Serverworks has issued a software utility which lets OEMs spot dud versions of its Grand Champion LE chipset.

A performance issue in a "small percentage" of North bridge chips in the LE chipsets causes affected systems to hang.

The Grand Champion LE is a volume product, designed for two way Xeon servers. Last year's launch press release reveals a huge roster of customers, drawn from mobo makers, network appliance vendors and big computer hardware firms.

Serverworks is screening all new units for the flaw and is setting up a returns programme for OEMs. It expects a temporary delay in shipments as it puts the test rigs in place. All customers will be put in allocation "for a few weeks".

The press release is here