Here's The Information That Intel Sent To Its OEM Customers

Intel Memory Translator Hub (MTH) Reboot/Hang Issue

OEM Pass Through Questions and Answers
Dated: May 10, 2000

Background

Intel has found some boards/systems using the memory translator hub (MTH) appear to be sensitive to board/system noise caused by the simultaneous switching of signals on the MTH buses. This issue may manifest itself as intermittent system reboots or system hangs during operation. Since this noise sensitivity under extreme conditions could potentially result in data corruption. Intel has placed the MTH component and an Intel motherboard that uses the part on shipment hold.

Intel is working with its customers (computer makers, motherboard makers and distribution channels) to notify computer users of this issue and to offer a replacement through Intel's Return Material Authorization (RMA) process. Computer users who want to know if their board/system uses an MTH component can contact their computer maker for more information, or they can reference the Intel support website at www.intel.com/support/mth to download a utility to determine if they have a board/system containing the MTH component.

Introduced in systems in November 1999, the MTH is a component that enables SDRAM memory to work with the Intel 820 chipset. The MTH is used on some boards and systems using the Intel 820 chipset, including the Intel CC820 Desktop Board Family with SDRAM. This issue does not impact boards or systems using the Intel 820 chipset with RDRAM memory or systems shipped prior to November 1999.

Key Messages

Intel has found some boards/systems using the memory translator hub (MTH) appear to be sensitive to system noise caused by the simultaneous switching of signals on the MTH buses. This issue may manifest itself as intermittent system reboots or system hangs during operation. Since this noise sensitivity under extreme conditions could potentially result in data corruption, Intel has placed the MTH component and an Intel motherboard that uses the part on shipment hold. Intel is working with its customers (computer makers, motherboard makers and distribution channels) to notify computer users of this issue and to offer a replacement through Intel's Return Material Authorization (RMA) process. Computer users who want to know if their board/system uses an MTH component can contact their computer maker for more information, or they can reference the Intel support website at www.intel.com/support/mth to download a utility to determine if they have a board/system containing the MTH component. This issue may affect boards/systems using the Intel 820 Chipset with SDRAM memory. This issue does not impact boards or systems using the Intel 820 chipset with RDRAM memory or systems shipped prior to November 1999.

Questions and Answers

Q1: What is the issue?

A1: Intel has found some boards/systems using the memory translator hub (MTH) appear to be sensitive to board/system noise caused by the simultaneous switching of signals on the MTH buses. This issue may manifest itself as intermittent system reboots or system hangs during operation. This issue may affect boards/systems using the Intel 820 Chipset with SDRAM memory. This issue does not impact boards or systems using the Intel 820 chipset with RDRAM memory or systems shipped prior to November 1999.

Q2: What is the memory translator hub (MTH)?

A2: Introduced in systems in November 1999, the MTH is a component that enables SDRAM memory. It is only used on boards/systems with the Intel 820 chipset and SDRAM memory, inc1uding the Intel CC820 Desktop Board Family.

Q3. Does this issue cause data corruption?

A3: This noise sensitivity under extreme conditions could potentially result in data corruption. Intel has placed the MTH component and an Intel motherboard that uses the part on shipment hold.

Q4: Does this issue affect boards/systems using the Intel 820 chipsets with RDRAM memory?

A4: No. This issue only involves boards/systems using the MTH component with SDRAM memory. The Intel 820 chipset was developed for use with RDRAM memory. RDRAM based boards/systems are not affected by this issue, nor are any systems shipped prior to November 1999.

Q5: What does Intel mean when they say "some boards/systems" may be affected by this issue?

A5: The issue is intermittent and has only been observed on some, not all, boards/systems that have an MTH component. The noise sensitivity that could cause this issue is highly dependent on the noise interaction between the board/system and the MTH and, in some cases, may cause a reboot or hang.

Q6: Is this an erratum?

A6. No. Intel does not consider this to be an erratum. This issue is intermittent and is dependent upon many factors that can create this noise sensitivity. Since this noise sensitivity could potentially result in data corruption, Intel will offer a replacement or reimbursement to computer users.

Q7: Is this issue similar to the 1994 Pentium processor flaw?

A7: No. That issue was caused by an erratum in the processor, this issue is caused by a defective memory translator component and its sensitivity to system noise.

Q8: What is Intel recommending for end-users to do?

A8: Computer users who want to know if their board/system uses an MTH component can contact their computer maker for more information, or they can reference the Intel support website at www.intel.com/support/mth to download a utility to determine if they have a board/system containing the MTH component.

Q9: How can Intel offer replacement boards when you can't meet demand today?

A9: We plan to address this issue by providing an Intel 820 chipset-based/direct RDRAM solution. Intel is working with the industry to ensure that the chipset and memory components that will allow us to address Customer requests are available.

Q10: Is Intel recalling the MTH component?

A10: No. Intel is recommending that its customers put all products that contain an Intel MTH component with the Intel 820 chipset and SDRAM memory on production and shipment hold. Intel is working with its customers (computer makers, motherboard makers and distribution channels) to notify computer users of this issue and to offer a replacement.

Q11: What is your alternative chipset solution for FSB 133, AGP solutions?

A11: The Intel 820 Chipset with RDRAM memory

Q12: How many boards/systems use the Intel 820 chipset with the MTH component and SDRAM memory?

A12. A small number of boards/systems use the Intel 820 Chipset with the MTH and SDRAM. Intel believes less than one million boards/systems with MTH have been shipped to end-users.

Q13: Why was this issue not observed during Intel's standard validation?

A 13: Intel puts extensive effort into its validation testing for all its platforms. Testing applications are continually being developed and refined. We become aware of new test tools regularly. As these new tests are validated and confirmed, we incorporate them into our broad suite of testing as appropriate.

Q14: Does Intel have a manufacturing test screen identified for this issue?

A14: No. Intel does not have any test or screen that can completely determine whether or not a particular board/system is free of any susceptibility to this issue.

Q15: What operating system does an end-user need to have to run this utility? Does the utility require special system requirements?

A15: The Intel MTH l.D. Utility is available in both a Microsoft Windows' version and a DOS bootable version. The Windows version supports Windows NT 4.0, Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows 2000. The utility was developed to be used by end-users; it does not require any special system requirements.

Q16: If end-users believe they have a board/system that contains an MTH component, what should they do?

A 16: End-users who have a board/system with the MTH component and the Intel 820 chipset using SDRAM should contact their place of purchase if they suspect they are affected by this issue for further information and assistance associated with their board/system. Additionally, end users can reference the Intel support website at www.intel.com/support/mth for further information about this issue.

Follow-up by reading the article 'The Impact of Intel's MTH-Issue on the IT-Business '.

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