Intel using scratch off cards for software CPU upgrades

[Ryan]

http://www.pcper.com/comments.php?nid=9274

Excerpt:

The card says it right on the front there: "An increase from 2 to 4-way multi-task processing; Larger cache". By downloading this software off the web you are basically enabling HyperThreading technology and unlocking the other half of the L3 cache already on board. I know that my first though was disgust and anger that Intel would simply be disabling technology on their CPUs so they up-charge you at the register. But is this any different than what we are used to today?

Thoughts?

[JSLEnterprises]

I believe its a cashgrab... extra cash from the less informed computer illiterates, or a cheaper quick upgrade by those who will bypass/crack it.

either manner, I dont support it whatsoever.

PS: whats with the asperger kareoke link at the end? :P

[Ikon819]

Sounds like maybe Intel has refined their production techniques soo much they can no longer differentiate chip 'levels' by what tests they fail in QA. Used to be lower priced chips were the ones that couldn't pass all the tests or could only pass at lower clock rates. So now it's like buying a car: "Did you want the upgraded handling package with that sir?" or "The upgraded audio system is only $xxxx more sir.".

[AMDScooter]

Well.. it sucks. Cash grab for the ignorant(true definition of the word.. not meant to be derogatory) to be sure. But most of us have been bypassing both Intel and AMD "binning" for some time now. Surprised some motherboard manufacturers have not already enabled the HT and cache in their bios's. Then again.. this "upgrade" is not exactly aimed at those who build their own PC's is it.

[william tell]

I would say it is over as soon as it is hacked but that would only help a few

Ryan, it was unclear from the article -is this like a lottery where some tickets have a code and some- sorry,try again ?

-think what a money maker that will be for them

[JackVancouverBC]

The point where you talk about an i3 with HT enabled is the kicker of the article. I agree with everyone here, it's inflated prices for the tech illiterates.

Also, considering this processor needs a special BIOS flash to unlock the features, when you moved this into a different motherboard, (as OEM motherboards usually die within a year) you can't get the unlocked features anymore because your new board can't be flashed with that information. It's Processor DUM. (Digital Usage Management as opposed to Digital Rights Management)

[Parn]

These are for people buying off-the-shelf Dell, HP, etc. PCs. Anyone who knows how to swap a CPU will not take the bait.

Wondering whether someone will hack the software and make it work with the i5 7xx so that they become i7 8xx.

[william tell]

These are for people buying off-the-shelf Dell, HP, etc. PCs. Anyone who knows how to swap a CPU will not take the bait.

Wondering whether someone will hack the software and make it work with the i5 7xx so that they become i7 8xx.

Now that would really be the icing

[RatboyX]

Just think what they would be doing of there was NO competition at all.

And that goes for either side mind you as AMD would do the same thing if they didn’t have any competition.

But it makes me hopeful that AMD will regain some market share in the CPU market with upcoming releases. Obviously INTEL is in the drivers seat right now and I don’t want to think of how much worse it could be. If AMD were to stop producing CPU’s we would all suffer.

[JSLEnterprises]

Wondering whether someone will hack the software and make it work with the i5 7xx so that they become i7 8xx.

I doubt that intel will apply this to their high ends.

[Poci]

Im guessing how much places like BB will convince people to let them unlock it for them

[-=SparX=-]

Premeditated and clever marketing, they will make a killing from the less informed.

[Ryan]

This is definitely not a lottery thing - you spend the money you get the upgrade.