[Nottingham] Intel CPU Microcode 'critical fix' released

[Martin]

For the last bit on this story, see at bottom:

Martin wrote:
> Further details:
> 
>> A "critical fix" has been posted for Intel Core 2 based
>> machines, Core 2 architecture Xeons are included also.
>>
>> See:
>>
>> A microcode reliability update is available that improves the
>> reliability of systems that use Intel processors
>>
>> Article ID	:	936357
>> Last Review	:	June 22, 2007
>> Revision	:	1.0
>>
>> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=936357
> [---]
> 
>> The list for the CPUs affected is:
>>
>> Core 2 Duo E4000/E6000
>> Core 2 Quad Q6600
>> Core 2 Xtreme X6800, XC6700, XC6800
>> Core 2 Duo T5000, T7000
>>
>> Xeon 3000, 3200, 5100, 5300s
>>
>> or just about every model from second generation of Core microarchitecture
>>
>> (Non-Microsoft OSes need to update their motherboard BIOSes to implement
>> the fix.)
> 
> See:
> http://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?threadid=33889730
> http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c01020735&dimid=908755463&dicid=alr_apr07&jumpid=em_alerts/us/apr07/all/xbu/emailsubid/mrm/mcc/loc/rbu_category/alerts
> 
> 
> The critical bit is:
> 
> Intel releases critical Core 2 Duo microcode update - Silently
> 
> Around April 10th, 2007, Intel released a microcode update (BIOS flash
> to the rest of us) so resolve several major issues with how Intel Core 2
> series processors operate.
> 
> 
> So... If you've done a recent BIOS upgrade and your motherboard
> manufacturer was up to date, you may already be covered...
> 
>>From that date from so long ago, it must be well tested by now! Still
> needs checking if you're covered.
> 
> At least the Windows 'update' makes it all easier for the Windows people.

>From the HP link above:

"This Intel microcode update addresses an improper Translation Lookaside
Buffer (TLB) invalidation that may result in unpredictable system
behavior such as system hangs or incorrect data."


For non-Windows users of Intel Core 2 CPUs, its worth checking your BIOS
updates for the CPU bugfix.

Cheers,
Martin

-- 
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Martin Lomas
martin at ml1.co.uk
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