[A83] Re: microcode
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[A83] Re: microcode
>> Van: james@kirk.math.twsu.edu
>>
>> > There processors that allow you to update the microcode. I believe
>> > the Pentium III Xeon is one such CPU. I remember seeing stuff for
>> > Linux relating to that, although I can't remember exactly what.
>> >
>> All of the P6 family can have upgraded microcode (PPro, P2, P3,
>> celeron). Intel decided that it didn't want to have another f00f bug
>> requre the remaking of thousands (maybe millions) of CPUs. I think that
>> (no knowing for sure) that the K6 and above from amd can, as well as the
>> p4. I don't believe that alphas can nor sparcs, m68ks, can have the
>> microcode upgraded. Z80s certainly can't becuase they were before the
>> time of microcode, and have all instructions 'hardwired' into the chip.
There IS and upgradable Z80, although it's not a real Z80. Some people have
made a chip that emulates the Z80 (and it's succesor the ..M16???..). But I
don't think TI uses that one.
>> James L.
>>
>> PS The only ones I am sure about are the intel ones, and the z80, so if
>> I am wrong please correct me. Of course if people bothered to check the
>> processors before they shipped and not cover up problems...