3mdeb Updates Dasharo Firmware for ASRock Rack SPC741D8-2L2T Server Board

3mdeb engineers released an updated version of their Dasharo downstream firmware for the ASRock Rack SPC741D8-2L2T motherboard. According to Phoronix, this release maintains support for systems utilizing 4th and 5th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. The update arrives as the development team continues its broader work on open-source firmware initiatives.

The firmware update ensures that existing hardware platforms remain compatible with the latest processor generations supported by the specific board. Phoronix reports that 3mdeb has not neglected past projects while pursuing new hardware ports. This release serves as a maintenance update for the specific ASRock Rack model, keeping its open-source firmware option current for users who rely on Dasharo for their server infrastructure needs.

Development Context and Parallel Projects

According to Phoronix, 3mdeb firmware engineers have been active this year working on multiple hardware platforms. The team is currently porting Coreboot and openSIL to an AMD Ryzen AM5 MSI motherboard. This work involves adapting open-source firmware to run on consumer-grade AMD hardware, expanding the scope of devices that can utilize these free software alternatives to proprietary BIOS implementations.

Simultaneously, the engineers are working to get openSIL and Coreboot up and running on a Gigabyte server motherboard. This specific server board supports AMD EPYC 9005 CPUs. These parallel efforts demonstrate the team’s focus on both enterprise server hardware and newer consumer desktop platforms. The work on the AMD platforms proceeds alongside the maintenance of their existing Intel server firmware offerings.

Hardware Support and Scope

The updated Dasharo firmware specifically targets the ASRock Rack SPC741D8-2L2T motherboard. This board is designed for enterprise environments and supports Intel Xeon Scalable processors. The update explicitly covers 4th and 5th Gen versions of these processors. Users of this specific motherboard model can now apply the updated firmware to ensure their system remains supported by the Dasharo downstream project.

Phoronix notes that the team has not forgotten about past projects despite their busy schedule with new ports. This suggests a commitment to maintaining existing supported hardware lines. The release does not introduce new hardware support for the ASRock board but rather updates the existing firmware to align with the supported processor generations for that specific chassis.

What should you do?

Administrators managing servers based on the ASRock Rack SPC741D8-2L2T should verify if they are running the previous version of the Dasharo firmware. If they are using 4th or 5th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, they can consider applying the update to maintain alignment with the current downstream release. Users should review the release notes provided by 3mdeb to confirm compatibility with their specific system configuration before flashing the firmware.

What to do and how to stay safe: 3mdeb

• Check the current firmware version on your ASRock Rack SPC741D8-2L2T motherboard to see if it is older than the latest Dasharo release.
• Review the 3mdeb documentation to confirm that the update supports your specific 4th or 5th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processor model.
• Back up your current firmware configuration before attempting to flash the updated Dasharo image to prevent potential boot failures.
• Monitor 3mdeb communication channels for future updates regarding the AMD Ryzen AM5 and EPYC 9005 ports if you are interested in those platforms.

Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords

General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Which motherboard is updated in this release?

The update is for the ASRock Rack SPC741D8-2L2T motherboard, according to Phoronix.

What processors are supported by the new firmware?

The firmware supports 4th and 5th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors.

Is 3mdeb working on other hardware platforms?

Yes, they are working on ports for an AMD Ryzen AM5 MSI motherboard and a Gigabyte server board with AMD EPYC 9005 CPUs.