[PATCH v2 0/6] x86: Support for Intel Microcode Staging Feature

["Chang S. Bae" <chang.seok.bae@intel.com>]

Hi all,

Here is a revision following up feedbacks from this posting [1]:

  *  Instead of embedding staging logic directly into load_late_locked(),
     it was suggested [3] to place it within load_late_stop_cpus(). This
     change ensures that staging is treated as a preparatory step
     before CPUs are stopped.

  *  Rather than introducing a separate .c file only for staging, the
     recommendation was to consolidate all staging-related code within
     intel.c [4].

  *  The previous implementation lacks clarity in explaining key aspects
     of the mailbox and staging handler. Improving documentation and
     readability in these areas was suggested as a necessary refinement
     [5,6], as I understood.

  *  It was also requested to fold MSR definitions into their usage
     patches [7].

In addition to addressing these points, I’ve considered a unified staging
state struct (patch 2), primarily to simplify the staging handler loop
while also improving overall code organization.

This series is based on the tip/master branch. You can also find it from
this repo:
    git://github.com/intel-staging/microcode.git staging_v2

I suspect the maintainers could afford another look at least after the
upcoming merge window. In the meantime, I would appreciate any additional
feedback from those interested in this feature.

The original cover letter, which provides some background on this feature
enabling and its initial integration considerations, can be found in the
previous postings [1,2]. The relevant specification has also been posted
[8].

Thanks,
Chang

[1] Last posting: https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20241211014213.3671-1-chang.seok.bae@intel.com/
[2] RFC: https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20241001161042.465584-1-chang.seok.bae@intel.com/
[3] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20250218113634.GGZ7RwwkrrXADX0eRo@fat_crate.local/
[4] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20250226175642.GOZ79V2jWQTH5rbuXo@fat_crate.local/
[5] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/fac46937-e0a5-42c1-96ee-65fec4e17551@intel.com/
[6] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/1aee0888-b87b-443c-84fa-3bc000cbebcf@intel.com/
[7] https://lore.kernel.org/lkml/20250226171923.GMZ79NG_8wDtZ8vyWH@fat_crate.local/
[8] Staging Spec: https://cdrdv2.intel.com/v1/dl/getContent/782715

Chang S. Bae (6):
  x86/microcode: Introduce staging step to reduce late-loading time
  x86/microcode/intel: Define staging state struct
  x86/microcode/intel: Establish staging control logic
  x86/microcode/intel: Implement staging handler
  x86/microcode/intel: Support mailbox transfer
  x86/microcode/intel: Enable staging when available

 arch/x86/include/asm/msr-index.h         |   9 +
 arch/x86/kernel/cpu/microcode/core.c     |  11 +
 arch/x86/kernel/cpu/microcode/intel.c    | 341 +++++++++++++++++++++++
 arch/x86/kernel/cpu/microcode/internal.h |   4 +-
 4 files changed, 364 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-)


base-commit: 758ea9705c51865858c612f591c6e6950dcafccf
-- 
2.45.2