe overclocking experience. 

The all-digital VR is also extremely reliable. Analysis using Mil-HDBK-217F, a military quality technique for determining reliability, showed that the digital VR is two times less likely to fail than an analog solution, primarily because the digital solution uses far fewer external components and pins than an analog solution.

The new CHiL VR has a uniquely engineered spread spectrum technique, where the VR switching frequency is changed as it operates, reducing board level noise, ensuring safe, low noise operation.

Besides saving energy, the CHiL VR uses fewer external components and comes in a smaller, fully RoHS-compliant package, thus reducing the number of electronic parts that may someday require disposal in a landfill.

 (NOTE - For the latest developments from every motherboard maker on this developing recall please see this PCSTATS article - Intel 6-Series Chipset Recall - Sandy Bridge Intel P67 & H67)

On Jan 31’s Intel announced a flaw with the 6 Series where "In some cases, 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 disk drives and DVD-drives.” This fix will require a hardware modification or motherboard replacement which cannot be fixed by BIOS updates. Biostar has initiated a service notice guide for the 6 Series products to address customer concerns. However if you are enjoying the product and wish to continue to use the product until revised parts available, (ETA for replacements parts is April, due to production time) you are welcome do to so, but with caution. Problem is said to be affecting 5% to 15% of the products over a 2 to 3 year usage. At this moment, Biostar has stopped all shipments of P67 and H67 chipset motherboards.

In the meantime we would like to offer suggestions to the community for those who wish to continue to use the product until replacement parts are available.

1. Always back up your data just in case something goes wrong.
2. All Biostar P67 and H67 motherboards have at least two SATA3 ports, please use the SATA3 ports as the primary devices Note: So far this design bug is related to the SATA2 ports, SATA3 ports are safe to use.Even if you have SATA2 or SATA1 devices, they are safe to be used on SATA3 ports as SATA3 is backwards compatible with SATA1 and SATA2.
3. If you are still concerned and would like to return the product, please contact your place of purchase for return procedures. Many of Biostar authorized dealer is aware of the situation and will help to assist you..
4. Note: For the Intel 6 series chipset design issue, Biostar will offer advance replacement program which will include a return shipping label in return for customer convenience. Details of the advance replacement program will be announced on Biostar website http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/news/index.php when parts are available. ETA is April 2011.

Biostar Products affected sold Between 12-01-2011 to 02-01-2011

TP67XE
TP67B+
TH67XE
TH67+

MSI Computer Corp., a leading manufacturer of computer hardware products and solutions, today announced that it has stopped shipments in North America of Sandy Bridge products following Intel’s announcement of a design issue in the recently released Intel 6 Series chipset. The company is quickly responding to this issue by working with retailers, distributors and channel partners to stop all shipments, MSI is also offering end users replacements and upgrades for the affected motherboards and notebooks respectively at its Intel 6 Series Motherboards and Notebook Support page.

MSI North America takes the quality of its products and service to its customers very serious, therefore the company is working closely with Intel to accept the return of Intel P67 and H67 motherboards, as well as its HM67 gaming laptops. MSI’s All-in-One PCs based on the new generation of Intel Core i processors are not affected, and are still scheduled to launch in late March 2011.

MSI encourages end users who want to return their MSI Intel P67 and H67 motherboards or affected gaming notebooks, to contact the original place of purchase for more details on the return or refund policy. Alternatively, end users can register their Intel 6 Series notebook or motherboard with MSI by April 30, 2011 at http://us.msi.com/snb_replacement to be eligible for the following options.

1. HM67 gaming notebooks: End users are eligible to receive an upgrade to MSI’s next generation gaming notebook upon its availability.
2. P67 and H67 motherboards: End users are eligible for a replacement with the new B3 stepping of the Intel 6 series motherboard when it is available in channel.
3. Shipping: To make the replacement as smooth as possible, MSI will provide end users with a UPS 3 Day shipping label for returns and will deliver the brand new item by UPS 3 Day shipping, both at no cost.

