In a nutshell: TSME memory encryption on consumer Ryzen CPUs has been disabled via firmware update and can no longer be activated, while it remains available on Pro processors.
AMD has disabled Transparent Secure Memory Encryption (TSME) on standard Ryzen processors with firmware version AGESA 1.2.7.0 and will restrict the feature to Pro models in future. This was revealed through Linux testing after AMD provided no statement in response to inquiries.
Linux user Ben Kilpatrick discovered when configuring an AMD Ryzen 7 9700X that TSME is not recognized despite the feature being enabled in BIOS. Verification with the Host Security ID tool confirmed the loss. Investigation showed that the change was introduced with AGESA 1.2.7.0 — earlier firmware versions still supported hardware-based memory encryption on standard consumer CPUs, with the new version permanently disabling an internal control bit on these processor lines.
Motherboard manufacturer MSI confirmed in testing that TSME activation now functions only on AMD Pro processors. AMD engineers responded evasively to GitHub inquiries or refused to comment. AMD Engineer Mario Limonciello stated: “I apologize, but I have no further information on this topic to share.” Written statements from AMD via email now confirm that TSME is exclusively part of AMD PRO technologies. This contradicts earlier statements from AMD developers in 2020, which indicated that standard consumer chips such as the Ryzen 7 3700X should also support TSME.
TSME encrypts all main memory at the firmware level without involvement of the operating system. This protects against physical attacks such as cold boot attacks, espionage via DRAM interfaces, or unauthorized removal of memory modules for data extraction in plaintext. Under Windows, the loss of functionality remains invisible during operation and can only be verified under Linux with considerable effort.
Source: www.it-daily.net · Published June 18, 2026
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