ASRock reacts to Cougar Point flaw

Based on Intel news the company has discovered design issue on P67, H67 chipset that 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. The quality issue occurring on P67 and H67 motherboard is limited on SATA2.0 ports, and the SATA3.0 ports will not be affected.

On ASRock P67, H67 motherboard, the SATA2.0 ports are with blue (ASRock series) or black connectors (Fatality P67 Professional), and they are affected by this quality issue. While, SATA3.0 ports are with white (ASRock series), or red connectors (Fatality P67 Professional), and they are unaffected by this quality issue.

Therefore, for those who already purchased ASRock P67, H67 motherboard, we urge customer use SATA3.0 ports and starting from SATA3_0 and SATA3_1 as temporary solution. Of course, if motherboard equipping with more than two SATA3.0 ports, e.g. P67 Professional, P67 Extreme6 and P67 Extreme4, all of SATA3.0 ports are also function well.

According to Intel, even user uses SATA2.0 ports, it will not generate immediate side effect or damage, but will potentially impact the performance or functionality of SATA-linked devices in long run.

ASRock will continue working with Intel for the permanent solution to this quality issue, and will update on our website once it’s available. And, if Intel decides for modification or replacement solution on motherboard, ASRock will cooperate with our channel partners for the sen/ice and ensure user a quality assured product.