"MSI is wholly committed to both our customers and to the overall quality of our products," noted Andy Tung, vice president of North American sales for MSI. "While we work with Intel to resolve the chipset issues, we want to make sure our customers know their concerns are our top priority. We believe offering future replacement options will help alleviate some of the discomfort this issue has caused."

For questions regarding replacement of MSI Intel P67 or H67 motherboard and HM67 notebook, end users may contact MSI at SNB_Support@msi.com.

For news from Intel on chipset design error, please visit Intel’s newsroom

Intel statement:
"As part of ongoing quality assurance, Intel Corporation has discovered a design issue in a recently released support chip, the Intel 6 Series, code-named Cougar Point, and has implemented a silicon fix. In some cases, 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 disk drives and DVD-drives. … For computer makers and other Intel customers that have bought potentially affected chipsets or systems, Intel will 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."

To learn more about MSI’s complete product lines, please visit: http://us.msi.com

(NOTE - For the latest developments from every motherboard maker on this developing recall please see this PCSTATS article - Intel 6-Series Chipset Recall - Sandy Bridge Intel P67 & H67)

As the No.1 motherboard manufacturer, GIGABYTE will make its best effort to recall boards that were built on the mentioned chipsets from our distributors with minimum disruptions. As of today, we have suspended the entire 6 Series B2 stepping chipset based motherboards shipments. According to Intel’s production schedule, the 6 Series B3 stepping Express Chipset will be available in volume by April. GIGABYTE will then, based on this shipping schedule, produce new motherboard models with the new B3 stepping.

Announcements:
1. GIGABYTE has stopped shipping and selling all Intel 6 Series B2 stepping chipset based motherboards.
2. All the Intel 6 series B2 stepping based motherboards stocks are being retrieved from all distributors and dealers.
3. Any sold GIGABYTE Intel 6 Series B2 stepping chipset based motherboards should be returned and accepted from authorized Gigabyte dealers.
4. The new B3 stepping chipset should be available toward the end of February. GIGABYTE will work with Intel closely to make the new motherboards become available to customers sometime in April.
5. GIGABYTE will introduce a brand-new 6 Series motherboard line based on the Intel 6 Series B3 stepping chipset.

Gigabyte requests all dealers stop selling B2 stepping 6-series chipset based motherboards, and assist customers in choosing the normal SATA 3.0 connector to avoid SATA 2.0 problems for the time being.

GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd, a leading manufacturer of motherboards, graphics cards and other computing hardware solutions, today announced that GIGABYTE has been alerted by Intel about a 6 series chipset design error. GIGABYTE is working closely with Intel® to minimize the inconvenience to customers and retail stores with regard to related issues.

A recent statement from Intel indicates that they expect full 6 series chipset volume recovery in April, 2011. GIGABYTE will produce and deliver new motherboards with the updated Intel 6 series chipset when the new chipsets become available. GIGABYTE prides itself in having the highest service quality in the industry, and as such we will resolve this issue with minimal impact on our customers.

Additional information will be added to the official motherboard website and the GIGABYTE Tech Daily blog as the situation develops.

(NOTE - For the latest developments from every motherboard maker on this developing recall please see this PCSTATS article - Intel 6-Series Chipset Recall - Sandy Bridge Intel P67 & H67)   

Q: What exactly is the problem of Intel 6 Series Chipset?
A: The problem has been stated that after a period of usage, the SATA2 ports on Intel 6 Series B2 stepping chipset motherboards might experience some performance loss or decrease. This issue will apply to all Intel 6 Series Express chipset based motherboards. However, it will not be an issue for systems that connect to any SATA3 ports (refer to your GIGABYTE User Manual for the layout/location of the SATA3 ports). For more information please refer to “Alert for Intel® 6 Series Express Chipsets and Intel® Xeon® C200 Chipsets users” which release by Intel, Jan 31st, 2011.

