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Intel plans to introduce CPUs that can be "upgraded" via an unlock code is causing some controversy.
The plans will see CPUs deliberately downgraded at retail, with key features unavailable, which then can be unlocked by purchasing a $50 card with a code that can be entered in. Features unlocked include HyperThreading and increased cache.
Intel argues that these CPUs normally retail without HT and with lower cache, and that the test CPU in this pilot program will feature better hardware, but the full potential of the hardware can only be unlocked after purchasing a code.
One concern though is that since it costs Intel money to add these extra features to the hardware, it means Intel won't be selling these CPUs at a discount just because some features were locked at sale. And so in effect, users are paying again to unlock a feature they've already paid for, at a later time. And $50 is quite a significant outlay for a CPU, as some brand new CPUs are cheaper than this amount.
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The plans will see CPUs deliberately downgraded at retail, with key features unavailable, which then can be unlocked by purchasing a $50 card with a code that can be entered in. Features unlocked include HyperThreading and increased cache.
Intel argues that these CPUs normally retail without HT and with lower cache, and that the test CPU in this pilot program will feature better hardware, but the full potential of the hardware can only be unlocked after purchasing a code.
One concern though is that since it costs Intel money to add these extra features to the hardware, it means Intel won't be selling these CPUs at a discount just because some features were locked at sale. And so in effect, users are paying again to unlock a feature they've already paid for, at a later time. And $50 is quite a significant outlay for a CPU, as some brand new CPUs are cheaper than this amount.
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