What Is Intel’s On‑Demand CPU Feature and How Does It Unlock Server Accelerators?

Earlier we reported that Intel merged its CPU in‑purchase feature (SDSI) into Linux 5.18; software‑defined silicon (SDSI) is a post‑manufacturing mechanism that activates extra CPU functions via a purchased license.

Intel has now officially launched the On Demand in‑purchase feature for the upcoming 4th‑generation Xeon Scalable Sapphire Rapids server processors. These CPUs include various dedicated accelerators and security technologies that are disabled by default, and customers can pay to unlock them.

The On Demand homepage shows two payment models: a “consumption mode” billed by usage, and an “activation mode” that requires a one‑time license purchase. The following image illustrates the license operation logic:

Unlockable CPU functions fall into two categories. The first includes Intel‑developed accelerators and security features such as Software Guard Extensions, Dynamic Load Balancer (DLB), Data Streaming Accelerator (DSA), In-Memory Analytics Accelerator (IAA), and QuickAssist Technology (QAT). These are generally offered under the activation mode with a one‑time purchase.

The second category consists of functions and services provided by Intel partners (H3C, HPE, Inspur, Lenovo, Supermicro, PhoenixNAP, Variscale, etc.), covering server application optimization, intelligent computing, IaaS solutions, cloud‑native and edge computing. These can be accessed via either consumption or activation modes.

Intel has not disclosed detailed pricing for the activation mode or the consumption rates. The feature is intended for server use, as the Xeon Scalable Sapphire Rapids CPU is a data‑center processor originally slated for release at the end of 2021 but delayed to January 2023.

In 2010 Intel launched a “Desktop CPU Upgrade Service” that allowed consumers to pay $50 to unlock an extra 1 MB cache and hyper‑threading on the Pentium G6951, effectively upgrading it to a Pentium G6952 with performance close to a Core i3‑530. The service saw little response because the price difference between the upgraded and higher‑end CPUs was minimal.

The program later expanded to the Sandy Bridge series, offering upgrades such as:

Core i3‑2312M (2.1 GHz, 3 MB cache) to Core i3‑2393M (2.5 GHz, 4 MB cache)

Core i3‑2102 (3.1 GHz, 3 MB cache) to Core i3‑2153 (3.6 GHz)

Pentium G622 (2.6 GHz, 3 MB cache) to Pentium G693 (3.2 GHz)

All models of the upgrade service failed to attract significant interest and the desktop upgrade program was discontinued in 2011.

Related link: Intel On Demand Overview