Is Enabling Sub-NUMA Clustering (SNC) Required for Intel SGX Technology?

[Arun_M]

Hi Team,

I would like to understand if enabling Sub-NUMA clustering (SNC) in the BIOS is a must for working with Intel SGX technology.

I came across the  Intel_SGX_Enabling_Guide  where Sub-NUMA clustering (SNC) was listed under "Related settings you may want to change."

Could you please provide instructions on the usage of Sub-NUMA clustering in the context of Intel SGX? Also, is it necessary to enable this setting, or can SGX function without it?

[Azeem_Intel]

Hi Arun_M,

Thank you for posting in Intel Ethernet Communities.

We understand that you're inquiring whether enabling Sub-NUMA Clustering (SNC) in the BIOS is required for Intel SGX to work, as well as seeking guidance on using SNC with SGX and whether SGX can operate without it. We are currently reviewing your case and will thoroughly investigate the matter, getting back to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you have any additional questions or information to share, please let us know. Additionally, could you please provide your full system information to help us assist you further?

Thank you for using Intel products and services.

Regards,

Azeem_Intel

[Arun_M]

Physical Machine Information:

• Processor: Intel® Xeon® Gold 6548Y+
• Architecture: x86_64
• Total RAM Slots: 16
• Used RAM Slots: 8
• Motherboard Manufacturer: Supermicro
• OS: Debian GNU/Linux 12 (bookworm)
• Kernel Version: 6.1.112
• Cores per Socket: 32
• Total Processors: 64
  
  
• FYI,  I used the Intel_SGX_Enabling_Guide  to enable SGX in the BIOS settings.
• Could you confirm whether this guide is applicable for both the X12 and X13 series motherboards, or is it specifically for the X12 series only?

[Sreelakshmi1]

Hi Arun_M,

Greetings!

Thank you for sharing the details.

We would like to inform you that the Intel® SGX guide is applicable to the 3rd Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors.

Additionally, the Intel® Xeon® Gold 6548Y+ is part of the 5th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors.

As you are seeking compatibility confirmation for the X12 and X13 series motherboards, we recommend checking with the motherboard vendor for further information.

Best Regards,

Sreelakshmi

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Arun_M]

Kindly give me updates on sub-NUMA related queries, @Azeem_Intel @Sreelakshmi1 

[Dineshbabu]

Hi Arun_M,

Thank you for your response. Could you please elaborate on the types of queries you are looking for?

Regards,

Dinesh

Intel Customer Support Technician.

[Arun_M]

Please go to the top of this page to see my query.
Is-Enabling-Sub-NUMA-Clustering-SNC-Required-for-Intel-SGX 

[Sachinks]

Hello Arun_M,

Thank you for the clarification.

We are checking this and we will get back to you with an update at the earliest.

Regards,

Sachin KS

Intel Customer Support Technician

[pujeeth]

Hello Arun_M,

Greetings!

1 - The tray processor Xeon 6548Y is not officially certified Debian Linux distribution. More details: Operating System OSV Certified for Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors

Would request you to check if the OS is "NUMA Aware OS" and drivers with the OS vendor.

2 - The document "Intel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel® SGX) Enabling Guide for SuperMicro Servers" describes in section 2.2 that "NUMA" and "SNC" should be enabled to run SGX.

The document talks about SGX on 3rd Gen Xeon Processor, however, it also applies to newer generations of Xeon Processors, as the SGX technology is the same.

Also, found this on a web search: X12DP_X12SP_Intel_SGX_Support.pdf

NUMA configurations are part of the OS running, please check with the OS vendor.

About Intel SGX, please go through the below link:

How to Enable Intel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel® SGX) Using the...

Intel® Software Guard Extensions Documentation

We do have more documents available on RDC under CNDA. Please go through the RDC website for more details.

How to Apply for an Intel® Resource and Documentation Center (RDC) and/or Intel® Developer Zone (Intel® DevZone) Account

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000058073/programs/resource-and-documentation-center.html

Regards

Pujeeth_Intel

[Arun_M]

Hi,

It seems that you have provided documents were for the X12 series motherboards. However, we are using a system with Supermicro X13SET-G motherboards, which feature a single CPU socket. Does Intel have any specific or recommended BIOS configurations for SGX on single-socket motherboards?

[Meghak]

Hi Arun_M,

Greetings for the day!

Please note NUMA configurations are part of the OS running.

Hence we request to please check with the Board vendor for BIOS settings.

For more details and documents we request to please check on Intel Resource and Design Center(RDC).

Please see below for your reference:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/resources-documentation/developer.html#panel-top-resources|most-popular

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000058073/programs/resource-and-documentation-center.html

Thank you for using Intel products and services.

Best Regards,

Megha K

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Azeem_Intel]

Hi Arun_M

We hope the resolution provided has been helpful in moving your case forward. At this time, we will close the case. However, if you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards,

Azeem_Intel