All Phenoms feature infamous L3 cache errata
However, good news inside
SADLY FOR AMD, the Phenom launch was dumbed down by a nasty bug that stopped AMD from launching a 2.4 GHz variant (9700).
At the same time, problems with the OS freezing were solved by a BIOS fix inside the motherboards that actually reduces performance between five to 10 per cent, since that BIOS update did nothing but ordered a processor to avoid that ill-fated corrupted cache data.
The problem with L3 cache caused performance reduction on all clock speeds and yes, Phenoms 2.2 and 2.3 GHz are affected as well, but it was really noticable at 2.4 GHz. BIOS run-around caused a 2.4 GHz part producing performance of 100-200 MHz slower parts. Of course, standard disclaimer in some rare-found, practically laboratory-only instances applies here.
We managed to learn that AMD was able to fix that problem through a micro-code update that is being prepared as we speak, and this micro-code update should be implemented in every Phenom from 9600 Black Edition and beyond. If that does not happen, micro-code should come no later than Phenom 9900 (2.6 GHz) in late January.
If you already own a Phenom, this micro-code update will be packaged with one of next versions of BIOS for your motherboard. This fix will enable normal performance at clocks starting from 2.4 GHz and beyond.
However, we would advise AMD work with partners on offering a Windows-based utility, since not all users know how to flash a BIOS (in fact, quite the opposite). Heck, you might even advertise it as a “free performance upgrade” utility. If that is a no go, it would only be fair if AMD issues a major service call, asking users to return their systems to channel partners and OEMs for a free BIOS update. µ
Comments
recall!? really?
that seems like a bit much doesn't it? I mean, with all the windows based mobo flashers out there now a days it's really not that hard is it? download the program and run it... pretty much it. I honestly think my mom could do it with out much trouble. Not to mention most people with this gen. of the phenom chips are one of 2 things 1) a technophile (who, if they are worth their salt, can flash a BIOS in their sleep) or 2) a business with a server ( who, no doubt, pay someone that should be able to do it, IT anyone). I guess my point is, you are making this a much bigger deal then it really isPlease, no...
...not a Dimdows-specific utility. Unless they release the source code so someone can do a Linux port.Another option might be to provide a FreeDOS-based boot image that can be written to a CD, or a USB key, or an SD card, or suchlike.
Captain Clueless
what Ryu seems to be forgetting is that the 'PC IQ' of the average home user is equivalent to that of something you'd find at the bottom of your pretty garden fish pond.There are people in my office who use computers every day and can just about manage to switch the PC on & log on to it, let run a BIOS update.
AMD should do the decent thing & recall them if it aint fit for purpose.
my mum
my mum has a problem with sending a text message, If i asked her to flash her bios she would just reply "dont be so rude!".recall!? really? comment
Recall might be the only safe thing to do.Windows based utilitys for vista are rare/non existant (MSI don't have one)
that leaves floppy drive flashing, how many new computers come with a floppy disk drive?
or using a usb boot stick, it's not that easy
Agree with Ryu
Yes I agree, someone that doesn't know how to flash their bios probably wouldn't know/care about their potential performance increase... in fact they probably couldn't tell you what is in their box!Middle Ground
Ryu, undoubtedly like many of us who frequent this site, clearly has difficulty understanding that what is simple for him/her is intimidating to, oh, 70% of people who own computers.While a recall may be overkill, it would certainly make sense for these computer makers to offer to send a CD configured with a DOS / Linux boot which AUTOMATICALLY runs the Bios upgrade for their machine.
The standard Geeky bios upgrade routine where a Windows user gets totally befuddled with command line options simply doesn't cut it from a Customer Care perspective, and frankly amounts to absolute laziness / incompetence on the part of the techs when it is so easy to create that sort of distribution.
They could make BIOS updating easy
All they need to do, in addition to the traditional distribution, is to make bootable CD images that update the BIOS without user intervention. They could mail out upgrade CDs along with vendor-specific marketing propaganda for users who are too hopeless to burn their own CDs.Personally, I try to avoid updating the BIOS through Windows. I use a USB floppy drive and boot disc to update all of my machines.
I'd buy a Phenom now but Shuttle is being lazy and not updating their BIOSes to recognize them. Grr.
