Intel Enables Paid Core Unlocking via SDSi in Linux Kernel 5.18

Previously, Intel's 12th‑generation Alder Lake processors were optimized for Windows 11 because the operating system provided a thread‑director that could schedule performance (P) and efficiency (E) cores effectively, leaving Linux and other OSes with slightly reduced performance.

With the release of Linux kernel 5.18, the thread‑director support was added, allowing Linux to achieve optimal performance, and Intel introduced a new feature called SDSi (Software‑Defined Silicon) that can be unlocked through a paid model.

SDSi lets customers purchase additional CPU cores that were initially disabled; for example, a processor that physically contains 64 cores may be sold with only 56 active, and the remaining 8 cores can be unlocked for a fee, primarily targeting data‑center workloads.

This approach enables Intel to ship cheaper CPUs initially and later generate revenue by selling performance upgrades, while also opening the possibility of future paid features such as higher clock speeds, improved power‑profile configurations, or unlocked cache.

Although Intel has not announced a commercial rollout for consumer‑grade CPUs, the article notes that consumers might seek work‑arounds to bypass the lock, whereas enterprises are less likely to attempt such methods due to legal risks.