AMD Reportedly Removes Memory Encryption from Consumer Ryzen CPUs
AMD has reportedly removed its Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) feature from consumer Ryzen processors. This change is suggested to have occurred with newer AGESA firmware, disabling a security feature that had been supported for years. The alteration specifically affects consumer-grade CPUs, with AMD's Pro and EPYC processors remaining unaffected. Users of consumer Ryzen systems may be unaware of this security feature's removal.
AMD has reportedly discontinued support for its Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) feature in its consumer Ryzen processors. This change comes after the feature had been actively supported in these CPUs for several years.
Investigations suggest that newer versions of AGESA firmware are responsible for disabling the memory encryption capability on affected consumer Ryzen devices. The removal of TSME leaves users potentially unaware of a change to their system's security features.
Notably, this alteration does not extend to AMD's professional-grade Pro and EPYC CPU lines, which continue to maintain the memory encryption feature. There has been no public comment from AMD regarding this change.
According to Tom's Hardware, this development means consumer Ryzen users might be operating without the previously available memory encryption.
