Unknown Additional Driver: Processor microcode firmware for Intel CPUs for intel-microcode

Question

After upgrading to 15.04, I have one additional driver (it did not appear in 14.10). What is the purpose of this driver and should I enable it?

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Is there an Intel cpu? http://blog.surgut.co.uk/2015/03/intel-cpu-microcode-support-in-ubuntu.html — mikewhatever, Apr 24 '15 at 22:27

score 65 · Accepted Answer · edited Jun 12 '20 at 14:37

65

The microcode data file for Linux contains the latest microcode definitions for all Intel processors.

Intel releases microcode updates to correct processor behavior as documented in the respective processor specification updates.

While the regular approach to getting this microcode update is via a BIOS upgrade, Intel realizes that this is an administrative hassle.

The Linux Operating System has a mechanism to update the microcode after booting the OS.

In Ubuntu Vivid Vervet 15.04,ubuntu-drivers-common is a framework to detect hardware-dependent components on user's machine.

Source

edited Jun 12 '20 at 14:37

Community

answered Apr 24 '15 at 23:41

kyodake

3

so, no to worry if this driver is not used? – Ljiljan Veselinovic Apr 25 '15 at 08:22
4

Yes, no to worry if this driver is not used. – kyodake Apr 25 '15 at 15:08
1

The link you provided is not a direct link to the information you're referring to. Do you mind correcting this? – RolandiXor Jun 13 '15 at 21:04
@RolandiXor: updated! – kyodake Jun 13 '15 at 22:19
8

I will add the the 'Do not use the device' doesn't mean you are not using the device, I think it means you aren't using it with the available proprietary driver. (e.g. my wifi card is set to 'do not use' in additional drivers but is happily using bcma-pci-bridge instead of the proprietary wl) – Wilf Jul 13 '15 at 20:53
3

So this will permanently upgrade the BIOS? – Flimm Dec 13 '15 at 10:17
3

@Flimm No, the update has to be reapplied. If you put "Do not use the device" the microcode will be the BIOS's not your Ubuntu's. – Avamander Feb 19 '16 at 22:22
1

Will it speed up the system a little bit? – Yashwardhan Pauranik Jun 08 '17 at 02:43
2

56 upvotes on an answer I don't understand... :( In contrast, this answer, for example, has a much clearer message. – nutty about natty Jun 25 '17 at 17:48