Intel offers overclockers chip 'protection', for a price

CHIPMAKER Intel is offering Sandy Bridge chip overclockers some insurance by replacing burnt-up processors as part of its Performance Tuning Protection Plan (PTPP).

Intel has always tried to discourage computer enthusiasts from overclocking their processors, however few listen to the firm. Now Intel has made the surprising move of offering extended protection on top of its usual three year warranty, saying that overclocked processors will be replaced without question.

Currently Intel's PTPP supports Core i5-2500K, Core i7-2600K, Core i7-2700K, Core i7-3930K and Core i7-3960X processors. The plan costs an extra $20 for the Core i5 processor and goes up to $35 for the LGA-2011 Core i7-3930K and Core i7-3060X

According to Intel, PTPP "allows you a single processor replacement, hassle-free, from our customer support. This is in addition to your standard 3 year warranty. In other words, if it fails under normal usage, we will replace it under the standard warranty; if it fails while running outside of Intel's specifications, we will replace it under the Performance Tuning Protection Plan".

Intel went to great lengths to say that PTPP is not Intel officially endorsing overclocking and that it is not a reaction to a technical problem with its processors.

It's not surprising to see Intel offer such a warranty. The truth is it is pretty hard - though not impossible - to physically damage a processor through overclocking, due to the thermal monitoring that's in the latest processors. Intel most likely knows that the number of come-backs on its offer is likely to be low, and decided that it could extend its profit margin at the expense of enthusiasts.

Intel's offer of a free processor replacement for $35 is not bad for those who are squeamish about overclocking. However seasoned overclockers will most likely look at PTPP in the same way as the extended warranties sold in high-street electronics shops. µ