Most modern PC platforms include an fTPM (firmware trusted platform module) of some form. Those that don't, have a TPM 2.0 compatible header on the motherboards. Microsoft's requirement of a hardware TPM for Windows 11 has scalpers go after add-on TPMs, which are typically priced around $20, but now marked up to $100, according to price-tracking by Shen Ye, a senior HTC VIVE exec, who has been tracking prices of add-on TPMs on Twitter.

Scalpers possibly anticipate a rush of ill-informed buyers out for add-on TPMs, who haven't spent 5 minutes digging through their UEFI setup programs for the fTPM toggle. Below is a screenshot of a Ryzen 7 2700X-based machine, paired with an AMD B450 chipset motherboard (a platform from 2018), with its fTPM toggle turned on. The PC now meets Windows 11 system requirements. Windows 11 uses hardware TPMs for secure storage of credentials. "Microsoft, can you not impose a TPM requirement during a silicon shortage? Especially considering most desktop motherboards support TPM only as a purchasable accessory," Shen Ye tweeted.

Yesterday, we reported the launch of Microsoft's next-generation Windows 11 operating system. Featuring a broad range of improvements that include the new and redesigned UI elements, 40% smaller updates, layouts, widgets, and a bunch of other stuff, existing Windows 10 users are wondering how and when they will be able to experience the new OS. The OS is coming later this year, with some preview beta builds supposed to arrive in the coming weeks. That means that a large portion of people is interested in trying out even the beta version. However, there is an important note about the new OS. When it officially comes out, all of the existing Windows 10 users can upgrade to Windows 11 for free, by just performing the software update.

To run the new OS, Microsoft lists a few new requirements like 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, 1+ GHz dual-core processor, and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0. The TPM 2.0 needs to be physically present, however, it is often turned off in BIOS, so future users need to enable it in BIOS as well. For more details, please head over to Microsoft website to find greater details on the upgrade.

IBASE Technology Inc. (TPEx: 8050), IBASE, a leading provider of industrial motherboards and embedded systems, launches its latest 3.5" SBC IB953 powered by 11th Gen Intel Core processors (codenamed Tiger Lake). Measuring 146 x 102 mm in a compact footprint, the single board computer offers impressive I/O and computing performance, making it an ideal platform for a broad range of demanding applications in factory automation, machine vision, healthcare, as well as retail environments.

The IB953 features a 5G compatible M.2 3052 socket and the latest 11th Gen. Intel Core and Celeron processors built on 10 nm SuperFin process, delivering up to 25% faster performance and greater AI acceleration. With the Intel Core i7-1185G7 (IBASE model IB953AF-I7) comes the new Iris Xe (Xe-LP) graphics architecture supporting 96 EUs (Execution Units) which equals 768 cores and runs at 1.35 GHz, an increase of 250 MHz over the previous 11-gen graphics to provide up to twice the performance and improved power efficiency. The graphics engine's hardware acceleration can drive up to four simultaneous 4K HDR displays (via 2x DisplayPort + eDP and LVDS).

When governments need a hardware upgrade, they will usually take the route of exploring options with security in mind. However, if you happen to have some engineering talent to employ on a new project, why wouldn't you just build a custom motherboard for your own purposes. Today, GS Group Holding and Philax, have announced that they are starting the manufacturing of Russia's first motherboard based on a B450 chipset from AMD. Looking at the motherboard, which you can see below, you might find it very similar to those of ASRock. And that is because Philax has a licensing agreement with ASRock to use the design of the B450M Pro4 motherboard, with the addition of a TPM module which is often used by government agencies, to produce this board.

Producing around 40,000 pieces, these motherboards are expected to handle anything from 4000 series to 5000 series of AMD processors. As far as the specifications go, the board is coming in a standard Micro-ATX form factor. It is equipped with four DDR4 memory slots that can take a memory with up to 3200 MHz speed. There are two PCIe 3.0 x16 slots and one PCIe 2.0 x1 slot, which are of course limited by CPU choice. The motherboard enables four SATA III and two M.2 ports for storage expansion. When it comes to I/O, the board features HDMI, D-Sub, DVI-D, four USB 3.1 Gen1, two USB 2.0, one USB Type-C, and one USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-A port. GS Group Holding and Philax also have a partnership that goes beyond just motherboards. They also plan to produce about 50,000 custom monitors for government purposes as well.

