Re: Intel microcode fixes [OFF-TOPIC]

H. Peter Anvin (hpa@transmeta.com)
17 Nov 1998 23:40:46 GMT


Followup to: <3650AC6B.982F73D@mindless.com>
By author: menion <menion@mindless.com>
In newsgroup: linux.dev.kernel
>
> >
> > Microcode fixes for Intel P6-core chips are uploaded to the CPU either
> > by the BIOS, or by a driver. Linux obviously doesn't have a driver,
> > which means it has to be done by the BIOS (usually shipped as part of
> > the BIOS) or we have to get a driver.
> >
> > The microcode update itself is delivered from Intel as a binary blob.
> >
> > -hpa
>
> Call me superstitous (and a bad speller), but the idea of upgrading
> micro-code is even worse than that of bioses. Frankly the idea of
> replaceing a bios is enough to make me reach for a little Maalox (at
> times), but the idea of upgrading _micro-coding_ on a stinking CPU makes
> me want... some Mez-Cal(*), or Jose Cuervo at least. (and lots of it.)
>

The microcode update is nonpersistent. If it doesn't work, you can
cut the power and restart the CPU in original state.

-hpa

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