> > I just downloaded and installed the Microsoft patch for Windows 7 but my > motherboard > > hasn't received any firmware updates since 2014 so I'm fucked. > > Why does that matter? My understanding is that this can only be fixed at the OS level > on existing hardware.
A firmware update from Intel is also required for additional hardware protection, and those will be distributed separately by OEMs. It’s up to OEMs to release the relevant Intel firmware updates, and support information for those can be found at each OEM support website. If you built your own PC you’ll need to check with your OEM part suppliers for potential fixes.