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#200
That's just the software used to update the microcode. Its latest version is dated 2016, nothing to worry about. What matters is the actual microcode data, which is provided and updated regularly by Intel and can be downloaded from the first link I shared. Its actual version is dated November, 2017. A more updated package which includes patches for both Meltdown and Spectre is expected to be released shortly, or at least that's what I got from today's Intel's announcement. If an updated BIOS version from your board's manufacturer is unavailable, then software-updating the cpu microcode seems like the only other way to be procted-ish. We just gotta stay tuned and see what happens in the upcoming days..
You're probably confusing it with Spectre which is more subtle, affects all cpus, and can definitely not be fixed via a microcode update. Microsoft however strongly recommends this procedure. They clearly state:
"Customers who only install the Windows January 2018 security updates will not receive the benefit of all known protections against the vulnerabilities. In addition to installing the January security updates, a processor microcode, or firmware, update is required. This should be available through your device manufacturer."
As per my answer above: if your manufacturer doesn't release an updated BIOS, then a software update looks like the only way to go to be more protected-ish
Hi,
It's not an easy piece of software to use though. It requires the MC files for both Intel and AMD cpu's and then you have to rename the MC file from Intel so install.bat can find it or else it will throw an error.That's just the software used to update the microcode.
Cheers,
I had problems on one computer with download but when I stopped onedrive refreshing the download began to download and install. Before, it kept telling me it was up to date.
My understanding is that’s it’s impossible because it’s a flaw in the architecture itself.
If Intel could patch it with microcode, they’d be shouting from the rooftops about it to qwell all the negative press they’re getting right now. Also take into account how long they’ve known
BUG | But Why Intel? - YouTube
This problem might be a good case for Conventional CPUs to become like FPGAs.
Last edited by SoDiMm; 05 Jan 2018 at 20:48.
Hi,
Not sure how FPGA's would be any more secure.This problem might be a good case for Conventional CPUs to become like FPGAs.
Cheers,
FPGAs are a blank slate and can be programmed/reprogrammed into something completely different with an update. They’re like a hardware emulator.
Field-programmable gate array - Wikipedia
I don’t think they’re currently advanced enough to be programmed into something like a modern processor though. There are some retro consoles being released that use them for their CPUs. A 6502 is a far cry from an i7 though.
Perhaps parts of the CPU could be made like an FPGA?
I’m not a processor engineer so I might just be talking out of my ***. :)