24
Specification Update
BJ29.
The Processor May Report a #TS Instead of a #GP Fault
Problem:
A jump to a busy TSS (Task-State Segment) may cause a #TS (invalid TSS exception)
instead of a #GP fault (general protection exception).
Implication:
Operation systems that access a busy TSS may get invalid TSS fault instead of a #GP
fault. Intel has not observed this erratum with any commercially available software.
Workaround:
None identified
Status:
For the steppings affected, see the Summary Tables of Changes.
BJ30.
VM Exits Due to “NMI-Window Exiting” May Be Delayed by One
Instruction
Problem:
If VM entry is executed with the “NMI-window exiting” VM-execution control set to 1, a
VM exit with exit reason “NMI window” should occur before execution of any instruction
if there is no virtual-NMI blocking, no blocking of events by MOV SS, and no blocking of
events by STI. If VM entry is made with no virtual-NMI blocking but with blocking of
events by either MOV SS or STI, such a VM exit should occur after execution of one
instruction in VMX non-root operation. Due to this erratum, the VM exit may be delayed
by one additional instruction.
Implication:
VMM software using “NMI-window exiting” for NMI virtualization should generally be
unaffected, as the erratum causes at most a one-instruction delay in the injection of a
virtual NMI, which is virtually asynchronous. The erratum may affect VMMs relying on
deterministic delivery of the affected VM exits.
Workaround:
None identified
Status:
For the steppings affected, see the Summary Tables of Changes.
BJ31.
Pending x87 FPU Exceptions (#MF) May be Signaled Earlier Than
Expected
Problem:
x87 instructions that trigger #MF normally service interrupts before the #MF. Due to
this erratum, if an instruction that triggers #MF is executed while Enhanced Intel
SpeedStep® Technology transitions, Intel® Turbo Boost Technology transitions, or
Thermal Monitor events occur, the pending #MF may be signaled before pending
interrupts are serviced.
Implication:
Software may observe #MF being signaled before pending interrupts are serviced.
Workaround:
None identified
Status:
For the steppings affected, see the Summary Tables of Changes.
BJ32.
Values for LBR/BTS/BTM Will be Incorrect after an Exit from SMM
Problem:
After a return from SMM (System Management Mode), the CPU will incorrectly update
the LBR (Last Branch Record) and the BTS (Branch Trace Store), hence rendering their
data invalid. The corresponding data if sent out as a BTM on the system bus will also be
incorrect. Note: This issue would only occur when one of the 3 above mentioned debug
support facilities are used.
Implication:
The value of the LBR, BTS, and BTM immediately after an RSM operation should not be
used.
Workaround:
None identified
Status:
For the steppings affected, see the Summary Tables of Changes.
