Intel Software Defined Silicon found in Linux patch code

Looks like Intel may bring the paid processor enhancement feature back to the market. This is hinted at by a patch for Linux, in the code of which they found a mention of something called Intel Software Defined Silicon (SDSi). 

It is known that this applies to Xeon processors, and the description says that SDSi allows you to configure additional processor functions through the license activation process.  

It is difficult to say something unequivocally yet, but sources suggest that we are talking about the possibility of paid unlocking of a number of CPU functions. Moreover, ten years ago the company had already experimented with such an opportunity. Then it was called Intel Upgrade Service. The service allowed for $ 50 to unlock 1 MB of cache memory for some processors and/or raise the frequencies a little. True, this service existed on the market for only a couple of years.  

In the case of more complex and specific server processors, this service may be more in demand. For example, Intel can provide the ability to unlock additional cache memory, a large amount of which not all applications need, or unlock support for AVX-512 instructions.  

Post a Comment

0 Comments