Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Lanspa" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, July 28, 2007 3:37 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] 32 or 64 bit?


Our dell support window says that:
Our PC is using an Intel Core 2 Duo processor which was found to have a
reliability problem. After Intel Corp detected a problem with its Core 2 Duo
processor Microsoft released a hotfix that improves the processor's
reliability. You should install this hotfix to prevent problems with your PC.


$$$


Good Afternoon Michael et al,

Yes, there reportedly are some issues with Core 2 Duo (C2D) processors that may manifest in certain environments and/or situations; and as you state Microsoft has issued some amended code in a hotfix to deal with the issue. How well it works in general is anybody's guess and online forums and newsletters have pundits weighing in both for and against.

That said, Intel (which includes Dell systems using Intel processors) has released updated BIOSes (sp?) with microcode revisions to address the issue. Please see: Read more about KB 936357 at http://www.askwoody.com/newscomments.php?newsid=1379 and 'Important' patch 936357 is causing crashes at http://windowssecrets.com/paid/070726/.

Some sources recommend NOT using the Microsoft Hotfix if the updated BIOS has been flashed because of the chance (however remote) of incompatabilities between the two; but to the best of my knowledge nobody has reported an incompatability to date. Just offering sound cautious advice.

FWIW, I'm currently using a new Dell OptiPlex C2D machine and never experienced any problems either before or after patching. I have both the latest BIOS flash and the MS Hotfix installed, but likely would have forgone the KB 936357 hotfix  had I first read these articles.

Also see: Microcode reliability update is available that improves the reliability of systems that use Intel processors at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936357.

HTH. I am,

Very truly yours
Jeffrey Ottie


eom

               The NOSPIN Group Promotions is now offering
                 our special coffee mugs and mouse pads
              with the PCBUILD logo...  at a great price!!!
             http://freepctech.com/goodies/promotions.shtml