The Cutting Edge: COMPUTING / TECHNOLOGY / INNOVATION : Q & A : Do-It-Yourself Pentium Chip Replacement

Now that Intel Corp. has finally decided to offer “no questions asked” replacements for the flawed Pentium computer chip, what should Pentium PC owners--or prospective owners--do now? The company will provide a replacement any time during the life of the machine, so that even if you don’t act now you can get a replacement later. Still, replacing the chip is not without hassles and risks. Here are some answers for computer owners’ questions:

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Q: I have a Pentium PC. How do I know if it has the flaw?

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A: Virtually all Pentiums shipped to date have the flaw. Some software programs, including most spreadsheets, will reveal the flaw if you run the following formula: (4,195,835 x 256) (3,145,727 256) The correct answer is 87,413.1, but a flawed Pentium will yield 87,407.9.

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Q: OK, I have the flaw. Should I replace my chip?

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A: If you are doing heavy-duty arithmetic such as scientific modeling or very sophisticated spreadsheets that involve division, then you should get a new chip. Even then, according to Intel, the chances of your getting a wrong answer are “once in every nine billion number pairs,” but IBM and others who have researched the problem say that Intel has grossly underestimated the likelihood of an error.

If you’re using your computer for word processing, graphics, communications, entertainment or simple calculations using programs like Quicken or Microsoft Works, then the odds of your encountering a problem are quite small. You then have to weigh the inconvenience and risks associated with replacing the chip against the benefit of having a chip without this flaw.

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Q: I’ve been thinking of buying a Pentium machine. Will it have the flawed chip? What should I do?

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A: If you buy a machine in the next month or so, there is a good chance it will have the flawed chip. You could instead buy a 486 that’s upgradeable to Pentium, but this will probably be more expensive in the long run. You could also wait for machines with new chips. But Intel’s offer stands even for newly purchased machines, so you can get a replacement chip at any time.

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Q: What do I have to do to get a replacement chip?

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A: Call Intel’s toll free customer support line at (800) 628-8686. A recording will instruct you to press 5 for Pentium processors or hold if you’re not calling from a touch-tone phone. Allow plenty of time for the call as you may be on hold for a while. A representative will answer the call and ask you the make and model number of your PC along with your name, address and phone number.

Between seven and 15 days later, Intel says, you’ll get a follow-up call. That person will verify exactly which Pentium PC you have (there are 60, 66, 75, 90 and 100 MHz models, but most people have a 60 or 90 MHz chip). In many cases, the CPU speed is part of your computer’s name (such as Dell XPS-90). Some utility programs, including the “Sys Info” program from Norton Utilities, will report what type of CPU you have.

The person who calls will also ask for a credit card number, but you will be charged only if you fail to return the old Pentium within 30 days after they ship a new one. If you return the chip later, they’ll issue you a credit for the charge, according to an Intel spokesperson. You could be charged up to $1,000 if you don’t return the old chip.

The chip should arrive within 60 days of the follow-up call. In addition to the chip, there will be instructions on how to perform a replacement, a list of local dealers who can replace it for you at no charge and a postage-paid box for you to return the old CPU.

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Q: How hard is it to replace the chip myself?

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A: First, you need to open up the computer. That’s usually a matter of removing several screws and slipping off the case but, in some situations, it can be more complicated. Then you have to hope that the CPU is accessible. It usually is but, on some systems, the CPU can be under a disk drive or other component. If so, you’ll have to remove that component.

The next issue is whether you have a Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) or a regular socket. Chances are you have a ZIF socket, which, as the name implies, makes it a lot easier to remove and replace a chip. If you have a ZIF socket, there will be a lever to one side of the CPU, which is the largest single chip on the system boards. In many cases, a Pentium processor has silver-colored metal fins (a heat sink) on it, so it might not look like a regular chip. The Pentium may also be mounted under a small fan which you can lift out with the chip.

If you don’t have a ZIF socket, then you’ll have to use a chip extraction tool or a small screwdriver to pry the chip out of its socket. This can be a bit tricky and, if you’re not careful, it’s possible to bend a pin on the CPU.

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Q: What if I don’t want to replace the chip myself?

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A: The replacement chip will come with a list of your closest dealers or repair centers. Chances are you’ll have to bring in the machine. The dealer may be able to replace the chip while you wait or you might have to leave it and pick it up later.

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Q: Are there any risks associated with changing the chip?

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A: There are always risks involved when you change components. If you fail to discharge any static electricity in your body, for example, you can damage the Pentium or any other component. If you insert the chip incorrectly, you can bend a pin. Even if you decide to bring the machine to a service center, there’s a possibility that you’ll drop it or damage it in transit. Modern PCs can handle a small amount of jostling, but the hard disk and other components can fail if they’re dropped or shaken during transit. It’s best to transport the machine in the original packing material or at least place it in a well-padded box. You can even use a seat belt to strap it into one of the car’s passenger seats.

If the machine is damaged during the chip replacement process, Intel will evaluate whether or not to pay for the repair of the damages “on a case-by-case basis,” according to a spokesperson.

* Intel offers to replace chips. A1

* Rivals could find opportunities. D6