Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
Secure enablement of platform features without user intervention

Abstract:

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for secure enablement of platform features without user intervention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes at least a motherboard and a processor. The motherboard includes at least a socket and an authentication component. The authentication component can be a chipset, expansion I/O device, or other component. The processor is installed in the socket on the motherboard. During a boot sequence, the processor retrieves a key value from the authentication component and then authenticates the key value. Next, the processor determines which one or more features to enable based on the key value. Then, the processor programs one or more feature control registers to enable the one or more features specified by the key value. Accordingly, during normal operation of the system, the one or more features will be enabled.