ASUS today announced that the ExpertBook B9450 based on the Intel vPro platform is now available for purchase at US resellers starting at $1,599.99 USD. The ASUS ExpertBook B9450 provides unmatched business-grade performance, durability and design within an incredibly thin and light form factor weighing in at just 2.2 lbs with a 0.59-inch thin profile. Paired with the Intel vPro platform, the B9450 is ideal for businesses of any size that require top-notch performance, built-in security and better overall value and reliability for the long-term.

Designed for business professionals on-the-go, the ExpertBook B9450 delivers top-tier performance thanks to up to an 10th Gen Intel Core i7 vPro processor, dual-storage design accommodating up to two ultrafast 1 TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSDs, and up to 16 GB of RAM and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) connectivity. Expect uninterrupted performance on the B9450 with long-lasting battery life delivering up to an impressive 24 hours of use on a single charge, with extra comfort features like the ErgoLift hinge, built-in voice assistant support, and a Harman Kardon-optimized audio system.

IBASE Technology Inc., a world leader in the manufacture of a wide range of digital solutions, has rolled out the SI-642-N 4K digital signage player that leverages the 8th Gen Intel Core U-series processors. The platform can be used in commercial establishments to increase brand awareness and customer engagement or deployed in transportation networks to provide real-time information and advertising relevant to the traveler.

The fanless SI-642-N offers high performance and high reliability for 24/7 operation in an industrial grade design. It is integrated with the IBASE iSMART and Observer technologies for remote monitoring, power on/off scheduling, power recovery and low temperature boot functions. With the Intel HD Graphics 620, the system can simultaneously support two independent displays (1x HDMI 2.0 & 1x Active DisplayPort 1.2) with 4K (4096 x 2160) @60Hz resolution as well as two independent audio outputs.

Dynabook Americas, Inc., today announced the availability of the new 10th Gen Intel Core Processors with vPro technology on the company's premium Portégé X Series (X30-G, X30L-G, X40-G & X50-G) and performance Tecra A Series (A30-G & A40-G). The addition of the Intel vPro platform powered 10th Gen Intel Core processors deliver better overall system performance, faster data compression, stronger security and faster Wi-Fi bandwidth. Dynabook will begin shipping these laptops with the vPro platform by the end of the second quarter this year.

"The new 10th Gen Intel Core vPro processors are built to power the next generation of computing innovation which our Portégé X Series and Tecra A Series represent," said Phil Osako, vice president, marketing and engineering, Dynabook Americas, Inc. "By incorporating the latest generation of Intel commercial processors, Dynabook will deliver business solutions with technologies to address new and emerging challenges for IT and users."

ASUS today announced the launch of the ExpertBook B9450 laptop, the latest ASUS ExpertBook for business professionals that provides unmatched performance, durability and design within an incredibly thin and light form factor weighing in at just 2.2 lb with a 0.59 inch thin profile. The new ExpertBook-series laptops maintain a professional and reliable personality while incorporating innovation and flexibility in order to meet the requirements of modern businesses.

Designed for business professionals on-the-go, the ExpertBook B9450 delivers top-tier performance thanks to up to an 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, dual-storage design with two ultrafast 1 TB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSDs, and up to 16 GB of RAM and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) connectivity. Expect uninterrupted performance on the B9450 with long-lasting battery life delivering up to an impressive 24 hours of use on a single charge, with extra comfort features like the ErgoLift hinge, built-in voice assistant support, and a Harman Kardon-optimized audio system.

In today's world, computer security is becoming very important due the exponential increase in malware and ransomware attacks. Various studies have shown that a single malicious attack can cost companies millions of dollars and can require significant recovery time. With the growth of employees working remotely and connected to a network considered less secure than traditional corporate network, employee's computer systems can be perceived as a weak security link and a risk to overall security of the company. Operating System (OS) and independent hardware vendors (IHV) are investing in security technologies which will make computers more resilient to cyberattacks.

F-Secure reports a security issue affecting most corporate laptops that allows an attacker with physical access to backdoor a device in less than 30 seconds. The issue allows the attacker to bypass the need to enter credentials, including BIOS and Bitlocker passwords and TPM pins, and to gain remote access for later exploitation. It exists within Intel's Active Management Technology (AMT) and potentially affects millions of laptops globally.

