Next generation Macs delayed due to defective Sandybridge parts

The next generation of Macs, particularly the MacBook and iMac are set to receive the newest line of Intel CPUs and chipsets dubbed Sandybridge. The new CPU architecture would bring increased power efficiency and faster clock speeds to any Macs that utilize Intel’s Core i5 and i7 CPUs. Intel’s recall of Sandybridge parts could delays Apple’s release of new iMacs and MacBooks

The problem lies in the Chipset that supports Sandybridge CPUs. The issue is the Chipset’s SATA connectors may degrade and break down over time affecting performance with hard, solid state drive and optical drives.

“As part of ongoing quality assurance, Intel Corporation has discovered a design issue in a recently released support chip, the Intel 6 Series, code-named Cougar Point, and has implemented a silicon fix,” the company said in a statement. “In some cases, the Serial-ATA (SATA) ports within the chipsets may degrade over time, potentially impacting the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices such as hard disk drives and DVD-drives.”

While Intel has discovered a fix for the problem, it can only be implemented in Sillicon meaning the affected Chipset must be replaced, Intel is working with OEMs such as Apple to replace affected chipsets which would delay the launch of new iMacs and Mac Book Pros in to Spring or Summer