ServeTheHome has confirmed that Lenovo is using AMD Platform Secure Boot (PSB) to bind AMD processors to its hardware. This means that if the processor was launched once as part of the platform with the necessary PSB settings, then it cannot be used in systems from other manufacturers. It is almost impossible to “untie” such a CPU.
In particular, this feature effectively blocks the CPU from being used on another motherboard, or at least on a non-original motherboard. AMD PSB uses AMD’s Secure Processor SoC for hardware Root-of-Trust and other security features. PSB is not enabled by default, but every OEM is free to use it as they see fit.
Processors are also unlocked by default and can be used on any platform. If it turns out to be a system with an activated PSB, then the CPU will be tightly “wired” information about the key that signs the firmware, BIOS / UEFI OEM vendor. This allows you to create a reliable chain of trusted boot, starting from hardware and ending with the OS, which not only protects against tampering with the system, but also prevents, for example, the possibility of theft of processors.
However, if the system is upgraded by installing a different CPU, the old one actually turns into e-waste, unless it falls into the hands of someone who already has a compatible system. If the motherboard fails, the owner will have to buy a new motherboard from the same manufacturer. And this applies not only to servers – AMD PSB allows you to “tie” not only EPYC, but also AMD Ryzen Pro (Renoir and Cezanne) and Threadripper Pro.
Dell pioneered the use of PSB to bind processors to its hardware back in the days of the AMD EPYC 7001. Lenovo followed suit and also began using PSB in off-the-shelf systems. In turn, HPE said it does not use CPU binding. Other large vendors, as a rule, also do not activate processor binding by default, but they can enable it at the request of the customer.
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