The security issue "is almost deceptively simple to exploit, but it has incredible destructive potential," said Harry Sintonen, who investigated the issue in his role as Senior Security Consultant at F-Secure. "In practice, it can give an attacker complete control over an individual's work laptop, despite even the most extensive security measures."

AMD today announced its 6th Generation A-Series Processor, the world's first high-performance Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) in a System-on-Chip (SoC) design. Previously codenamed "Carrizo," the 6th Generation AMD A-Series Processor takes advantage of extensive AMD processor and graphics IP enabling exceptional computing experiences not possible before. The 6th Generation AMD A-Series Processor is the most versatile notebook processor ever produced, built to excel at today's and tomorrow's consumer and business applications, delivering premium streaming entertainment, unmatched smooth online gaming, and innovative computing experiences, with all day unplugged performance.

The world's first high-performance Accelerated Processing Unit in a SoC design marks a number of technology firsts: the world's first High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) hardware decode support for notebooks, the first Heterogeneous Systems Architecture (HSA) 1.0-compliant design, and the first ARM TrustZone-capable high-performance APU. The new processor harnesses up to 12 Compute Cores -- 4 CPU + 8 GPU -- leveraging AMD "Excavator" cores and the third generation of AMD's award-winning Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture. The result is a groundbreaking processor that boasts more than twice the battery life of its predecessor, up to 2x faster gaming performance than competitive processors, innovative computing experiences enabled through HSA, and a premium Microsoft Windows 10 experience with support for DirectX 12, adding up to an extraordinary experience for consumers.

HABEY USA, a leading manufacturer of embedded computer products, today announces MITX-6770, the latest embedded board powered by the Intel J1900 Quad Core 2.42 GHz Celeron Processor. This thin Mini-ITX board is designed to meet the increasing demand for variety of network connectivity, higher network performance, flexible storage options and improved security of the Internet of things (IoT). The board has dual Intel Gigabit Ethernet ports build-in with Power over Ethernet (PoE) option, on-board Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security feature and support of two mSATA slots for storage redundancy.

Unique features of the MITX-6770 also include Digital Display Interface (DDI) headers for additional rear panel HDMI, DisplayPort (DP) or LVDS, eDP expansion, 7.1 High Definition audio header for RCA device outputs, LPC expansion header for legacy I/O device add-on cards and a SIM socket for cellular radio connectivity.

HP today introduced the HP EliteBook Folio 1020 family, the industry's thinnest and lightest business-class notebooks. The HP EliteBook 1020 and the HP EliteBook 1020 Special Edition (SE) are ultra-thin at 15. 7 mm, and the SE takes advantage of HP's exclusive blend of magnesium-lithium alloy and reusable carbon fiber to achieve a weight of only 1 kg (2.2 lbs.). Both share a tough, cutting-edge design that offers elite business-class performance.

"The HP EliteBook1020 represents game-changing innovation in both materials and mechanical engineering to create the world's thinnest and lightest business notebooks in a form factor that enables our customers to be more productive in more places," said Alex Cho, vice president & general manager, HP Commercial PCs. "Customers demand not only a stylish, thin and light notebook, but also a device that delivers advanced security and can withstand the rigorous demands that come with a highly mobile lifestyle -- and the HP EliteBook 1020 delivers this complete solution."

Shuttle Computer Handels GmbH, the European subsidiary of Shuttle Inc., one of the leading developers and manufacturers of compact PC solutions, such as the world-renowned XPC Mini PC Barebones, today introduces two new 3-litre models for fourth-generation Intel Core processors. The XH81 and the XH81V are available on the European market with immediate effect. The Shuttle Barebones XH81 and XH81V are based on an Intel H81 Express Chipset and designed for current Intel processors for socket LGA1150 up to a maximum TDP of 65 W. Two SO-DIMM slots can be equipped with up to 16 GB of DDR3 memory. An efficient heatpipe cooling with two 60 mm fans channels waste heat directly to the outside. An external 90 W power supply is present to drive the system.

