MIG-31

Several Dell desktop models introduced in the third quarter of this year may have defective heat pipe thermal modules, which may cause the systems to run noisy or even shutdown, according to sources at Taiwan PC makers.

The PR company representing Dell in Taiwan stated that the company has a policy of not commenting on market speculation.

The built-in thermal module has just two heat pipes, while most industry solutions use three, and therefore the module may be less efficient at dissipating heat, the sources asserted.

The thermal module was designed and mostly manufactured by Foxconn Precision Components, a subsidiary of Foxconn Electronics (the registered trade name of Hon Hai Precision Industry). Chaun-Choung Technology, a leading Taiwanese thermal maker, also manufactures a portion of the modules used in Dell’s desktops, the sources noted.

A spokesperson of Foxconn Precision Components rebuked the report, saying it was groundless.

Total shipments of desktops equipped with the questionable thermal modules are limited, as the product was just introduced to the market last quarter, said the sources. The sources added that Dell is replacing the defective module with an existing model used in other desktops.

Dell is working with its component partners to develop and test a new thermal module, the sources said. Dell is also considering dispatching its “Tiger Team,” a trouble-shooting group at the company, to Taiwan to help work out a solution for the problem, according to the sources.

In addition, Dell is also negotiating with the two thermal module makers on how to handle stock of about 200,000-300,000 modules with thermal issues.

According to press releases on Dell’s US website, the company only launched one system in the third quarter: the Dimension space-saving desktop, announced on September 28. At the end of the second quarter, the company launched two OptiPlex systems, two Dimension systems, and an XPS system.
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Source: digitimes

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