Overclock.net banner
Status
Not open for further replies.

Warning: Sandy Bridge Hardware Level DRM, Killswitch, & H67 P67 Recalls!

56K views 483 replies 161 participants last post by  ENTERPRISE 
#1 ·
I don't like this. I may just keep my 950 after all. Maybe the 950, 920, 980x, etc. are the last good chips without some kind of weird hardware level DRM inside?

http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/71568.html

^From article: ""These are features built into the hardware, so if you're a Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX) or a Warner Bros., you can program a time clock into a movie or code it so it's good for only a certain number of days after the consumer downloads it," In-Stat's McGregor pointed out. "It's all related to DRM."

http://securitythreat.info/sans-internet-storm-center/intels-new-processors-have-a-remote-kill-switch-anti-theft-3-0-sun-dec-19th/

^From Article: "Definitely, this new feature is something to pay attention to, as potential vulnerabilities in the implementation can open the door to new remote attacks, starting with DoS."

Plus the recall on all currently shipping h67 and p67 motherboards for these sandy bridge processors due to the Cougar Point Chipset defect, basically a global crisis of all p67 and h67 motherboards being recalled!

- Seems to me that It's one big issue to the next. It'll be interesting to see how everything else plays out for the next year. One question is...is this really a cougar point chipset issue? Or is there a real security vulnerability from the Killswitch feature that Intel is disguising as a chipset problem? Hmmm...interesting indeed. I would say don't buy a Sandy Bridge processor for at least a year's time. That should be enough time for Intel to work out the kinks with DRM, KillSwitch, and new Cougar Point Chipset Issues

Some interesting Facts!

1) Cougar Point Chipset affects all currently shipped h67 and p67 motherboards as of January 31, 2010. How does it affect it? From Tom's Hardware:

"The issue is hardware-related and requires a silicon-based fix at the metal layer, which of course means that all of the currently-shipping P67- and H67 -based motherboards are affected. It's severe enough, especially for the enthusiast community most likely to be populating multiple SATA ports and pushing heavier I/O workloads that we'd want to recommend holding off on Sandy Bridge-based builds until boards with a fixed version of the chipset ships out."

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/cougar-point-sandy-bridge-sata-error,12108.html

2) Sandy Bridge's killswitch works even without the PC being powered on (over a 3G network)! All future Intel CPU's will be equipped with one.

3) Killswitch renders the cpu useless.

4) The new Sandy Bridge have DRM built inside the chip. It cannot be removed through software. As long as you have a Sandy Bridge CPU, you automatically have DRM that can't be removed.

5) DRM is an acronym for Digital Rights Management, a broad term used to describe a number of techniques for restricting the free use and transfer of digital content. DRM is used in a number of media, but is most commonly found in video and music files.

6) Many PC enthusiasts dislike DRM due to the problems associated in the past with software DRM. Many reports of issues with DRM in games, etc. have been reported, and the majority of consumers dislike it.

7) There is a debate about the KillSwitch and some security vulnerabilities. Taken from the 2nd link: "Definitely, this new feature is something to pay attention to, as potential vulnerabilities in the implementation can open the door to new remote attacks, starting with DoS."

Some interesting issues at hand:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom's Hardware;11888809
In Reference to Sandy Bridge's Cougar Chipset Defects: Intel's Steve Smith, vice president and director of PC client operations and enabling at Intel, says that the specific problem occurs over time, and is affected by temperature and voltage. It's more likely to manifest in configurations with lots of data being moved across the SATA 3 Gb/s ports-that's why OEMs are encountering a problem now. The company says it would have expected roughly 5% of systems to be affected over a three-year period. That's a serious enough figure to compel Intel to halt shipments and incur a total cost to replace/repair existing systems of $700 million.
Quote:
Originally Posted by BigCactus;11929839
I wouldn't let the killswitch stop you from buying the cpu. What the killswitch does is it basically halts your computer, and stops you from being able to use it. Your cpu may be rendered useless but you can still go out and buy another cpu and your other components will work worse case scenario.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Thumb;11930078
That's nice to know. NOT!!!
Think I'll be looking into Bulldozer when it surfaces.
I'll be keeping my current rig, but I'd like to build an AMD rig!
Quote:
Originally Posted by BigCactus;11929839
I wouldn't worry about it. It's a worse case scenario kind of deal, but could happen. I'd be wary of buying Sandy Bridge chips used however considering this feature as well. Resale value on these chips considering the DRM and that Killswitch issue might thwart people who like to upgrade frequently. If you buy the processor used and the original owner uses the killswitch and deactivates it...hmmm...another interesting problem with the killswitch. Plus if hackers find a way to use the killswitch and just wreak havoc on you, disabling your pc...

