A method comprises providing a golden ROM unit comprising known good ROM code. The golden ROM is coupled to a ROM socket of a target system. The target system is booted, wherein booting comprises providing power to the target system and independently providing power to the ROM socket. The known good ROM code is loaded from the golden ROM to a system memory of the target system. Power is removed from the ROM socket and the golden ROM is decoupled from the ROM socket. A first subject ROM is coupled to the ROM socket. Power is provided to the ROM socket and the first subject ROM is programmed with the known good ROM code.