Update CPU Microcode

[stavros58]

Asrock has brought out a new update for my Asrock Z77 Extreme 6 Mobo to Update CPU Microcode it's a beta [Beta] 2.90 2018/5/30. Has anyone flashed their BIOS with the update and does anyone have any views on the value of this e.g. does it make a difference or is flashing the bios taking an unnecessary risk?

 

[Rogue Leader]

That BIOS update is likely for the recent exploits of Intel chips, there really is no other reason to update such an old chipset. The likelyhood of those exploits being used against you is low, so I'm of the "leave well enough alone" variety. Its not like there is any other performance benefit, in fact it may hinder performance slightly.

The update probably will work fine but there is always a tiny chance it won't. Why risk it?

 

[The Original Ralph]

what Rogue Leader said X2

 

[stavros58]

Thanks for your response that's pretty much my thoughts as well and as you say it may well have a small performance impact. I have done quite a few Bios updates over the years without problems but prefer to avoid if possible. So I will leave well alone for the time being unless the advice changes. Thanks again

 

[The Original Ralph]

Thanks for your response that's pretty much my thoughts as well and as you say it may well have a small performance impact. I have done quite a few Bios updates over the years without problems but prefer to avoid if possible. So I will leave well alone for the time being unless the advice changes. Thanks again

here's more info on both Spectre and Meltdown - some users report performance drops of 10-15%. I'm running the computer you see detailed in my sig below, while i haven't benchmarked it i have not noticed any slow down in rendering video files. I have not installed the Asrock bios update that includes the Spectre patch, but the microsoft meltdown patches have self-installed thru windows updates (unavoidable)

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3609004/cpu-security-vulnerabilities-information.html