It seems that Intel has encountered difficulties in replacing problematic 13th and 14th generation Core desktop processors under warranty – the company simply does not have enough new chips. According to the Wccftech portal, amid a growing number of requests to replace unstable Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh chips, the manufacturer cannot promptly provide customers with new chips due to their shortage in warehouses.
Previously, Intel launched an RMA program, according to which all owners of problems with desktop processors Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh can contact the company’s technical support to process a return and replace their chips with new ones. In addition, the company has increased the warranty period for problem processors by two years.
One Reddit forum reader reported that his flagship Core i9-13900K began to show signs of instability. He contacted Intel technical support and underwent verification confirming that he was the owner of the chip and that the processor was still under warranty. However, a technical support representative said that the company cannot currently replace the problematic Core i9-13900K with the same processor due to “difficulties with the availability of processors in stock.” Technical support also reported that it is also not possible to replace the problematic chip with a more modern Core i9-14900K due to their unavailability.
Image source: Reddit
In a response to the user, Intel also said that new deliveries of processors to warehouses must wait 4-5 weeks. The support representative asked if the user was willing to wait 3-4 weeks until Intel consulted with its planning team about restocking.
Although the company apologizes for the delay, it is clear that the owner of the problematic processor will either have to wait about a month for a replacement chip, or contact the company or store where the processor was purchased for a refund.