topic Re: does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND? in Mobile and Desktop Processors

does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND?

idata — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 12:07:51 GMT

Hi,

I'm trying to using RDRAND on an ivy-bridge i3-3220 cpu, but failed because the bit is not set in cpuid. according to

Desktop 3rd Generation Intel

Core™ Processor Family

Specification Update

August 2013

Revision 014

BV54. The RDRAND Instruction Will Not Execute as Expected

Problem:

On processors that support the RDRAND instruction, that capability should be reported via the setting of CPUID.01H:ECX.RDRAND[bit 30]. Due to this erratum, that bit will not be set, and the execution of the RDRAND instruction will result in a # UD exception.

Implication:

Software will not be able to utilize the RDRAND instruction

Workaround:

It is possible for the BIOS to contain a workaround for this erratum to report RDRAND as present via CPUID and allow proper execution of RDRAND.

I'm wondering if it is possible to enable RDRAND on ivy-bridge i3-3xxx cpu by bios as the document suggested? I've asked the mother board provider, they are not sure, so an official confirmation will be great help.

Thanks very much.

Re: does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND?

Silvia_L_Intel1 — Wed, 11 Sep 2013 20:55:20 GMT

I'm going to check on this. I'll keep you posted.

Re: does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND?

idata — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 01:07:40 GMT

GREAT!

this problem have bothered me for about one and a half months. a solid answer from intel will definitely relieve my frustrated heart :-)

Re: does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND?

Silvia_L_Intel1 — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 15:55:31 GMT

Can you provide me details of the hardware you are using?

Motherboard
Current BIOS version
Memory model number
Any additional devices (maker and model)

Re: does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND?

idata — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 08:48:49 GMT

Motherboard: MB-7582W V1.0C

Current BIOS version: MB7582A VerA30(For ver.AA0), 10/03/2012

The company: http://www.lannerinc.com/ http://www.lannerinc.com/

Web page for this motherboard: http://www.lannerinc.com/products/x86-network-appliances/rackmount/fw-7582 FW-7582 | x86 Rackmount Appliances | Lanner

Re: does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND?

Silvia_L_Intel1 — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 20:20:18 GMT

Thanks for the information. I'm still waiting for the information, once I received it I will reply to you.

Re: does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND?

Silvia_L_Intel1 — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 16:48:20 GMT

I just received the information about your inquire.The RDRAND instruction is part of Intel Secure Key Technology.

This Intel technology is only supported on I5 and on I7 Ivy Bridge and Haswell processors.

Intel I3 processors do not support it at all.

Re: does i3-3xxx cpu supports RDRAND?

idata — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 02:15:35 GMT

thanks very much for your information. from now on I will try to figure out an alternative solution.