Do I need a hardware tpm(or ftpm) or am I good to go?

ok, so this is my new build, I'll be putting it together in july, currently saving a little more cash.
parts are subject to change depending on retailer availability.

my question is..do I need to SOMEHOW source a nigh on mythically hard to find hardware tpm(ftpm) chip or am I good to go?

the build: Custom AMD PC by Micro Center

do I need to SOMEHOW source a nigh on mythically hard to find hardware tpm(ftpm) chip

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no.

are you intending to get win11 pro usb for two hundred bucks ?

yes, and yes I'm aware I probably can make do with home edition, but want the enhanced security pro comes with.
if theres a cheaper option, I'd LOVE to know about it.

xraiderv1 said:

my question is..do I need to SOMEHOW source a nigh on mythically hard to find hardware tpm(ftpm) chip or am I good to go?

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The fTPM solution is AMD's firmware implementation of TPM. This is fully compatible with Windows 11, you'll just need to enable it in the bios.

Microsoft said:

There are three implementation options for TPMs:

• Discrete TPM chip as a separate component in its own semiconductor package
• Integrated TPM solution, using dedicated hardware integrated into one or more semiconductor packages alongside, but logically separate from, other components
• Firmware TPM solution, running the TPM in firmware in a Trusted Execution mode of a general purpose computation unit

Windows uses any compatible TPM in the same way. Microsoft does not take a position on which way a TPM should be implemented and there is a wide ecosystem of available TPM solutions, which should suit all needs.

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None of my supported devices running Windows 11 have a discrete TPM chip. they either use AMD's fTPM or Intel's PPT, both are firmware implementations.

Microsoft said:

. The option to enable the TPM may be labeled Security Device, Security Device Support, TPM State, AMD fTPM switch, AMD PSP fTPM, Intel PTT, or Intel Platform Trust Technology.

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oh good...see this is my first foray into a full from the ground up system, that it comes at the time windows 11 is a thing, is interesting timing. I've never dealt with tpm/ftpm before, so I have no idea what to look for there.

Ask @NavyLCDR.

I used a win7 pro key which cost next to nothing. You might have one lying around. Or a win8 pro key.

that'd be a firm negative, I've always had OEM prebuilt, so no spare keys laying around. I am aware that I CAN use a windows 10 key to activate which is pretty cool..honestly not sure what to do there.

Discrete TPM is a physical module. They are almost impossible to get and even if you do, they are probably counterfeit.

fTPM is Firmware (software) TPM, and just has an enable or disable toggle, or similar in the BIOS.


I downloaded you motherboard manual, but ofc, MSI doesn't show the individual BIOS settings in the manual.
Anyway, this is from my manual, and will be similar to what you see in your BIOS...

xraiderv1 said:

that'd be a firm negative, I've always had OEM prebuilt, so no spare keys laying around. I am aware that I CAN use a windows 10 key to activate which is pretty cool..honestly not sure what to do there.

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You can use any key from Windows 7 and up, to activate Windows 10. Then just upgrade from Windows 10 (or do a clean install), of Windows 11.






Building your own computer is like adult Lego.

The 1st time is a little scary, but after you've built a few... you can do it in about 15-20 minutes.



Here's a few basic tips...

1. With the motherboard, you'll get a small metal plate. Approx. 1.5" x 5".
2. Put that in the rear of the case, first. That's the shield for all the back panel cables. Some motherboards, don't even need those anymore.
3. Turn the switch on the power supply, OFF. Then install the power supply. It's heavy so you want that done first.
4. Plug the power supply (still turned off) into the wall. Now all the metal parts in the case are... "Ground".
5. To prevent static electricity damage... always touch a metal case part, before picking up any other parts.
6. Then install the motherboard (don't skip any screws or motherboard standoffs).
7. Install the RAM next, then if you have one... the M.2 SSD.
8. Then install the video card last. And hook up all the wires.


