Open Firmware for the AM5 Platform
3mdeb, a firmware development company, has introduced the first open-source firmware solution for AMD's AM5 platform. Dubbed Dasharo v0.9.0, this release is compatible with Zen 4 Phoenix APUs and specifically targets the MSI Pro B850-P motherboard. Built on Coreboot and AMD’s openSIL framework, the firmware offers a new level of transparency and flexibility for users of mainstream AM5-based systems.
The initial feature set includes a UEFI-compatible boot interface, enabling users to run operating systems that depend on this standard. UEFI Secure Boot and fTPM support ensure stronger security measures are in place. Additionally, the firmware provides fast boot functionality, along with quiet boot and EFI system partition scanning. These features are part of the first 19 improvements tailored for the B850 board.
Background and Development
The development of this firmware for the Pro B850-P has roots in prior work by 3mdeb. The company had previously developed firmware for the Gigabyte MZ33-AR1 server board, which is compatible with AMD EPYC 9005 series CPUs. The lessons learned from this earlier project laid the groundwork for adapting openSIL to support consumer-grade AM5 hardware.
Now, 3mdeb stands as the first company to deliver open-source firmware for AMD's mainstream AM5 platform. While AMD plans to transition from its closed-source AGESA firmware to its openSIL framework with the upcoming Zen 6 architecture, 3mdeb has taken a proactive approach by porting openSIL to older Ryzen CPUs. This move expands the reach of open-source firmware to a broader range of systems.
Open-source firmware like openSIL brings several advantages over traditional closed-source alternatives. Because the code is publicly accessible, security researchers and developers beyond AMD's team can inspect it for vulnerabilities, ensuring more robust defenses. This transparency also allows for community-driven improvements and faster response to potential threats.
Compatibility with Coreboot, and other frameworks such as oreboot, FortiBIOS, and Project µ, further enhances the flexibility of this new firmware. Additionally, Coreboot-based solutions are often optimized for performance, resulting in quicker boot times compared to proprietary firmware. The firmware is currently available on 3mdeb's official site under the MSI Pro B850-P hardware-firmware bundle, offering users an accessible way to upgrade their system firmware.