Q: What models have been affected by this issue?
A: All GIGABYTE P67/H67 series motherboards embedded with the B2 stepping 6 Series Express Chipsets are affected.

Q: What action should be taken if I own/purchased a GIGABYTE 6 Series motherboard?
A: GIGABYTE stands behind all our products, and is committed to the highest quality product and customer support services. We recommend you return your product to your place of purchase for a refund. GIGABYTE is working with our vast network of distributors, and retailer/online dealers to streamline refunds with minimal inconvenience to end customers.

Q: Does GIGABYTE offer a swap policy for GIGABYTE 6 Series motherboards?
A: GIGABYTE will do it's best to reduce any disruptions. Corrected product will be available near the end of April (pending Intel production schedule). We encourage all customers to return their affected product for refunds now. Those customers electing to keep the current flawed motherboard and wait two months for a similar replacement motherboard will need to register, and sign a release waiver form. Contact GIGABYTE Customer service department for this option.

Q: When will the replacement be available?
A: According to Intel's production plan, the 6 Series B3 stepping Express Chipset will be available in volume by April. GIGABYTE will then, based on Intel's shipping schedule, produce new motherboard models.

ECS ELITEGROUP USA (ECS USA) branch office has worked with Intel and has been made aware of a design flaw in its newest generation Intel 6 Series Express Chipsets (codenamed Cougar Point, B2 Stepping) which could, under normal operation, experience an issue with SATA ports 2-5 that may result in these SATA ports experiencing a functional issue over time.

ECS USA, along with all motherboard manufacturers, is working closely with Intel on containing the distribution of the B2 Stepping of this product on its motherboards. ECS USA takes pride in its products' quality and is passionate about offering the best possible customer experience. ECS USA stands by its products and is committed to its customers by offering the following:

- Immediate suspension of all sales of Intel 6 Series Express Chipsets (codenamed Cougar Point, B2 Stepping) in its channel.
- Upon availability of the new B3 Stepping of the Intel 6 Series Express Chipsets, ECS USA will replace customer's product with a brand-new one. New motherboards are expected in April. ECS USA will keep its customers updated on this schedule.
- Replacement for products currently in the market that are affected: P67H2-A(1.1), P67H2-A2(1.0), P67H2-A3(1.0), H67H2-M(1.1), H67H2-M3(1.0)
- Work closely with its distributors and reseller channel on the return and replacement of current inventory

For end users in the U.S. (48 contiguous states), ECS USA offers the following:
- Customers have the option to return the product at the original point of purchase for a refund.
- Customers who wish to keep the product or have any issue returning the product at the point of purchase, ECS USA will absorb the cost of the product exchange 100% by offering a product swap. If a customer has one of the above products, please communicate with ECS USA via one of the following methods to arrange a replacement once they become available:
Via e-mail (preferred method): elite@ecsusa.com
Via voice-mail: 510-771-0208. This is a voicemail, only.

Whichever method is used, customers should provide the following information in order to create a case number and allow for ECS USA to respond:
- Customer Name, Model Name, Serial Number, Purchased From (optional), Contact Number, E-mail Address, Shipping Address
- All support questions not related to the Intel 6 Series Express Chipset based motherboard replacement can be sent to our regular support channel.

"All motherboard manufacturers are affected by this news but we want to minimize our customers' exposure to the error detailed by Intel. This is why we want to offer our faithful customers the opportunity to get a refund. Or, if they want to wait for the fix we can get them a brand-new motherboard delivered to them at no charge" commented Ray Lin, Vice President of Motherboard and Graphics Card Business Unit of ECS USA.

ECS USA does not see the replacement of the Intel 6 Series Express Chipset based motherboards as a negative impact. Rather, it permits ECS USA to better tune its already greatly praised/ awarded Intel P67/H67 series and offer an even more perfect ECS Intel P67/H67 motherboards series, once Intel releases the new B3 Stepping chipset fixing the current issues.

For more information, please visit ECS at www.ecs.com.tw