The flat case barely measuring 24 x 20 x 7.2 cm (DWH) can be equipped with up to three drives. Installation options for 3x 2.5" HDD/SSD drives or alternatively 2x 2.5" HDD/SSD drives plus an optical slimline drive are available. A 3.5" drive can also be installed using the PHD4 accessory which is sold separately. 3x SATA 6 Gbit/s and 1x SATA 3 Gbit/s are available. There are also two Mini-PCIe 2.0 slots inside which can be used for expansion cards, e.g. for a WLAN or an mSATA SSD drive. Neither the Shuttle Barebone XH81 nor the XH81V skimps when it comes to connections - with DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0 Gigabit LAN, RS 232 and 5.1 Audio, for example, high connectivity can be found on the front and the back panel.

Eurocom is providing a complete line of 15.6" to 17.3" high performance, fully upgradeable Mobile Workstations equipped with NVIDIA Quadro K5100M to K1100M graphics and Trusted Platform Modules to secure the systems and their intellectual property from unauthorized access.

At Eurocom we take security very seriously, implanting several systems with three security layers, one being the Kensington Lock Slot which prevents physical theft of the computer system, one being the TPM module to protect certificate private keys and the other being the biometric finger print reader to lock down access to the computer to only authorized individuals.

Eurocom is now launching the thin and light, 15.6" Electra 2 Notebook computer with TPM 1.2 hardware data encryption, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 850M graphics and 4th generation Intel Core i7 and i7 Extreme processors with 5 hours of battery life.

"At Eurocom we consider both performance and security as something that goes hand in hand. Both of those requirements are critical even in entry level systems. Users must be provided a means to secure their hardware by encrypting all the files and personal information they have." Mark Bialic Eurocom President.

The 13.3" EUROCOM M3 is now available with a Trusted Platform Module 1.2 for added security from external software attacks and physical theft.

The M3 is a small form factor, high performance notebook designed for both professional and gaming use, it is the highest performing 13.3" notebook currently available on the market that is perfect for users that require a highly capable system that can easily fit in carry-on luggage a backpack or purse.

Giada Technology, a world famous manufacturer of compact desktop PCs, has launched one of the strongest mini-PCs on the market, the D2308. Using the latest 4th generation Intel (Haswell) Core i5/i7 CPU, with the powerful NVIDIA GTX650 enthusiast GPU, Giada has created a high-end mini computing platform that is targeted at living room computer needs and CEO-level business environments. The D2308 also features 3 antennas for maximum signal reception and wireless throughput with a maximum speed of 450 Mbps.

The D2308 is designed from the ground up for high-end home theater uses. Not only supporting Ultra HD 4Kx2K content with two HDMI outputs, the unit comes with a Bluray/DVD player. Support for the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) which provides extensive security with high levels of data encryption, allows the use of D2308-based systems in various applications in IT departments of large enterprises.

ASUS today announced the BM1 and BP1 commercial desktop PCs with the latest 4th generation Intel Core processors and integrated Intel HD Graphics 4600 graphics. Both PCs feature the ASUS Business Suite 2.0 one-stop system management tool, while the BM1AE and BP1AE variants offer Intel vPro technology for advanced remote management for larger businesses. Both the BM1 and BP1 also feature tool-less designs for easy upgrades and maintenance.

Both the ASUS BM1 and BP1 commercial desktop PCs feature the ASUS Business Suite 2.0 utility that makes it easy for IT administrators to manage and update PCs with the minimum of fuss. Based on ASUS-designed utilities and Intel Small Business Advantage (SBA) platform, ASUS Business Suite 2.0 is a combination of software designed for small businesses without a managed network. ASUS Easy Update II keeps BIOS and drivers up-to-date, USB Blocker provides unauthorized data acquisition and transfers, and Secure Delete for irrecoverable data deletion. ASUS Business Suite 2.0 also features the exclusive ASUS Energy Processing Unit (EPU) for optimized energy efficiency.

Axiomtek's MANO873 Mini ITX motherboard based on the Intel Q77 Express chipset is designed for the 3rd Generation Intel Core i7/i5/i3 processors in the LGA1155 socket. The high-performance MANO873 supports Intel 3-D transistor, Intel Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, Intel Hyper-Threading technology, 16 GB DDR3 1333/1600 system memory, and PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot. It also supports Intel Active Management Technology 8.0, Intel Small Business Advantage solution, Intel Smart Response Technology, Intel Rapid Storage Technology, Intel vPro, Trusted Platform Module 1.2, and SATA RAID for various mission critical applications.