Tools required...
1, Philips head screw driver
2. LED flashlight
3. Thermal paste (compound)



Basic connections...





This is from your motherboard manual. You will probably need to hook wires to all the items with BLUE dots...
(the two M.2 connectors will take M.2 SSDs, rather than wires)





Here's the link to your motherboard manual (pdf)...

off topic but related to the windows 11 bit, is it possible to make a windows 11 bootable flash drive whilst running in a windows 10 environment? if so I'll probably just make a bootable, and pay for a 10 key off microsoft.

xraiderv1 said:

off topic but related to the windows 11 bit, is it possible to make a windows 11 bootable flash drive whilst running in a windows 10 environment? if so I'll probably just make a bootable, and pay for a 10 key off microsoft.

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YES.




Note: Some Microcenters will build the PC for you. If that interests you, just call and ask.

and lastly..how the devil do I remove and replace standoffs, on the off chance my motherboard should require different standoff positioning? I cant seem to find an answer on that one.

edit: I am aware microcenter can build the rig for me, but I find myself anticipating the challenge of building it myself to be honest.

xraiderv1 said:

and lastly..how the devil do I remove and replace standoffs, on the off chance my motherboard should require different standoff positioning? I cant seem to find an answer on that one.

edit: I am aware microcenter can build the rig for me, but I find myself anticipating the challenge of building it myself to be honest.

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The method used for attaching/detaching standoffs, will vary by manufacturer.
You will find instructions for that in the "case" manual.

The motherboard listed in your build is an ATX motherboard.
It will have 9 screws. Three rows of three.

Looking in your case manual... there are 8x hex standoffs. There's probably one "fixed" standoff.

Here is the link to your case manual... https://www.fractal-design.com/app/uploads/2019/07/Meshify-C-2021-02-17.pdf






Like I said... adult Legos.

my selected case has a standoff tool that slots onto a phillips head screwdriver..ok...looks like I'm set, just need to wait two more months...saving money is so much fun(sarcasm)

gonna make a thread in the hardware section for my last question since its so off topic.

xraiderv1 said:

my selected case has a standoff tool that slots onto a phillips head screwdriver..ok...looks like I'm set, just need to wait two more months...saving money is so much fun(sarcasm)

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Yeah, the case makers assume that no one has a small open end wrench, so they make a tool that you can use a philps head screwdriver on.


The standoffs are probably brass, so be gentle. Just snug them down.
A stripped standoff in the middle of the motherboard is a pain to remove if you ever need to. ^^

Ghot said:

Yeah, the case makers assume that no one has a small open end wrench, so they make a tool that you can use a philps head screwdriver on.


The standoffs are probably brass, so be gentle. Just snug them down.
A stripped standoff in the middle of the motherboard is a pain to remove if you ever need to. ^^

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oh good lord..thats THE last thing I need..

worst nightmare list, in order of severity:
flubbing the thermal paste application/cooler install
SOMEHOW screwing the cpu installation(dont laugh..I've seen some REAL epic ones..including a few that shouldn't be possible..)
busting the crap out of a header I need(ex usb header, or usb 3 header)
and lastly, thanks to @Ghot here...stripping a standoff.

xraiderv1 said:

do I need to SOMEHOW source a nigh on mythically hard to find hardware tpm(ftpm) chip or am I good to go?

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Pretty much all TPM problems over the years were related to the software TPM, especially the huge performance hit.
I got TPM module on ebay from China for $10, they have everything, even things that do not officially exist yet.

You would need MSI 12-pin SPI for AMD 550 like:

TairikuOkami said:

Pretty much all TPM problems over the years were related to the software TPM, especially the huge performance hit.

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Where'd you see that? And what's "software TPM"?

Scott said:

Looks like the one he's buying doesn't use the old school metal plate.

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Nice find... I was too tired to chase down a pic.



Mine is an X570 chipset board, and it does still use the plate... go figure.