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IP: *.nas1.honolulu1.hi.us.da.qwest.net
27.06.04, 07:59
June 26, 2004
Hewlett-Packard Corp. said Friday that it will replace memory modules in some
of its notebooks with an "industrywide" design flaw that can cause system
lockups.
h30090.www3.hp.com/mmrp/default.asp?c1=67&c2=67&cc=us&lang=en&action=showinfo&linkvalue=2&id=63&lid=147
Memory Module Replacement Program
June 2004
Program Highlights:
This program addresses an issue with certain industry standard memory
modules. We believe this issue is not unique to HP or HP notebooks.
Currently shipping notebooks do not contain the affected memory modules.
The Memory Module Replacement Program showcases HP's unique capabilities to
detect, and identify complex issues, and globally execute customized
replacement programs.
During normal ongoing notebook testing, HP has identified a design flaw in
certain industry-standard memory modules supplied by third parties that were
shipped with some HP and Compaq notebooks and in memory accessories for these
notebooks. Under certain conditions, these memory modules can cause the
notebook to experience blue screens, intermittent lockups, or memory data
corruption.
Potentially affected memory modules were distributed worldwide in some of the
notebooks listed below, or in certain memory accessories for these notebooks,
or as replacement spare parts for these notebooks.
Note: The notebooks themselves are not affected. Only the memory modules are
affected.
Compaq Evo Notebook N610c
Compaq Evo Notebook N610v
Compaq Evo Notebook N620c
Compaq Evo Notebook N800c
Compaq Evo Notebook N800v
Compaq Evo Notebook N800w
Compaq Evo Notebook N1000c
Compaq Evo Notebook N1000v
Compaq Presario 1500
Compaq Presario 2800
Compaq Presario x1000
Compaq Presario x1200
HP Compaq Business Notebook nx7000
HP Pavilion zt3000
To protect our customers, HP is announcing a worldwide voluntary Memory
Module Replacement Program for customers who have the affected 128-, 256-,
and 512-megabyte memory modules.
At no charge, our customers will receive a replacement memory module for each
affected memory module. This program delivers a simple and flexible solution
to customers with notebooks containing these memory modules. Orders for this
program must be received from 25 June 2004 through 31 December 2004.
We are taking this action as part of our commitment to provide the highest
quality service to our notebook customers. We are proactively notifying
customers of this issue and are prepared to replace all affected memory
modules.
The problem is tied to the interaction of DRAM from several manufacturers and
several chip sets, all designed by Intel Corp. The flaw, which could result
in system lockups, is being solved through a comprehensive recall that could
affect up to 900,000 of HP's notebooks, a company representative said.
Although HP classified the problem as one that will affect the notebook PC
industry as a whole, it appears that the company is the only one currently
taking action. A representative from Dell Computer Corp. said that the
company was "looking into it."
The HP notebooks that are covered by the recall include: the Compaq Evo
Notebook N610c, N610v, N620c, N800c, N800v, N800w, N1000c, and N1000v; the
Compaq Presario 1500, 2800, x1000, and x1200; the HP Compaq nx7000; and the
HP Pavilion zt3000.
HP's replacement program will allow a customer to receive a small kit,
containing a screwdriver as well as instructions for the customer on how to
replace the faulty DRAM modules, which may include 128MB, 256MB, and 512MB
versions. The customer can then ship the DRAM to HP using a return envelope
and receive a new module for free.
"This is about doing right by the customer," said Mike Hockey, a spokesman
for HP in Austin, Texas.
The flaw affects a complex matrix of products. According to Hockey, the
lockups appeared when memory from Samsung Semiconductor Inc., Winbond
Electronics Corp., Infineon Technology Inc. and Micron Technology were used
with Intel's Intel 845MP, 845MZ, 852PM, 852GME and 855PM mobile chip sets and
either the Mobile Pentium 4 or Pentium M microprocessors.
However, the glitch was not caused by the chip sets or processors
themselves, he said, but by the memory from the four manufacturers.
Specifically, Hockey said, the flaw resulted from a poor self-refresh exit
timing circuit, which governs an execute refresh cycle. When the timing was
thrown off, the DRAM could become corrupted.
Because the flaw potentially affects such a range of products, HP
characterized the flaw as an "industrywide" problem.
Representatives from Micron could not be reached for comment.
www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1617601,00.asp
