MSI UK Official statement regarding Intel 6 series chipset technical issue

MSI has been informed by Intel about the design issues in the Intel 6 series chipsets. According to Intel the performance of some of the Intel SATA ports on Intel 6 series products can degrade over a period of 3 years. MSI takes the quality of our products very seriously, so at this moment we are investigating product batches that may be affected and, meanwhile, have stopped all shipments to our distributors and resellers. Additionally, we asked resellers to hold sales of the Intel 6 series based MSI products to customers until the issue can be resolved.

Excerpt quote from the Intel statement1:

"As part of ongoing quality assurance, Intel Corporation has discovered a design issue in a recently released support chip, the Intel® 6 Series, code-named Cougar Point, and has implemented a silicon fix. In some cases, 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."

"For computer makers and other Intel customers that have bought potentially affected chipsets or systems, Intel will work with its OEM partners to accept the return of the affected chipsets, and plans to support modifications or replacements needed on motherboards or systems."
Update: February 2nd, 2011 with service info for customers in Europe.
Products in the market

As of the 31st of January MSI informed all our distributors, retails and reseller to stop directly the sales of Intel 6 series based products of MSI and to hold any products pending shipments to customers. There is no need to worry if you purchased an Intel 6 series based product form MSI after the 31st of January, as we will still take care of it for you. UK consumers are advised to call 0208-5690658 (Mon-Fri, 9.30-17.00) or email uksbsupport@msi.com for details on how to get support. For other countries please check the section How to get Support.

We have already started the procedure to collect all the current stock in the market. Retailers and reseller can return their Intel 6 series MSI products they have in stock to their point of purchase (distributor) which can return the goods to the MSI distribution centres. If retailers, resellers or MSI distributors have any questions about the procedure they can contact their local MSI sales representative.
Affected models

At this moment there are only a limit models in the market based on the Intel 6 series chipset. You can identify them based on the model name in the list below.
MSI Mainboards (Intel© P67)

* P67A-GD65
* P67A-GD55
* P67A-GD53
* P67A-C45
* P67A-C43
* P67S-C43


MSI Mainboards (Intel© H67)

* H67MA-ED55
* H67MA-E45
* H67MS-E43
* H67MS-E33

MSI Notebooks (Intel© PM67)

* GT680R

MSI Notebooks (Intel© HM67)

* CR640
* CX640

How to get support

We want you to have a MSI product which you can trust and rely on. This is why we have 2 choices for your purchased Intel 6 series based MSI products;

1. Product swap

If you are confident and willing to wait we can swap your current Intel 6 series based product in a brand new MSI product which is based on the new B3 stepping of the Intel 6 series which solves the current SATA2 port issues. If you have an MSI 6 series mainboard you can – for the short term - connect your storage devices to the safe white SATA3 ports on your mainboard with no detrimental effect, for more detailed instructions please click here.

This MSI product you get swapped will have similar or better specs. These new MSI products will become available in April and this way you are free to keep using your current system until a replacement is available. This way we can ensure the smoothest possible transition, and the least downtime for your PC. You can identify the new products by a clear sticker on the colour box. We will release details about this procedure before the end of February. If you would like to be contacted via email as soon as more information on this service is available, please send a blank email to uksbsupport@msi.com
2. Product return

If you are not able to wait for MSI swap service for your Intel 6 series product, MSI offers you the possibility to return the product to your point of purchase which will credit you. Please make sure to back-up your personal data.

Note: UK 20% off promotion
MSI is still honouring valid claims for the VAT back launch programme in January, however any customer wishing to return a product for refund will be exempt from their cashback claim. For clarification in this please contact us on 0208-5690658 (Mon-Fri, 9.30-17.00) or email uksbsupport@msi.com.

For customers outside of the UK please visit the EU information page at: msi.eu/intel-6-series-chipset-issue for links to information from your local region


News and updates

MSI is committed to quality. You can always find the latest updates or a list with the European service centers on the address: uk.msi.com/sandybridge.