Intel offers a two-year extended warranty for crashing chips. Here's what you need to know

Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen Intel Core desktop processor debacle continues. As Intel prepares to roll out a microcode patch to PC and motherboard makers to prevent 13th and 14th Gen Core desktop processors from permanently frying their circuits, the company is also trying to calm customer concerns and engage in damage control.

One way Intel is addressing the issue is through extended warranties.

Also: If Intel can’t come up with a Qualcomm-killer soon, it’s game over for x86 PCs

Thomas Hannaford, Communications Manager at Intel, took to the company’s community forums to post an update on the company’s plans. “We stand behind our products,” Hannaford wrote, “and in the coming days, we will be sharing more details on two-year extended warranty support for our boxed Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop processors.”

This would effectively raise the warranty to five years for the affected chips in most territories.

For processors that are already crashing and exhibiting signs of permanent damage, Hannaford advises owners of systems purchased from OEMs and system integrators to contact the manufacturer’s support team for further assistance. Those who purchased a boxed CPU need to contact Intel Customer Support.

Also: The best power banks you can buy: Expert tested

So far, Intel’s response has been lackluster. The company has not listed the affected chips, not said how many chips are affected, not offered a tool to help owners figure out if their chip is affected or damaged, not clarified how warranty exchanges will work for 13th Gen Intel Core chips that are no longer being manufactured and are being phased out, and not issued a recall.

Things could be about to get worse for Intel, as law firm Abington Cole + Ellery is investigating a potential class action lawsuit against the company.

While Intel is getting ready to roll out a microcode patch and offering extended warranties to affected customers, the lack of detailed information and the potential for legal action suggest that this saga is a long way from its conclusion.

FAQ

Q: What processors are affected?

A: It is believed that all Intel Core 13th and 14th Generation desktop processors with a 65W power usage or higher are affected, including K/KF/KS and 65W non-K variants. Mobile versions appear unaffected.

Q: How many processors are affected?

A: This is not known, as Intel won’t supply this information. 

Q: Does the patch fix crashing processors?

A: No. Once a processor has begun to crash, it has been permanently damaged, and the best course of action is to replace it.

Q: What is the current advice from Intel for affected customers?

A: Owners of systems purchased from OEMs and system integrators should contact the manufacturer’s support team for further assistance, while those who purchased a boxed CPU need to contact Intel Customer Support.

Q: I’ve seen mention that this issue is down to a “via Oxidation.” What is this, and is this the problem?

A: In circuit board design, a via is a pathway for tracks on the circuit board to cross layers. The “via Oxidation” problem was a manufacturing issue dating back to 2023 affecting some early Intel Core 13th Generation desktop processors, but Intel says this is not the issue here.

Q: Are Macs affected?

A: No. The last Intel-based Macs were launched in 2020 and used 10th Generation Intel CPUs.

Q: How do I know what processor is inside my PC?

A: The easiest way to find this information in Windows 10 and Windows 11 is by firing up the Control Panel and going to System and Security and then System. On this screen, you will see your computer’s CPU model and speed displayed. Alternatively, you can download and install CPUID, an app that gives you a huge amount of in-depth info about your PC.