Not good.
teaching.gif
 
See less See more
#10 ·
I don't care about it. If they never told us about it, you would never have noticed.
 
#12 ·
Hahah, this is ridiculous. If true this just goes to show how deep pockets can get ANYTHING accomplished even down to injecting DRM into someone else technology. The movie industry is ******* NUTS. They act like they are trying to protect the holy grail or the lost innocence of humanity.
 
#13 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by Internets;11889125
Hahah, this is ridiculous. If true this just goes to show how deep pockets can get ANYTHING accomplished even down to injecting DRM into someone else technology. The movie industry is ******* NUTS. They act like they are trying to protect the holy grail or the lost innocence of humanity.
No joke, i will boycott any hardware/software that tells me what I can and cannot with on my computer.
 
#14 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by BigCactus;11888725
I don't like this. I may just keep my 950 after all. Maybe the 950, 920, 980x, etc. are the last good chips without some kind of weird hardware level DRM inside?

http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/71568.html
Hah! It's good you did not side-step over...You'll do much better waitng for Ivory Bridge with your setup...maybe..if they don't try some similar BS like SB.
 
#15 ·
I've read a couple things about this, and it only seems to apply to an upcoming HD 1080p streaming service for movies that Intel will offer.

The so-called Intel Insider will apparently be a required component for users to access certain online movie offerings. This hardware DRM is so people don't pirate the movies from that service.

If you're not going to use Intel's streaming Movie service, then this doesn't apply to you.

If you will use Intel's service, and don't plan on pirating those movies, then this doesn't apply to you.
smile.gif


If you will use Intel's service, and PLAN on Pirating those movies, then this applies to you. LOL

Time will tell how it will work out.
 
#17 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2010rig;11889183
I've read a couple things about this, and it only seems to apply to an upcoming HD 1080p streaming service for movies that Intel will offer.

The so-called Intel Insider will apparently be a required component for users to access certain online movie offerings. This hardware DRM is so people don't pirate the movies from that service.

If you're not going to use Intel's streaming Movie service, then this doesn't apply to you.
The article mentions DVD as well.
Quote:
The technology it'll use is apparently called "Insider." It will incorporate an end-to-end protection layer and a management feature to unlock high-definition movies downloaded from online streaming services or off DVDs.
Still, if the clock is programmed into the disc itself, I can imagine that as a weakness.
 
#18 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2010rig;11889183
I've read a couple things about this, and it only seems to apply to an upcoming HD 1080p streaming service for movies that Intel will offer.

The so-called Intel Insider will apparently be a required component for users to access certain online movie offerings. This hardware DRM is so people don't pirate the movies from that service.

If you're not going to use Intel's streaming Movie service, then this doesn't apply to you.

If you will use Intel's service, and don't plan on pirating those movies, then this doesn't apply to you.
smile.gif


If you will use Intel's service, and PLAN on Pirating those movies, then this applies to you. LOL
In addition all it is is a clock; if you rent a movie for 3 days, the software will give you the movie for 3 days, then make the movie unavailable.
 
#19 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by slickwilly;11889202
I look at it like this, I do not pirate movies or any other protected software so not a concern to me,
how ever I hope this brings us one step closer to being able to ban a cheaters hardware and not just their CD key,
that might cut back on the game hackers
I think that would be a little extreme, destroying someone PCs because they hax
 
#20 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by slickwilly;11889202
I look at it like this, I do not pirate movies or any other protected software so not a concern to me,
how ever I hope this brings us one step closer to being able to ban a cheaters hardware and not just their CD key,
that might cut back on the game hackers
Pirating != hacking.

Also, cheating != hacking.

I agree that cheaters in games should be shocked severely, or at least banned from online play. But hardware DRM and other measures are always very low on my list of respect. I don't like to purchase built in limitations.
 
#21 ·
After reading it again, it really does not matter at the end of the day. I would not be surprise someone finds out how to hack that security. It will only be a matter of time
thinking.gif
 
#22 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by _02;11889224
The article mentions DVD as well.

Still, if the clock is programmed into the disc itself, I can imagine that as a weakness.
Yeah I just read that too. I wonder how well it will work out.

This'll just give the hackers something else to play with.

Intel is trying to do the right thing, but these things are hardly deterrents long term.
 
#23 ·
Quote:
Originally Posted by slickwilly;11889202
I look at it like this, I do not pirate movies or any other protected software so not a concern to me,
how ever I hope this brings us one step closer to being able to ban a cheaters hardware and not just their CD key,
that might cut back on the game hackers
While I see your point, I would be pretty pissed if I bought some used hardware and found myself banned.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Top