Intel to test net-upgradable processors

Your computer isn't fast enough? Intel will send you a a key to unlock additional features of your CPU - for a fee.

Chipmaking giant Intel is launching a pilot program to test the market viability of processors that that can have additional features unlocked by downloading special software keys. Dubbed the Intel Upgrade Service, the program will be tested beginning this year with a single Intel processor—the Pentium G6951—which will reportedly be at the heart of consumer systems due to launch from Gateway and Acer later this year. The idea is that consumers or corporations can spend less money outright on a budget PC, then if they find they need more power, they can pay to unlock additional features of the processor—for a fee. The system downloads software keys from Intel, which in turn alter the firmware controlling the computer, unlocking features and capabilities.

According to materials available from Intel and industry reports, the trial will be will be taking place with a limited number of systems and customers. Systems could hit the market as soon as October.

While news of Intel’s pilot program has triggered an outcry amongst consumers and some industry watchers, Intel’s intentions with the program aren’t terribly clear. Most of the publicly-available materials about Intel’s “down the wire” upgrade services seem aimed at systems integrators, channel partners, and enterprise customers rather than everyday computer users. Lists of processor features unlocked via the upgrade mechanism seem mostly related to IT and enterprise management of systems, such as remote maintenance, access monitoring, and remote alert capabilities—at this point, it doesn’t seem as if Intel is looking at the service as a way to hamstring processor performance or disable features that, say, might be critical to gamers or everyday computer users. Rather, the company might be looking at firmware solutions that save it the cost of having to design separate processor parts aimed at low-end systems sold into large organizations.

Of course, if the enterprise market is receptive to the idea, Intel might try to leverage the technology into other areas. Applied to high-end consumer chips, “down-the-wire” upgrades might enable computer makers to lower their sticker prices for high-end and boutique systems—potentially gaining a price advantage in the marketplace—with consumers able to pay extra money later to unlock selected features of their processors.