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Tired of spyware PCs of the modern era (Intel ME, Amd PSP) I decided to build a "near to completely" secure PC. Imho a really secure PC must have:

  • an open source BIOS (gnu-boot is the good choice, canoe is an alternative, coreboot and libreboot excluded because they allow some blobs to load)

  • an open source kernel (gnu-libre is the best choice)

There is only one problem. Gnu boot site said about the ikvm

"Don't use it. It uses proprietary firmware and adds a backdoor (remote out-of-band management chip, similar to the Intel Management Engine. Fortunately, the firmware is unsigned (possibly to replace) and physically separate from the mainboard since it's on the add-on module, which you don't have to install."

Now the problem. I bought an Asus kgpe-d16 motherboard, and I see the infamous ikvm module.

If the module is not soldered onto the board, I will try to remove it.

However, is there a way to disable it via software or hardware?

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    We didn't need the full story of your purchase struggles in order to get to the question. Also, do not ask unrelated questions in a single post. If you want to know how the ikvm can be accessed over the network, that's unrelated to this question. Commented Jan 14 at 8:49
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    You are aware that the ikvm module has its own ethernet port that you don't need to hook up to? That it's an "out-of-band" network? Commented Jan 14 at 8:54
  • Yes I know, but I prefer to hear also other opinions Commented Jan 14 at 8:57
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    ... if it is physically separate from the motherboard with its own network connection, and you knew all that, you're wondering if it can also access the main motherboard networking capabilities? Commented Jan 14 at 9:01
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    We can debate the meaning of "separate", but that then means your question is, "does a soldered-on ikvm chip have access to the mainboard's networking interfaces?" And for that, you would have to believe that the attached version has a radically different mainboard design ... Is that what you're thinking? Commented Jan 14 at 12:00

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