AMD is working to replace its existing AGESA firmware with a more open-source implementation called openSIL, which will support both client and server chips.
During the OCP Regional Summit in Prague last month, AMD hosted its openSIL presentation, which talked about replacing the current use of AGESA. The implementation will work on both AMD’s client and server chips, which is good news since it was previously expected that only server EPYC would get the openSIL processing.
The AMD openSIL project is an open source firmware solution that, like the existing AGESA BIOS firmware, allows the platform to work with different CPU architectures, memory systems, DRAM and many other utilities. Each AGESA firmware adds or removes something, but mainly to extend processor and platform capabilities. AMD AGESA firmware, for example, is a hot topic right now given recent issues, and the necessary code is being written for an upcoming firmware to mitigate and correct flaws in the processor’s architecture, such as adjusting voltages on different rails. Going forward AMD hopes to open source and completely replace the AGESA firmware implementation.
While initial support for openSIL will be provided to the 4th generation EPYC CPU family known as Genoa/Bergamo, the firmware will also be available to clients starting in 2026. AMD expects the first openSIL firmware to be in production around 2026, around the time we get the Zen 6 core architecture codenamed Morpheus. openSIL firmware will be available on client desktop and client mobile.
Additionally, Raj Kapoor, AMD’s chief firmware architect, said that moving to openSIL will address some of the challenges the company has had with using AGESA in its Chromebook solutions, as Phoronix noted. Open source definitely has a big advantage in simplifying work on future firmware for Ryzen and EPYC CPUs, while at the same time strengthening security itself as required by the platform. It will be a while before we see it in action on the client side, but the server side will give us a sneak peek!
