The first open firmware Dasharo for the AMD AM5 platform

The developer 3mdeb, known for its open-source and system security projects, announced the release of Dasharo v0.9.0 — the first open firmware compatible with the new AMD AM5 platform. The product is based on coreboot version 25.12 and the open AMD openSIL interface, allowing for a complete replacement of the proprietary UEFI-BIOS on the MSI PRO B850-P motherboard.

Dasharo supports booting in UEFI mode with Secure Boot enabled, making it compatible with Windows 11 and modern Linux distributions. The firmware also works with TPM, allows firmware updates through the UEFI interface, and provides users with flexible boot parameter settings.

The release of the first public version proved that the AM5 platform can operate on fully open low-level software without losing key features: integrated graphics, PCIe slots, USB controllers, SATA drives, and network interfaces are supported. Additionally, the developers implemented stable memory initialization and advanced power management schemes.

Supported processors

Currently, Dasharo only works with AMD Phoenix series processors: Ryzen 7 8700G, Ryzen 5 8600G, Ryzen 5 8500G, Ryzen 5 8400F, and Ryzen 3 8300G. Other AM5 platform chips, including models with 3D V-Cache technology, are not yet supported.

The 3D V-Cache technology used in Ryzen 9 7950X3D processors does not prevent support from being added in future firmware versions; however, the current Dasharo branch does not include it, as none of the supported Phoenix processors are equipped with this type of cache.

Ryzen 9000 processors (Granite Ridge family) also remain inaccessible, as they use a different SoC die that requires a separate openSIL branch from AMD. At the time of the Dasharo v0.9.0 release, AMD had not yet provided such a branch.

Development prospects

Initially, the openSIL phoenix_poc project was designed for mobile processors. 3mdeb expanded it by adding support for desktop Phoenix processors, paving the way for broader use of open firmware on AM5.

Developers urge users to create requests in the openSIL repository on GitHub, expressing interest in support for processors from the Raphael and Granite Ridge families. With enough requests, AMD may accelerate the release of the necessary openSIL branches.

The Dasharo open firmware represents an important step towards increasing transparency and control over low-level software in modern PCs. It allows users to eliminate closed BIOS, improve system security, and reduce dependence on firmware vendors.

For the Ukrainian IT community and everyone who values independent technology, such a project opens new opportunities for customization, code auditing, and collaborative development. With continued cooperation with AMD, open firmware could become the standard for desktop platforms.

Source: 3DNews