Intel announced today that it has
discovered a design flaw in the 6-series chipset that is used in its new processor family, code-named
Sandy Bridge and announced at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in January. According to Intel, "…the Serial-ATA (SATA) ports within the chipsets may degrade over time, potentially impacting the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD-drives."
The company says it has stopped shipment of the affected chip, corrected the design issue, and begun making a new, corrected version of the support chip, which it should begin to deliver in late February of 2011.
How does this affect consumers?
If you are an early-adopter type who has already purchased a PC with a Sandy Bridge processor, you're one of relatively few: Sandy Bridge products have been available only since January 9 of this year.
As to what your next step should be, Intel stated that "consumers can continue to use their systems with confidence, while working with their computer manufacturer for a permanent solution. For further information, contact Intel at http://www.intel.com/ on the support page or contact their OEM manufacturer."