Intel has extended the coverage of its Performance Tuning Protection Plan (opens in new tab) (PTPP) to include the the latest unlocked 10th Generation Intel Core processors hailing from the Comet Lake (opens in new tab) family.
Those who purchase a K-series processor are likely looking to overclock their Intel CPU. Intel devised the PTPP with the objective of providing enthusiasts with peace of mind during overclocking endeavors. Under the plan, Intel offers you one free replacement if you end up with a faulty or dead CPU (opens in new tab) as a result of overclocking.
Like in the past, Intel only offers the PTPP for unlocked Core i9, Core i7 and Core i5 parts. Because of the pricing, the trio of aforementioned SKUs are probably the only ones that are worth insuring. Besides, Intel didn't even announce a K-series chip for the Core i3 this generation.
Intel 10th Generation Comet Lake K-Series CPUs
Model | Tray Pricing | Cores / Threads | Base / Boost Clock (GHz) | L3 Cache (MB) | TDP (W) | PCIe 3.0 | Memory |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intel Core i9-10900K / KF | $488 (K) / $472 (KF) | 10 / 20 | 3.7 / 5.3 | 20 | 125 | 16 | Dual DDR4-2933 |
Intel Core i7-10700K / KF | $374 (K) / $349 (KF) | 8 / 16 | 3.8 / 5.1 | 16 | 125 | 16 | Dual DDR4-2933 |
Intel Core i5-10600K / KF | $262 (K) / $237 (KF) | 6 / 12 | 4.1 / 4.8 | 12 | 125 | 16 | Dual DDR4-2666 |
The PTPP is open to mainstream and HEDT (high-end desktop) processors. The cost of insuring the first is $19.99, while the latter will set you back $29.99. No matter which Comet Lake CPU you pick, the PTPP will cost you the same $19.99, which is the same price charged for insuring Intel's 9th Gen CPUs.
Looking at it from an economical standpoint, Intel's PTPP is a pretty good bargain for overclockers. Take the flagship Core i9-10900K, for example. The deca-core processor has gone up for preorder (opens in new tab) at $599.99 (opens in new tab), around $188 more expensive than Intel's MSRP. The PTPP represents less than 4% of the processor's cost. That's a small price to pay to protect your $600 investment.