Intel's Annoying Pilot Program Offers Chip Upgrade for a Fee

[Renew Deal]

In a move that has train wreck written all over it, Intel has started a new pilot project that puts a DRM-style software lock on your computer's downgraded processor. All you have to do to unlock the full potential of your chip is cough up about an extra $50 on top of the computer's original cost. The new program, called the Intel Upgrade Service, appears to be in the early stages of development. The Intel help pages for the service lack complete information and contain several typos.

It's not clear if Intel's upgrade program is for enterprise or home computers, but the help pages do appear to be focused on non-business users. Also, Engadget posted photos on Saturday showing $50 Intel upgrade cards already available for purchase at Best Buy. I've contacted Intel for comment to clarify what this program is all about and will update this post if I hear back from the company. Regardless, here's what we know so far.

The Chip
At launch, the Intel Upgrade Service will only apply to computers containing the 2.80GHz Intel G6951 desktop processor. Upgradable systems also need to have Intel Desktop motherboards with model numbers DH55TC or DH55PJ, both boards are based on the Intel H55 Express Chipset.

Since the G6951 is a new chip, and not yet available for purchase from Intel, it's not clear how many systems will include the new processor. Engadget's photo of the $50 upgrade card shows the Gateway SX2841-09e as the upgradable candidate. That would appear to be a Best Buy-specific desktop model number--a common practice between computer manufacturers and major retailers--that is not yet available for purchase.

How it works
As explained on Intel's site, the Upgrade Service would download and install a 4 MB installer program. You would then run the program, and when prompted enter a security key to unlock your processor's potential. Then you just have to restart your system and you will be able to use your computer with the upgraded chip.

What you get
Click to ZoomIt's not clear what the specific benefits of the upgrade will be other than improved benchmark performance as demonstrated by this chart from Intel.
<snip>

Update:UPDATE: Intel has confirmed the Intel Upgrade Service pilot program will be available to home computer users. Here is how the program was explained to me via e-mail: "This pilot program is for one Pentium processor line item. Under this pilot an end user buys a Pentium processor-based system, likes it, and wants a performance boost, they can do this online upgrade if they want. Saves them from buying a new system or taking in their system for a physical upgrade. The Pentium processor line doesn't normally add HT , so this adds it."

http://www.pcworld.com/article/205772/intels_annoying_pilot_program_offers_chip_upgrade_for_a_fee.html?tk=hp_new

More analysis: http://www.infoworld.com/t/end-user-hardware/intels-chip-upgrade-program-bold-model-computing-and-beyond-203

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. So it costs $50 more for the "suck-bit-disabled" version?

It looks as if corporate usa thinks they can get away with anything, doesn't it?

"Yes car buyers, there's a shiny colorful paint job under this drab black shit-colored vinyl cover, but you cannot remove it without violating copyright laws. We'll do it for you for $50.
While you're in the shop, you might want to consider the stop-guaranteed brake upgrade."

[MattBaggins]

5. It costs more then $50 and that is the intention

notice you have to have the "right" motherboard? That is where they intend to make money. MB manufacturers will have to pay a licensing fee to gain access to add the unlocking feature to their products.

[mike_c]

2. a fool and his money, I suppose....

Who in their right mind would purchase an intentionally crippled machine? That's crazy.

[PBS Poll-435]

3. Why anyone would buy Intel is beyond me

:puke:

[Greyhound]

4. Monopoly capitalism, what a wonderful world.

If people only knew...
:kick: & R