In addition, the Intel HD Graphics 4000/2500 engine with DirectX 11 support is built into the chipset to provide fast graphics performance. With all the innovative features, the MANO873 is ideal for high-end industrial applications, such as storage server, POS, kiosk, medical, gaming, digital signage, and surveillance security monitoring.

Just in time to meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises and home users to store large amounts of data, the Giada technology company has launched the GIADA N70E-DR motherboard, perfect for building entry-level NAS servers. With a NAS server built upon the Giada N70E-DR, customers can achieve a low-cost implementation for file sharing, data backup and media server functionality all while enjoying professional server functions, high-capacity, high-reliability, and high performance data security. The compact and powerful Mini ITX board design, takes up only 17x17cm in space and sports a Rich component interface.

With the powerful integrated architecture of Intel's Ivy Bridge, the Celeron C1007U processors feature performance with power consumption at only 17W. The motherboard's chipset supports native RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, with data security protection. Dual high-performance Intel 82583V Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure efficient network channel operations. Intelligent hardware monitoring and management capabilities allow customers to keep abreast of the health of the system. With a TPM module one can effectively prevent various scenarios of illegal data access.

Giada Technology, a world famous manufacturer of compact desktop PCs, has announced the launch of compact barebones-system: The D300. The D300 family is based on the 3rd generation of Intel Core processors. The D300 systems are designed for builders of home assembly or all-purpose, unique compact PCs and multimedia systems with a wide range of applications. In addition, support for the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) which provides extensive security with high levels of data encryption, allows the use of D300-based systems in various applications in IT departments of large enterprises.

The D300 system is also ideal for industrial control applications, smart traffic control systems, security and surveillance systems, commercial terminals and other similar applications which require small size, wide choice of interfaces, simplicity and reliability of use.

Handheld Group, a fast-growing manufacturer of rugged mobile computers, PDAs and smartphones, today announced the launch of the new version of its highly popular Algiz XRW rugged notebook. The updated Algiz XRW is considerably faster than its predecessor, and has twice the amount of RAM.

The new Algiz XRW is a slim, lightweight, compact and fully rugged notebook that delivers unprecedented performance in the field. Its 10.1-inch touchscreen display features MaxView technology, providing spectacular screen clarity and brightness in any outdoor condition, even direct sunlight. The Algiz XRW is one of the lightest and most compact rugged notebooks on the market, weighing in at a mere 1.6 kilograms, or 3.5 pounds.

Gigabyte launched the Z77X-UD4H, a new socket LGA1155 motherboard model designed to fill the gap between the $155 Z77X-UD3H and $190 Z77X-UD5H. It is built with Gigabyte's Ultra Durable 4 construction, featuring 2 oz copper layer, temperature, humidity, and electrostatic protection features. The LGA1155 socket is powered by a 11-phase VRM that draws power from an 8-pin EPS connector. The socket is wired to four DDR3 DIMM slots, and three PCI-Express 3.0 x16 slots (electrical x16/NC/NC, x8/x8/NC, x8/x4/x4, depending on how they're populated). 3-way NVIDIA SLI and AMD CrossFireX are supported. Other expansion slots include three PCI-Express 2.0 x1, and a legacy PCI.

Straightaway, you'll notice that Gigabyte did away with the mSATA slot featured on the Z77X-UD3H and Z77X-UD5H. In addition to the two SATA 6 Gb/s and four SATA 3 Gb/s ports that the Z77 PCH provides (all of which are wired as internal ports), Gigabyte added two additional 2-port SATA 6 Gb/s controllers, which provide two each of internal SATA 6 Gb/s, and eSATA 6 Gb/s. The board features a total of eight USB 3.0 ports, six on the rear panel, and two by headers. In addition to the four ports the Z77 PCH provides, a 4-port VLI-made host controller is used.

MSI has announced the launch of its new-generation barebone PC system: the Hetis H61 series. This series uses the latest Intel H61 chipset, and support the 3rd Generation Intel Core Processor and 2nd Generation Intel Core Processor as well, the first processor of its kind to have the graphics processing unit (GPU) and CPU integrated onto the same chip, while also building a set of visual functions into the chip that ensure higher image quality when viewing video content or photos.