Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
If your Intel CPU is act up , rest easy — it ’s not just you . In fact , the owner of some of Intel’sbest processorshave been go away through a boisterous time latterly — and that evenincludes game developer . TheCore i9 - 14900Kand the Core i9 - 13900 K have been gate-crash for month now , and even thoughIntel has been smooth on the matter , you may be able to get your CPU replace if it ’s an on-going job .
Whether you own a recent Intel CPU or an older model is perform badly , you’re able to sprain to a process called issue ware authorization ( RMA ) to seek to return the bad processor . Here ’s how to RMA your Intel CPU .
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
Start with the retailer
If you bought your background Intel CPU at a retailer that offers some spare coverage , your best wager is to essay to touch them first . In a spoiled - showcase scenario , they will differentiate you to touch out to Intel straight . The best - character scenario is that they ’ll replace your CPU for you without your needing to get in sense of touch with Intel at all . Some retail merchant will also act as a liaison between the customer and Intel , meaning that they will handle the RMA physical process and contact Intel directly .
count on the store , you might be able to ship the CPU back or return it yourself for a replacement or a refund . Many retailers only proffer a special - clock time window for when you’re able to reach out to them for refunds and replacements , so time is of the essence . alas , in the case of failing Intel mainframe , this often think that the commonly used 30 - day return period will have pass by . Make certain to check with your specific retail merchant .
Here are lineal connection to the return policy pages for some of the most pop PC hardware retailers .
If return your central processor through the retailer is not an option , it ’s time to prepare to reach out to Intel .
What you’ll need to RMA your Intel CPU
Before you unfold a bread and butter ticket and request a replacement mainframe , here are some thing you should be aware of . Getting this sorted ahead of clock time might hasten up the replacement mental process for you .
Your CPU type
First , see out which eccentric of central processing unit you own . We do n’t mean the model , although that ’s important too — we mean whether it ’s a boxed-in desktop central processing unit or a tray CPU .
boxed-in models are your typical screen background chips that you buy one by one , or as part of a microcomputer material body , and they come in their own box , often with a cooling root and with warrant data . So - call tray CPUs are shipped in big quantities to pre - build screen background manufacturers who then put in them in microcomputer and laptop .
figure this out is fairly easy . If you build your personal computer yourself or had it construct for you based on parts of your pick , you have a boxed-in CPU . If you bought a pre - built or a laptop , you have a tray CPU .
Boxed CPU RMAs are care by Intel , but if you have a pre - build PC , you should pass out to the party that built the PC — such as HP or Asus .
CPU model and generation
Next , find out the example and the genesis of your CPU . you could do this byfollowing our dedicated guide . Alternatively , that information will always be on the loge .
Serial number and batch number (ATPO and FPO)
These numeral will be necessary for you to open a support ticket and to check the status of your warranty . The easiest way to regain them is to look at the box that your CPU come in .
At the bottom of the box , below a bar computer code , you ’ll find the sequential number begin withS / Nand follow by a cosmic string of numbers and letter . Next to it , you ’ll find the muckle bit , which is a shorter string of alphabetic character and numbers start withBatch#.Keep those number close at hand , as you will need them soon .
If you no longer have the box for your Intel CPU , no worries — you could detect the right numbers by looking at the processor itself , as pictured below .
The batch bit ( FPO ) is easily seeable on the CPU , although there are no helpful indicators as to which number to look for like there are on the actual loge . Instead , just look for the final string of letters and number that follows the processor model and clock speed .
The consecutive number ( ATPO ) is a bit catchy . You ’ll find a fond ATPO on the side of the CPU , and a 2D matrix that you ’ll involve to decode to receive the full ATPO.Intel has a guide on how to do this — you ’ll usually be able to do it with a smartphone app .
How to RMA your Intel CPU
set off an RMA postulation with Intel is comfortable . First , you should ascertain whether your C.P.U. is still cover by warranty . you could do thishereby picking the merchandise eccentric and typing in the FPO and the ATPO that you already happen in the steps described above . If you ’re seek to RMA a 13th- or 14th - gen Intel CPU , it ’ll most probably still be under warranty , but it does n’t smart to check . This should also confirm for you whether your central processing unit is tray or boxed .
Next , you ask to open anIntel support request . You ’ll be expect to make an account on Intel ’s web site and verify your email .
Once you ’re signed up , head back to the support varlet and chooseProcessorsfrom the listing of Intel products . Next , prefer the type of central processor you own — in most cases , it ’ll beIntel Core Processors . Lastly , plunk the generation , and then the model of central processor that you ’re having worry with , such as13th Generation Intel Core i9 Processorsand thenIntel Core i9 - 13900KF Processor .
Describe the issues you ’re deliver on the next Sir Frederick Handley Page , and then chooseCheck for resolution . Intel will direct you to its noesis base , where you might be able-bodied to find some helpful selective information on how to fix the take . We also have astep - by - step usher to serve with Intel CPU problems , so check that out before you proceed .
Assuming that nothing else worked , click onContinue to request creationand fill out the form . You ’ll need to provide Intel with some of the following information :
Intel will also ask you whether the CPU has sustained any forcible damage . This may annul the warranty .
To make the RMA process quicker , you’re able to also supply Intel with things like :
Once you ’re all done , tap onSubmit request . At this full point , it ’s out of your hands , and Intel will get back to you in regard to your RMA petition .
Does Intel replace 13th- and 14th-gen processors?
Intel ’s 13th- and 14th - gen processors have been getting beam back in for renewal in droves — at least in Korea . However , give that the problem with these CPUs are now on a global scale and are still yet to be fixed , it ’s probable that Intel must be manage RMA requests from all around the world .
In general , if the CPU is faulty , we ’ve mostly get a line about Intel go forth swift renewal . Gamers in the r / Intel subreddit have been praise Intel ’s RMA physical process , saying thing like : “ Intel , your RMA outgrowth is awesome , ” and “ Intel ’s RMA is a gravy . ” Both users were running a 13th - gen Intel central processing unit prior to broadcast in an RMA request .
However , there are situations in which Intel may deny your RMA request . Intel does n’t offer a warranty on freshen up , used , or applied science sample CPUs , and it also does n’t offer any warrant university extension . Overclocking may also void the warranty , as will any exploiter - made damage to the CPU . There ’s never a guarantee that your mainframe will be replaced , but if you ’re affected by the ongoing Intel central processor clangour debacle , the odds are definitely in your favour .
