Intel 840 chipset problem hits third parties

Problems with the i840 chipset are not just confined to Intel's own motherboards, it has emerged. Two days back we reported that system builders and distributors were very unhappy with Intel because of glitches in motherboards and the complete lack of any platform for the newer Xeons. When Intel introduced the i840 chipset (originally codenamed Carmel) on October 25th last year, it claimed that because it had been designed by a completely different team than the engineers who developed the i820, plagued with problems for practically the whole of last year, it was trouble free. The problems affecting the motherboards are related to the memory translator technology. Although Intel introduced the i840, motherboard support from the chip company was constrained, although shortly afterwards Super Micro introduced two motherboards based on the i840 chipset. But now it has alerted its customers to problems it is having with its own P3DME and P3DM3 mainboards. The letter said: "Intel have announced that the current stepping of Intel's 840 chipset has made the MRH's sensitive to noise generated by switching on the MRHS-I/O pins. In accordance with Intel policy, we must as a result, claim that the current Super PIII DME and SUPER PIII DM3 motherboards are not guaranteed to be 100% ECC compatible. Therefore, after 30 days from the purchase date, memory problems related to the chipset: "1. Can not be returned for credit "2. Can not be returned for RMA "3. Can not be exchanged for future stepping 840 chipset boards" Unless distributors sign up to these terms and conditions, Super Micro is refusing to supply these two models. Super Micro is also asking distributors to contact customers who have already bought these mainboards to alert them of this limited warranty. ® See also Channel furious about Xeon support, i840 glitches Three Intel mobos scrapped because of chipset probs New Intel 800MHz Xeon has no mobo support Intel confirms OR840 late Intel's i840 is a chipset that works