Question What is CPU microcode? (In BIOS update notes)

[favreervaf]

I have a MSI B660M Mortar Wifi (DDR5), and I am on update A.60 according to MSI Center, and now A.80 is out. This issue is, the notes on MSI website the past two says 'Update CPU Micro code. ' But MSI center says they do not recommend updating BIOS if there is no issue with the system. So my question is - is there something I am missing out with the CPU microcodes? Should I update BIOS? Have they made better CPU performance, etc? Please advise. I am running a i7-12700KF.

 

[kerberos_20]

cpu microcodes can fix hardware chip defects (bugs/errata) and tbh those microcodes should be for 13th gen now, those last two updates also fixes some memory and storage compatibility issues
so yea if you get no issues, then you dont need bios update

 

[BFG-9000]

CPUs contain micro-instructions embedded in the hardware that basically tell it how to best break down and perform computations using the hardware resources available.

As you'd expect, these instructions are frozen in the state they were in when the CPU design taped-out which could be a year or two before actual production. In that time and even years after production (as with the Spectre mitigations) any errors that are found can be corrected in the microcode embedded in the BIOS. Updating it only requires a BIOS flash.

Flash away so long as your motherboard is under warranty, since MSI's concerns then are their problem for not making the BIOS update procedure more foolproof. Once the warranty is up then it becomes your concern and well, then you'd have to weigh the risk vs. benefit.

 

[Mr.Spock]

the old saying goes, if it ain't broke - don't fix it... unless you're experiencing an issue or have a processor which requires a newer version stick with the one you have. you risk downtime and possibly some recovery if you flash and the settings no longer match your current config.

if you're moving to a newer processor then make sure you have the minimum microcode version to support the new processor in place before swapping