Intel's Creates New Protection Plan Just for Overclockers

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Intel has announce its Performance Tuning Protection Plan for a worry free overclocking experience.

There's really no need to define what overclocking is all about here at Tom's, but readers know that pushing a CPU too far can result in a useless, burned-up processor and other damaged system components. To some degree, overclocking is good business for Intel and AMD, as it means there's a good chance tweakers will be back for more hardware. But on the other hand, they can't fully endorse overclocking due to liability reasons.

That's where Intel's new program comes in. Intel has announced a pilot program to provide users with warranty protection for when they experiment with the overclocking features of their processor. For a small price, Intel will provide a one-time replacement of certain processors that are damaged through overclocking and/or over-volting. The protection plan is an addition to Intel's standard 3 year warranty on its processors.

The program starts as of January 18, 2012, at 12:01AM PST and last for six months. The first part of the pilot program will include four resellers: CyberPower, Canada Computers and Electronics, Scan Computers, and Altech Computers, with additional resellers being added in February. Intel will make the plan available to its customers any time during the pilot by visiting its website. As with all pilot programs, Intel may decide to cancel the program at any time or continue on past the six month pilot. Intel will honor all plans purchased prior to the date of discontinuation and will be honored according to the terms and conditions accompanying the Plan at the time of such purchase

The Performance Tuning Protection Plan covers the following CPUs:

  • Core i5-2500K - $20
  • Core i7-2600K - $25
  • Core i7-2700K - $25
  • Core i7-3930K - $35
  • Core i7-3960X - $35
     

The number of covered processors seemingly indicates how many chips Intel expects to replace. After all, most chipsets have thermal and voltage safeguards built-in to prevent damage caused by overheated CPUs that are being pushed beyond their breaking point. Usually when a CPU becomes unstable due to overclocking, they return to their default settings before damage occurs. The number of customers who will actually need to use this plan will likely be relatively small, but there's a good chance a large number will purchase the plan anyway just in case. Better safe than sorry, no?  

Read more on the protection plan at Intel's FAQ site.

Doug Crowthers
37 Comments Comment from the forums
  • __-_-_-__
    not bad $20 :o I'm think gonna use this... time to burn my cpu :D
    Reply
  • asukafan2001
    This is actually a pretty good deal for the price. Especially if you are purchasing a higher end CPU or a Sandy Bridge e.
    Reply
  • sunflier
    ...there's a good chance a large number will purchase the plan anyway just to do it.
    /fixed
    Reply
  • I would be interested as well. I bought my processor at best buy hope they are included as well.
    Reply
  • jdenova007
    Nice... but it doesn't cover my Core i5-750.... :(

    I would get it if I upgrade my CPU soon... $20 is nothing compared to a $200+ replacement
    Reply
  • Infectedkid6
    I can see it already. This is going to generate huge revenue for Intel because a bunch of ignorant or just plain stupid individuals are going to buy this protection plan, when the truth is less than 1% of the people purchasing Intel processor will actually be able to make use of this plan. I have two friends that are a prime example of this, I am sure they will be amongst the first to purchase this protection plan, thinking it will benefit them. Keep in mind that these are two people who know nothing about overclocking, and barely have the ability to put together a system in the first place. Further more, nearly every system they have ever built themselves hasn't functioned correctly due to their lack of knowledge. The best part is when a piece of hardware legitimately stops functioning due to a defect, they don't even bother getting a warranty replacement they just order a new one because somewhere in their twisted minds they believe the replacement won't perform or last as long as a brand new piece of hardware.

    Congrats Intel you found a way to profit from utter stupidity. I am not sure if I should be bowing my head in approval or shaking it in disgrace. Either way for the people out there that actually overclock and can make use of this plan, I think it will be highly beneficial. For the rest of the people who don't overclock, DON'T PAY FOR SOMETHING YOU NEVER INTEND TO USE.
    Reply
  • g4114rd0
    LOL the obligatory CPU insurance is being after all these years.
    Reply
  • theuniquegamer
    Just in time. I was planning to buy a i7 3930k and x79 with CM HYDRO H100. Now i can get it beyond 4.6 ghz on my new h100 without worrying about warranty for 1 time only. Intel should extend this type of programe more than 6months so that more overclockers could use the capabilities of upcoming ivy bridge in march or so without worry about warranty.
    Reply
  • GreaseMonkey_62
    Money, money, money. And Intel's revenue continues to go up. Nice play Intel.
    Reply
  • molo9000
    6 months isn't a very long time frame.
    How many people actually kill their CPU in the first 6 months? This is just for people, who do extreme overclocks.

    I guess one benefit is, that you can get a replacement if your particular CPU doesn't overclock well. Just fry it and ask Intel for a (hopefully better) replacement.
    Reply