Windows 10: Asus Z270K cpu microcode

Is this microcode an update that is to be installed because of the Meltdown issue?
What are the actual steps to installing this type of file?
I found reference to the Al Suite tools so I installed this Suite but when I clicked on the upgrade checking the result was that no update was required at this time. This Desktop Bios was updated when the ME correction was done in the past months. I think the Bios is dated July 2017
Just a little confusion to add to the other question I have.
Does this microcode compliment the future Microsoft updates. Should it be in place or not before Microsoft produces stuff against the Meltdown insecurity?
I'm leaning towards the plan of having a technician in town install this thing.

:)

 

Intel Pentium G3258 Overclock problems in Windows 10

It's always good to know the whole story, which I learned with just a few minutes' web-searching. Intel never intended non-Z motherboards to be able to overclock the Pentium CPUs. Asus and a few other MB manufacturers exploited an Intel bug in the Pentium
CPUs that allowed them to be overclocked. Intel developed the new microcode included in KB3064209 and present by default in Windows 10 in order to correct the bug. Asus apparently anticipated this, as there is a statement on their website that says:

ASUS does not guarantee that Intel new Pentium processor and Core K Series (‘Haswell’ and ‘Haswell Refresh’) processors will be overclockable on ASUS H97, H87, B85 and H81 Series motherboards in the event that Intel issues software and firmware updates
that result in function changes.

There's no way for Microsoft to fix Intel's microcode, and you shouldn't expect Intel to do it because it was never their intent to allow Pentiums to be overclocked.

 

MACHINE_CHECK_EXCEPTION BSODS error

Thanks for your reply.

What search bar are you talking about ? On this website ? On Windows Start menu ? Note that I use french version. Is it a native Windows software ? Or should I download something ?

Note that I'm already up to date on the BIOS, I updated the Asus MB to 0703, release of january 2016, CPU microcode patch 74, and it didn't solve anything.

 

Search Asus website for firmware update

 

This is the cpu microcode that is on the bios & firmware downloads. I have downloaded this and its a cap type file.
I was looking for descriptions that outlined how a cap file is installed.

 

The Windows patch only solves part of the problem you need to install the updated Bios which contains the Microcode.

If the Motherboard is a PRIME Z270-K you go here PRIME Z270-K BIOS & FIRMWARE| Motherboards | ASUS USA
and downloaded it.
AI suite can't find it as it's only just been released, you will have to manually download it, extract the cap file and personally I'd put it on a USB stick and use EZ Flash in the bios to update it. To access the bios press Delete on starting the PC up.
Your Bios should have EZ Flash, a how to here ASUS EZ Flash 3 introduction | Official Support | ASUS UK

If that's too complicated you may be better getting someone used to flashing a Bios to do it.

 

That's the upgrade to address the recent Spectre vulnerability. You need to use the proprietary flash tool if you want to update the BIOS. I'm not familiar with ASUS, but with MSI all of this is included in the download, aswell as a read-me on how to do it properly, ASUS should have similar download path. Usually the steps are simple: You download all the files to a bootable USB device, and you launch it at startup. Also on modern hardware there's usually a built-in flash tool in the BIOS screen to make it easier. And whatever you do, never update the BIOS through the Windows desktop, always do it through the BIOS. This is the safest option.

 

Asus just has a zip file containing the bios cap file, no instructions or tool, that's in the bios or alternatively the Asus AI Suite which I would avoid using, as it's done from Windows which as said is not the safest place to Flash a Bios from. Incidentally I've never yet had the EZ Flash in the bios or AI Suite find the latest Bios version on line.

Asus doesn't require a bootable drive for a Bios Flash just needs the cap file putting on a drive, USB or internal, you browse to it from the EZ Flash utillity in the Bios

 

Okay, these are the kind of words I was hoping for since there were no instructions in this cap download.
extract the cap file and personally I'd put it on a USB stick and use EZ Flash in the bios to update it. To access the bios press Delete on starting the PC up. Your Bios should have EZ Flash, a how to here ASUS EZ Flash 3 introduction | Official Support | ASUS UK

I have discovered my BIOS version 0809 is higher than the bios listed in the Asus cpu info page - says if it is higher than a flash bios routine is not needed.

Its not that its complicated. I have been accustomed to getting into the bios....back many Win versions but not in Win10. Its the condition of when things go wrong( and they can) what is the reversal action. Someone who does this sort of thing on a regular basis would not have to research all the possibilities <grin>

EDIT: at 5 p.m EST the BIOS update was successfully completed through the Advanced section of the EZflash within the Z270 motherboard.
The fact that the driveway still requires a lot of shovelling to reduce the snow in front of the garage door contributed to low enthusiasm for going to town and have someone else provide the service *Biggrin
Thanks for the 'to do' list which allowed this success.