Intel finally has stable microcode fix for Spectre

Posted on Wednesday, February 21 2018 @ 13:55 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
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Intel issued an update about its progress to fix the whole CPU vulnerability mess. Some of the initial microcode updates had to be pulled due to stability issues, but now the chip giant finally has a stable release. The new production microcode update for Spectre has been delivered to OEM customers and partners, and will soon be available via BIOS updates.

At the moment, the stable release is exclusively for Skylake. The update for older chips remains in beta stage.
Intel has also greatly expanded its document outlining microcode update plans for a wide swath of platforms past. According to this document, Broadwell and Haswell microcode designed to mitigate Spectre remains in beta. Although the company isn't listing every Ivy Bridge product as a candidate for a microcode update yet, it is broadly indicating that firmware for at least some of those CPUs is in pre-beta or beta testing, so it seems likely that most systems with one of those CPUs could eventually get a Spectre-banishing update.
Via: The Tech Report


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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