Intel Management Engine (ME FW at 0.0.0.0) and TPM Module Disappearing on Mini PC S600 i9-13900H

[ricochet]

Hello everyone,

I’m facing a rather complex issue with my Mini PC S600 equipped with an Intel Core i9-13900H processor, and I’d like to seek your help in resolving this situation. Here are the details:

Context and Initial Problem:

Since acquiring my Mini PC S600 with an i9-13900H, I've encountered two recurring issues:

1. Intel Management Engine (ME) Firmware: The ME FW is constantly displayed as "0.0.0.0" in the BIOS and seems to not be functioning correctly. The ME FW Version was initially displayed with a version number that i forgot but wasn't at 0.0.0.0

2. TPM Module Disappearing: The TPM module, which was initially detected, seems to have disappeared after several restarts and BIOS reinstallation attempts. The BIOS shows "Security Device: No Security Device Found", which leads me to wonder if the TPM is integrated into the processor or if it’s an external component.

Additional Details:

• Mini PC Model: S600 with Intel Core i9-13900H

• BIOS Version: Latest update performed without success (BIOS 2.22.1287 from September 14, 2024)

• Recurring Problem: The ME FW remains at "0.0.0.0", and it’s not detected correctly by the operating system or in the device manager.

• TPM Disappears Completely and cannot be reactivated.

Voltage Tests:

I performed voltage tests inside the system and observed the following:

• Vcore: 1.430V

• +12V: 8.184V (Note: All +12V readings are at the same voltage of 8.184V)

• +5V: 3.363V

• +3.3V: 2.002V

These voltages seem to be significantly low, particularly for the +12V, +5V, and +3.3V rails. I’m unsure of the exact impact of these voltages, so I’d like to know if these lower-than-normal voltages could be the reason for the disappearance of the TPM and the non-functioning ME FW.

My Questions:

1. Is the TPM module integrated directly into the Intel Core i9-13900H processor, or is it a separate physical module that could potentially be reinstalled?

2. Could the measured voltages, particularly the undervoltage, be causing malfunctions in the ME FW or TPM? If so, what is the critical threshold to avoid?

3. Do you have any suggestions for resolving this issue, or any specific steps to restore the ME FW and TPM module functionality?

I appreciate any help or advice you can provide.

Thank you very much.

[pressed_for_time]

The TPM is normally a choice of a firmware option - which involves the Intel Management Engine (ME) firmware - or a separate plug-in unit. Typically the firmware option is the default and there may not even be a socket for a plug-in unit. If there are issues with the ME this could explain the TPM not found problem. In any case everything you are seeing points to a faulty unit and you should take this up with the supplier of your PC.

[ricochet]

Hey, thanks for your advice on the TPM and ME firmware issue. It really helped me understand what might be going on.

I’ll get in touch with the supplier as you suggested, since it seems like the issue could be with a faulty unit.

Also, i wanted to ask one more thing: do you think the under-voltage issue could be related to the problem with the TPM and the Intel Management Engine (ME) firmware?
I’m wondering if it could be a factor in why the TPM is not being detected.

Looking forward to your feedback

[pressed_for_time]

The under-voltage issue could be due to a number of factors but may be due to the power supply circuitry on the motherboard not performing as it should. The TPM/ME issues are probably a result of this, so cannot be fixed without a replacement.

[ricochet]

Thanks for your reply! That clears things up, I'll look into getting the motherboard replaced as suggested.