Kitz Forum

Computers & Hardware => PC Hardware => Topic started by: adrianw on February 07, 2017, 03:01:05 AM

Title: Intel C2000 chip fault bricking computers
Post by: adrianw on February 07, 2017, 03:01:05 AM
If you have something with any of these Intel Atom CPUs C2308, C2338, C2350, C2358, C2508, C2518, C2530, C2538, C2550, C2558, C2718, C2730, C2738, C2750, and C2758 be warned that Intel have confessed to a chip problem where the clock stops, bricking the computer.
I have two affected boxes, with a third on order. Sob.
See http://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/02/06/cisco_intel_decline_to_link_product_warning_to_faulty_chip/ or search for intel c2000.
Title: Re: Intel C2000 chip fault bricking computers
Post by: renluop on February 07, 2017, 07:13:51 AM
Did you notice another, purely coincidental I'm sure,  item  (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/02/01/apple_weaning_off_of_intel/)- Apple weans itself off Intel with 'more ARM chips' for future Macs?
Title: Re: Intel C2000 chip fault bricking computers
Post by: adrianw on February 07, 2017, 10:56:33 AM
Did you notice another, purely coincidental I'm sure,  item  (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/02/01/apple_weaning_off_of_intel/)- Apple weans itself off Intel with 'more ARM chips' for future Macs?

Not the first time that Apple have changed processor type!

I had not noticed, having no interest in Apple's hardware or their walled garden.
I was put off when my (now ex) wife brought an early Mac home from work.
My expectations were dashed. Hype over reality.
Then there was the iTunes experience. Ugh.
Title: Re: Intel C2000 chip fault bricking computers
Post by: Chrysalis on February 08, 2017, 02:00:28 AM
beat me to it, was going to post in the NAS thread, as many NAS units use these chips, also some pfsense hardware uses these chips as well.
Title: Re: Intel C2000 chip fault bricking computers
Post by: adrianw on February 08, 2017, 04:18:06 AM
It would seem that manufacturers' lips are largely sealed by NDAs, but some are making what statements they can.

Netgate (pfSense)
https://blog.pfsense.org/?p=2297
Netgate has become aware of an issue related to a component manufactured by one supplier that affects some of our products. This is a widely-used component that is used by many companies around the world.

There is a lot of confusion and misinformation on the subject, and most systems will never experience the issue.  Those that do will not suddenly stop working, but if the component fails, the system will not successfully reboot. We are working with the component supplier and our manufacturing partner to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.

Although most Netgate Security Gateway appliances will not experience this problem, we are committed to replacing or repairing products affected by this issue for a period of at least 3 years from date of sale, for the original purchaser.

A board level workaround has been identified for the existing production stepping of the component which resolves the issue.  This workaround is being cut into production as soon as possible after Chinese New Year.  Additionally, some of our products are able to be reworked post-production to resolve the issue.

We apologize for the limited information available at this time. Due to confidentiality agreements, we are restricted in what we can discuss. We will communicate additional information as it becomes available.

As always, please be assured we will do the right thing for our customers at Netgate and the pfSense community.


iXsystems (FreeNAS Mini)
I cannot find any official statement.

Interesting Serve The Home article
https://www.servethehome.com/intel-atom-c2000-series-bug-quiet/

Another Register article
https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/02/07/intel_atom_failures_go_back_18_months/
Title: Re: Intel C2000 chip fault bricking computers
Post by: Chrysalis on February 08, 2017, 04:52:59 AM
Very petty for intel to put a NDA on this, its not some kind of unreleased test prototype, its a commercial product.  Actually seems weird, so these vendors signed a contract stating if the part fails they have to keep their mouths shut?

It is a bit like a car trader refusing to tell you a flaw with a car he is selling to you.

el reg seems to also be the only media outlet I have seen print any stories on the issue, the well known tech establishments like techreport are remaining silent unless I missed something.