Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for staging and activating microcode of a processor. For example, one embodiment of a processor comprises: a plurality of functional blocks, each functional block operable, at least in part, based on microcode and including a non-volatile memory to store a corresponding microcode update (MCU); a plurality of MCU staging memories, each MCU staging memory to temporarily store one or more of the MCUs for one or more corresponding functional blocks of the plurality of functional blocks; authentication hardware logic to attempt to validate each MCU of the one or more MCUs stored in each MCU staging memory, wherein each MCU is to be copied to a non-volatile memory of a corresponding functional block only after a successful authentication.

Abstract: Examples described herein relate to updating boot firmware code or microcode. In some examples, a management controller includes a memory and a system processor, coupled to the management controller, is to: based on a first configuration, perform a boot operation by a read of first boot firmware code from the memory of the management controller. Based on a second configuration, the system processor is to perform a boot operation by a read of second boot firmware code from a flash memory.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for identification of model-specific behavior relating to microcode update capabilities of a processor to enable efficient microcode updates across a range of different machines. A system may include a first processor core and a second processor core. A register of the system may indicate a hardware capability of the system to perform a uniform microcode update by propagating a microcode update from the first processor core to a second processor core.