topic Re: Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug") in Mobile and Desktop Processors

Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

Thomsen — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:20:30 GMT

In December of 1994, Intel announced a lifetime replacement policy on the well publicized floating point unit flaw ("Pentium bug"), contained in the then current version (60-100MHz) of the Pentium® processor. But I cannot find any information on this page about this. How do I get a replacement for an original Pentium 90 CPU from 1994?

Re: Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

AlHill — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:26:47 GMT

That was 30 years ago. Good luck with getting a replacement.

Doc (not an Intel employee or contractor)
[Maybe Windows 12 will be better]

Re: Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

Thomsen — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:08:07 GMT

I know. But it's a lifetime warranty. Shouldn't really matter how long ago that was, right?

Re: Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

MRoss5200 — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 17:59:20 GMT

If you have a 90 MHz Pentium, then you are not part of the warranty replacement. This only affected the 60 and 66 MHz versions of the CPU.

Re: Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

Thomsen — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 18:47:06 GMT

Some of the early P54C models with up to 100MHz - made in 1994 - were affected as well.
Here's an archived source:
FDIV Replacement Program - Frequently asked questions (archive.org)

Re: Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

AlHill — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:17:24 GMT

So, what is your goal here? Certainly, you are not still using a motherboard that uses this processor, and what OS is still able to function on this processor and board?

Did you purchase a Pentium 90 off of ebay just to try to get a new replacement, or do you really have some use for it?

Doc (not an Intel employee or contractor)
[Maybe Windows 12 will be better]

Re: Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

Thomsen — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 19:29:42 GMT

I'm using it on a fully functioning Windows 98 machine (not as a daily driver of course).

Re:Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

IsaacQ_Intel — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 14:20:31 GMT

Hello @Thomsen

Thank you for posting on the Intel️® communities. We would be more than glad to help you with your issue.

Actually, Intel Boxed Processors typically carry a three-year limited warranty that can be fulfilled by Intel (some carry a one-year limited warranty). The warranty eligibility period starts on the original purchase date and doesn't reset if Intel provides a product replacement.

In community forums, it's important to note that we don't facilitate warranty claims. If you're seeking to validate the lifetime warranty for your CPU, you'll need to go through the proper channels with the manufacturer or official support channels. We would like to recommend you process the RMA with us, after verifying that your warranty is still active here, directly contact Intel Customer Support to initiate the RMA process (you cannot do this through the forums). Here are pages where you can look up contact information, including local/country phone numbers, by geography:

U.S. and Canada: Intel Customer Support

Europe, Middle East, and Africa: Intel Customer Support EMEA

Asia-Pacific: Intel Customer Support APAC

Latin America: Intel Customer Support LAR

This case will be closed, thanks for choosing Intel.

Best regards,

Isaac Q.

Intel Customer Support Technician

Re: Re:Original Pentium processor replacement ("Pentium bug")

Thomsen — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 21:52:37 GMT

Thank you, Isaac, but this is not about the regular CPU warranty - but about the lifetime replacement policy for the original Pentium processor. There is no way (I could find) to get a replacement via the regular support/RMA process - I have tried that already. So I'm wondering, how does Intel intend to deliver on the promise it made 30 years ago?