The Intel Core Custom Challenge. Will your vision of tomorrow rock the world?

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: What is the Intel® Core™ i7 Custom Desktop Challenge?
A: To celebrate the launch of Intel® Core™ i7 and Core™ i5 processors, Intel is challenging enthusiasts to build an incredible mod desktop that will envision the possibilities of tomorrow’s technology – from awesome gaming PCs to outstanding platforms for home automation. Participants can choose to either showcase their Mod creativity, or can show how they can improve everyday life with a Lifestyle Innovation.

 
Q: Who is eligible to enter?
A: This multi-country design challenge is open to anyone 18 or older who wants to build a desktop that demonstrates a bold vision of a creative future. Participating countries include Belgium, Canada (except Quebec), Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

 
Q: What equipment do I need to use?
A:

You are required to build a custom desktop. When you register, you will be required to enter specific details pertaining to the system configuration including:

  • Processor used in the mod system
  • Motherboard manufacturing name and model
  • Graphic card name and model
  • Memory quantity

 
Q: Do I have to purchase a new Intel® Core™ i7 or Core™ i5 processor, or can I use my existing one?
A: No purchase of an Intel® Core™ processor is necessary. A purchase or payment of any kind will not increase your chances of winning.

 
Q: Where can I purchase Intel® Core™ i7 and Core™ i5 processors?
A: Please see the “Where to Buy” contest web site for a list of Intel Channel Partners carrying the new Intel® Core™ i7 processors.

 
Q: What language must I use to enter?
A: All entries, except those from Japan, must be in English. Entries from Japan can be in Japanese or English.

 
Q: What types of things do you expect in my photo submission?
A: For all contest categories you are required to submit pictures of your mod that represent the before state of your mod (system or components), the front, back, side, and your choice of a picture of your design that best represents your theme. Please submit either jpg or gif files for your photos.

 
Q: Can I enter a video?
A: Yes, you can create and submit a one minute or less video about your mod. The maximum file size for submissions is 1 GB.

 
Q: What types of images are allowed? Can I enter drawings or sketches instead of photos?
A: All images entered must be photographs (jpg or gif files). Photo entries must include the before state of your mod (system or components), the front, back, side, and your choice of a picture of your design that best represents your theme. You cannot submit sketches or drawings instead of photographs.

 
Q: Am I competing against Intel Channel Partners and Intel employees?
A: Intel Channel Resellers and Intel employees can submit a mod, but are not eligible to win official contest prizes.

 
Q: What all do I need to submit?
A: Please see the contest web site for full details (www.intelcorechallenge.com). You must register to participate in the contest. You will be asked a series of questions, including specific details on the system configuration of your mod. You will also be asked to answer two questions about why your submission meets the contest criteria. And finally, you are required to submit five pictures of your mod including the "before" state of your mod (system or components), the front, back, side, and your choice of a picture of your design that best represents your theme. Optionally, you can submit a one minute video about your mod. The maximum file size for video submissions is 1 GB.

 
Q: Can I keep updating my submission until the end?
A: Yes. To update it, you will need to first delete your submission and re-enter the competition at any time until November 16, 2009.

 
Q: Are all the fields required in the registration form?
A: All required fields will be marked with an *.

 
Q: What happens if my submission is late?
A: Submissions will not be accepted after (11:59 p.m. PDT) on November 16, 2009.

 
Q: What are the contest categories?
A:

Please see the contest web site for full details (www.intelcorechallenge.com). The contest categories include:

  • Best in Show
  • Best Mod Creativity
  • Best Lifestyle Innovation
  • Best in Country (1 prize for each country: USA, Canada except Quebec, Japan, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Belgium and The Netherlands)
  • People’s Choice
  • In addition, there will be a prize for best video.

 
Q: What can I win?
A:

Please see the contest web site for full details (www.intelcorechallenge.com). You can win:

Best in Show "CPU Magazine Award"
  • a $1,500 US dollar gift card (or currency equivalent) cash
  • Atom-based netbook
Best for Mod Creativity
  • a 160GB Intel® Solid State Drive
  • Flip* MinoHD Camcorder 120 Minutes + accessories
Best for Lifestyle Innovation
  • a 160GB Intel® Solid State Drive
  • a 32GB iPod* touch
Best Video
  • a $250 USD gift card
Best in Country
People's Choice
  • an Intel® Atom™ based netbook
  • a Flip* MinoHD Camcorder 120 Minutes + accessories

 
Q: How are entries judged?
A:

All Submissions will be reviewed. The finalist submissions will be judged on five factors according to our panel of judges – comprised of sponsors, Intel employees, and industry experts. Contestants will be awarded up to ten points per factor, for a total of 50 points.

  1. Overall mod creativity.
  2. Mod paint job/creativity.
  3. Technical enhancements.
  4. Demonstration creativity.
  5. Futuristic vision.

The finalist submissions will also be entered into the People’s Choice competition. From November 23, 2009 through December 7, 2009, all entries will be displayed on the Intel® Core™ i7 Custom Desktop Challenge web site: www.intelcorechallenge.com. Enthusiasts like you are eligible to vote for your favorite mod – which will be named the People’s Choice winner. A panel of industry experts will determine which mods will win in each of the other five award categories. Finalists will be notified on or about December 14, 2009.

 
Q: When will you announce the winners?
A: Winners will be announced on the contest web site on or about December 14, 2009.

 
Q: How will winners be notified?
A: Winners will be notified based on the contact information submitted during the registration process.

 
Q: Will all entrants be notified regardless if they won?
A: Yes, all entrants will receive a submission confirmation email and winner announcement email based on the contact information submitted during the registration process.

 
Q: Who are the judges?
A:

Judges include subject matter experts from Intel, our publication sponsors and the industry in general. Current judges include:

  1. Steve Dallman, Intel Vice-President, Worldwide Reseller Channel Organization
  2. Brian Jarvis, Intel Channel Manager
  3. Chris Trumble, Editor, CPU Magazine
  4. Lance Ulanoff, Editor-in-Chief, PCMag
  5. Allan Campbell, Editorial Director, Heaven Media and Founder of Driver Heaven
  6. Dewayne Carel, Editor/Owner Modders Inc
  7. Matthew Murray, Editor, ExtremeTech
  8. Mark Frauenfelder, Editor-in-Chief MAKE

 
Q: Can people vote more than once?
A: No, you can vote only once.

 
Q: What if someone keeps voting over and over, how will you level the playing field?
A: Our system only allows a voter to vote once, validated by their email address.

 
Q: What if I have more questions?
A: Please contact us at 888-975-6442 (outside the U.S. +1-650-416-2470) or via email at info@intelcorechallenge.com.

 
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