Your mum
Does your mum own a Phenom X4 System?I'd say everyone who was keen enough to buy the first revision of a new CPU will be nerd enough to update his/her BIOS.
Greetz
Nathan
NEVER use a windows BIOS flashing utility
Yeah, I've flashed about 60 BIOSes on MOBOs over the yrs and just recently, and for the first time, decided to use Gigabyte's Windows based flasher @Flash (or something similar) and it totally hosed a beautiful 478 socket board. ATI chipset and everything - this board was loaded.The chip is soldered onto the board so no replacements. Gigabyte said "tough luck."
In short, I was the fool for thinking that they actually had windows flash update utilities ironed out after 4 yrs. I'll never do it again. I'd rather take my chance building a bootable dos cd with the bios in it. I was being lazy and it bit me hard.
Wouldn't it be much easier
Wouldn't it be much easier to just roll this out through OS "critical" fixes? That way you have to work with only few standard distros. MSFT will cover 92% of the market. Others can get it from sourceforge or something.Note: micro-code update can be applied by the OS at boot time.
to: OnceBittenTwiceShy
Gigabyte has used dual BIOS for many years now. You should be able to fallback to the other BIOS and bypass the corrupted one. You could then try to reflash the corrupted BIOS. I have bought many Gigabyte MOBOs over the years and this is one of the reasons I prefer them. To each his own of course.No Recall Necessary.
First, realize that the majority of PC users are running MS Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Second, the processor drivers contained within MS Windows were architected to help ease such possible issues in Intel/AMD processors. Thus as Intel has done in this past year, AMD could work with Microsoft to offer the update through the Windows Update mechanism and automatically push it out to users, if it is that critical.Most LINUX users will be capable of handling a simple BIOS update, or they can wait until the fix is integrated into a kernel update.
No ones mother, or clueless co-workers/family/friends/etcetera need do anything but stay out of the way of the normal system update facility.
Can we boost peformance?
Is thie article means Phenom's L3 errata BIOS fix could bring 5-10% more performance?Recall the Betaware
Siince the AMD BIOS fix is just a work around that blocks out part of the L3 cache to prevent the system crashes, AMD needs do the right thing and recall all Phenoms and replace them under their 3-year chip warranty. I won't be buying a Phenom any time soon.Also to Once Bitten. . . If your motherboard has an Award BIOS, sometimes they can be recovered after a bad flash by inserting a floppy disk with the correct BIOS update on it. If the floppy light comes on when you power up the PC, you have a good chance of recovering the BIOS.
I had a MSI MB that I once flashed with the wrong BIOS file. A website called www.Badflash.com explained how to go about the procedure.
It worked and the MB worked fine for several years until the capacitors puffed up. Oh well. You win some and you lose some.
errata
AMd must be rebrand this chip as chernobyl!!, why on earth they make promises they cant keep?Your Mum
"Does your mum own a Phenom X4 System?I'd say everyone who was keen enough to buy the first revision of a new CPU will be nerd enough to update his/her BIOS.
Greetz
Nathan
posted by : Nathan, 30 November 2007"
QFT. By the time someone like Dell starts selling Phenoms (*snerk*) that shouldn't be an issue.
AMD L3 bug
Same darn bug that existed in ALL the AMD mp chips.They excused thier way out of it as "a necessary design feature" and failed to engineer it out for k10.
Hell, they outsourced labs over it to sweep it under the rug.
This design flaw was known well in advance.
not enough
Yes, updating the microcode ought to speed up the processor internally, but if you already purchased a 2.2GHz part, that alone won't get it to run at 2.4GHz. You'll still need to overclock as well. All the update would do is enable it to run comfortably at an overclocked 2.4GHz clock rate.There goes the Phenom...
Buying this processor would be simply stupid now. Even when the fixed B3 CPUs are released, who says you're not going to get one of the older, broken ones? It's like that anticipation hoping you'll get the processor with the overclockable stepping. Only, this means you're hoping you don't get a flawed chip. Not worth the gamble in my book. As an AMD fan, its a shame I'll have to opt for Intel for my next build again...terrible engineer
very terrible engineering work...whoever design the chip and run the test should be fired....