"Intel's upcoming Intel's 4th Generation Xeon Scalable Sapphire Rapids processors are equipped with various special-purpose accelerators and security technologies that all customers do not need at all times. To offer such end-users additional flexibility regarding investments, Intel will deliver them to buy its CPUs with those capabilities disabled but turn them on if they are needed at some point. The Software Defined Silicon (SDSi) technology will also allow Intel to sell fewer CPU models and then enable its clients or partners to activate certain features if needed (to use them on-prem or offer them as a service)."<p>Apparently Intel believes that subscription-driven microprocessors will be a great revenue stream.<p>It's not your processor if they control the firmware:<p><a href="https://youtu.be/Ag1AKIl_2GM?t=57" rel="nofollow">https://youtu.be/Ag1AKIl_2GM?t=57</a><p>You can pay a subscription fee to access features that they own.<p>I will not be buying any new Intel processors.