Warning: Spectre Microcode "Fix"

http://bgr.com/2018/01/22/intel-spectre-patch-performance-bugs-reboot/
https://gizmodo.com/intel-is-trying-to-fix-the-biggest-problem-with-its-spe-1822305604

As @Prema has already stated, the microcode update to fix your spectre issue is more harmful than helping. If you're running the fix on your PC, consider reverting back before breaking your CPU or any other parts.

Prema was faster than intel finding this issue, so I suggest we all should wait for Prema to give us a green light before applying a microcode even after intel releases something new around this weekend.

Also:
Do not spam Prema about any fixes or updates, he will let us know in time. Testing and waiting for intel to release the first testversion will take a little bit, so please be patient and don't force him to disable this PM feature.

Thanks for understanding.

EDIT:
For those who are confused, this only applies to you when you have flashed a new BIOS update which contains the microcode from the 8.01.2018. This is entirely microcode related and not software related.

If you haven't done any BIOS flashing after the date, then no worries you're safe and you don't have to do anything.

 

Are you talking about Clevo owners only?

 

No, every CPU from ivy upwarts, the brand doesn't matter. Even desktops should avoid this update for now. It is flawed and if you're very unlucky you will kill something.

@ Raidriar
broke his haswell CPU with this microcode update.

His quote:

 

Hi Prema,

I have Clevo p750dm purchased from Azom. i already have your bios. Hover i have a few questions regarding the recent Meltdown and Spectre fiasco. The Meltdown issue was fixed with windows update. However i watched somewhere that for the Spectre issue, we need a bios patch update.

I have contacted my reseller who is a partnered with you but they have no clue regarding any new bios update from your end to fix the spectre issue. I have used InSpectre.exe to check if my system is safe or not. it shows that it is safe from meltdown, but not spectre.

So hmm, do we get a new bios update or is there another workaround? if we are getting a bios update, can you let me know the timeline so i know when to contact my reseller for the updated bios. thanks in Advance. Cheers.

 

I have very strange behavior with my friend's AW18 with i7 4910mq, the update already applied and I have no idea what I can do to help him.

 

Remove it as fast as possible. Raidriar has an Alienware as well and broke his 4940MX with the update. I strongly suggest reflashing an older BIOS for now until Prema gives us a green light before some damage is incoming.

 

I tried to flash an older one or even the latest v.12, but I can't, everytime I try flashing any BIOS error came out on my face and the update process interrupted.

 

I suggest making a thread in the Alienware forums, provide which error/s you're encountering as well. I'm sure one or the another will be able to help you there, in the worst case you can force flash it.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/warning-spectre-microcode-fix.813114

 

Can you roll back the micocode update? and how to do it

 

If you flashed a BIOS update with the new code, just flash an older one to fix it.

 

So I assume the best thing to do is roll back bios update then use my macrium backup prior to updating windows 10? Sorry for the noob question. Just wanted to be sure that I am doing the right thing as the intel issue is a mess and I am a newbie with this kind of stuff.. I just play games.. LOL

 

No, all software Updates are perfecly fine, it's just about the BIOS update on the microcode. If you havent done an BIOS update with the newest microcode from the 8.01.2018 then you're completely fine and don't have to do anything. If you have done an update, then you can reflash with an older BIOS and wait. There is no need to rollback windows or anything.

 

I think you mean Sandy Bridge upwards?

Interesting that Nehalem/Westmere isn't affected despite being the first gen Core i3/i5/i7 processors. I was gutted when I could spend a bit more for Sandy Bridge machines or wait for them to drop price, instead of buying a 2nd-hand E5510 (and missing a lot of features available on later models), but now I should be happy with the decision.

 

No. Intel hasn't touched anything pre ivy bridge yet. There is no fix for pre ivy bridge right now and the fix released for ivy bridge and higher is as seen on the links of my OP a disaster.

 

Not sure which one is true 'cause some articles mentioned SB was also affected by reboot problems...

As quoted from this:

Note that SB is listed after IVB, even though SB is an earlier gen.

While it doesn't make much difference since many 1st-hand users may have already upgraded from SB anyway, it can be a big deal for those looking for cheap systems.

 

Sandy bridge fixes aren't public as far as I know, they are only accessable for testers and interns from intel or so. I'm not even sure if ivy bridge even made it to the public fix, either way, whatever CPU you have avoid the microcode update.

 

Good to know that

Still, a fix that doesn't fix stuff but ****s up even more, sounds ironic (and sad) I gotta say.

 

See @Danishblunt 's post above, but also if you need to get someone's attention make sure you tag them by using @ and then their user name ;-)

 

https://www.pcworld.com/article/324...-reboots-intel.html?google_editors_picks=true

intel is apparently the hold up at the moment

 

Thanks for the info. Its just that I had the impression that you cannot roll back a microcode update.. I was wrong then.. Thanks alot..

 

The microcodes are saved in the BIOS, so when you flash another BIOS version you flash anotehr microcode on it.

 

Intel has removed their microcode from their downloadpage as well.