Share via

Not enabled Intel Transactional Synchronization Extensions (TSX-NI)

Anonymous
2020-06-17T23:34:23+00:00

Hello, everyone!

I'm using Windows 10 Pro 1909 compilation 18363.900 with an Intel i9-9900KS processor on a Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra mobo.

I'm trying to use TSX-NI with compatible software, but as CPU-Z indicates, it isn't featured as instructions where it should be.

I've contacted Intel and Gigabyte and they mentioned that there's nothing they can do.

I've been researching it for more than a month and many times I saw posts, articles within Microsoft even, talking about and I did try to enable it through reg edit as indicated here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4531006/guidance-for-disabling-intel-transactional-synchronization-extensions

Sadly, that didn't change a thing.

Am I looking to the wrong spot?

How can I enable it, since my motherboard, OS, and processor should be able to handle such a feature? Could you provide any guidance? Are there any settings I need to share with you in order to get some help?

I thank you all in advance.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Settings

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2020-06-18T01:16:42+00:00

    Everyone, I've solved it, finally. So I'll leave this post open with my reply and maybe like that I can help someone else with the same need.

    MY SPECS

    Processor: Intel i9-9900KS

    Motherboard: Gigabyte Z390 Aorus Ultra (rev. 1.0)

    Windows 10 Pro 1909 compilation 18363.90

    SOLUTIONGigabyte updated the BIOS for that motherboard from the F9 to F10b version in 2019 December 18.

    I've found Intel's processors microcode update guidance here:  https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/corporate-information/SA00270-microcode-update-guidance.pdf

    It states an update dated from that same year on November 12.

    Using Gigabyte's own @BIOS software, I've downgraded my BIOS back to F9 for its realease dated from October 28, prior to Intel's guidance.

    Being successful with that downgrade TSX started showing up as it was intended by CPU-Z and the program I was originally trying to use said instructions with.

    IMPORTANT

    1. It worked for me, thus far, but I still don't have any data regarding my CPU's behavior. Do it in your own risk.
    2. Gigabyte's page for my motherboard states these changes: 
    • Enhance RAID AIC compatibility
    • Fix CPU Vcore and power behavior

    While the first doesn't affect me for I do not use RAID, the Vcore/power behavior may. Keep that in mind if you're trying it yourself.

    1. I kept the registry entry as indicated by Microsoft on how to enable the TSX instructions. I do not know if it is still needed with my current BIOS and I won't test it further for I am satisfied with TSX being enabled.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments