A flaw with AMD's diagnostic and validation software has caused a number of defective graphics cards to slip into the distribution channel, according to a report by DigiTimes. The site has word from its sources at graphics card makers that Radeon HD 2400- and Radeon HD 2600-series cards from companies like Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte are all affected.

Although the problem can be easily solved by reapplying the BIOS, because AMD's software did not detect the defect before shipping, the cards will now need to be returned to the makers to be restored. One first-tier maker has recalled over 20,000-30,000 units already, noted the sources. It is believed that most of the defective cards are still in the channel or on their way back to the makers with only a small number of having already been purchased by consumers, noted the vendors. AMD responded that Radeon HD 2400 and 2600 chips are throughly inspected before being shipped to graphics card makers. This was an isolated incident and measures were taken to solve the issue as soon as it was detected, the company said.