Intel removes benchmark ban from Linux microcode conditions

Intel has modified the terms of the Linux microcode for CPUs. The new version no longer includes a ban on benchmarks and performance comparisons. Intel has not provided an explanation as to why that ban was in it.

Intel CEO Imad Sousou says in a tweet that Intel has simplified the terms of the Linux microcode to make it easier to distribute. The new terms are much shorter than the version Intel previously drafted, and the ban on benchmarking and performance comparisons has been removed altogether. Intel makes no further mention of that passage, but says ‘as an active member of the open source community, it is open to all feedback’.

At the time of writing, the old terms, which prohibit benchmarks and performance comparisons, are still in the Linux microcode installer file. Intel probably still needs to update that file.

Earlier this week, the terms were outraged when open source pioneer Bruce Perens noted that Intel had included a passage banning benchmarks. The microcode contains patches against vulnerabilities such as Specter and L1TF and can negatively affect processor performance. While the conditions were active, Intel did show benchmarks itself and other parties, such as Phoronix and Red Hat, have also done so.

There was not only criticism of the passage about benchmarks; the Debian team refused to use the microcode in its Linux distribution due to the presence of the license, alleging that it contained passages that made its distribution difficult. The new, simplified terms and conditions should also eliminate that problem.