Intel has clarified its stance on the CC820 mobo recall programme. On its Web site here the company states:

"If you are using a system with an Intel CC820 Desktop Board installed and you would like a refund or replacement for the Intel CC820 Desktop Board, please contact your place of purchase for information. The refund is the most expedient option. The replacement option will include an Intel VC820 Desktop Board and 128MB of RDRAM. Details of replacement availability will be communicated to your place of purchase in the near future."

A refund is the most expedient option, eh? It might be for Intel, but not for the punter.

Cape Cod mobos are priced around $150, Vancouver VC820s a little more. Add the $700 cost Kingston is currently quoting for a 128MB stick of PC600 RDRAM and you'll see that you'd be far better off going for replacement rather than the cash – even if you sell the mobo and RIMM for half list price, you'll still make a tidy profit. ®

Register rumouroid 820

Ever wondered what happens to all that unwanted, dodgy hardware after it gets sent back? The original Pentiums with the FDIV flaw were made into keyrings, but US reader Richard Tietjens reminds us that in October this year, each Intel employee is to receive, completely free, a new state-of-the-art PC and asks: "Any bets on the mobo that will be in there?"