Perceptive readers of HardOCP (http://www.hardocp.com) noticed that benchmarks at the sites' recent Pentium 4 3.06GHz article had been altered. They took their observations to the HardForums where they thought the admins at HardOCP would shed some light on the subject. Instead they found themselves being banned from the site and their forum postings deleted in a rush by HardOCP to cover up the accusations.

Those who were banned immediately took their evidence and comments to other tech sites on the web to uncover the truth.

After being scrutinized by the Tech Community, HardOCP has officially admitted its wrongdoing. Their apology offers no reasonable explanation as to why they improperly inflated their benchmark results nor does it address the unjust bans from the HardForum.

It is not clear whether or not economic factors are at play in this situation, but a rather large banner sponsored by Intel is located on all pages of the Pentium 4 3.06GHz article. Some members of the community have gone so far as to say that Intel has promoted bias in the article.

Kyle's response tactfully alludes to an accidental alteration of the score from 17329 to 17829 (after all an 8 is awfully similar to a 3) but the evidence in the forums at xtremesystems.org very clearly show that this is not the case.

JCviggen offers proof that the benchmark that was altered was not simply a "typo" as HardOCP claims. Yet it was precisely this evidence that got him banned from the Forums. When asked why he was banned Kyle responded:

"I dont have times for you and your dreamed up issues…"

Several days later when Kyle realized that these "dreamed up issues" were true he offered no apology to JCViggen.

We fail to see how treating your readers in such a manner give any indication that you care for them. It is evident, Kyle, that your readers are not your "number one concern."

However, you still plead with them to: "not let this be a mark against our integrity and honesty."

For them to do so, you must first apologize for all of your improper actions. Then you must give a detailed explanation as to 1) why the benchmarks were doctored, 2) why the scores were then altered back, and 3) why you tried to cover this up.

Your integrity and honesty will remain in question until such actions are taken.

Links:

HardOCP 3.06GHz Review In Question:
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=Mzg4

Altered Image:
http://www.hardocp.com/image.html?image=MTAzNzE3OTk1OFZFTnR2MTBXdm9fNF8zX2wuZ2lm

Overclockers.com Statement:
http://www.overclockers.com/tips00187/

Overclockers.com Forum Evidence:
http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=139415

XtremeSystems.org Forum Evidence:
http://xtreme.routehero.com/forums/showthread.php?s=a5c7ced7119c205f6759c0cf620cebe0&threadid=4828&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

HardOCP's "Clarification":
http://www.hardocp.com/#5903-1