Question Changing CPU how do I know if it will work?

[USAFRet]

I find it hard that a company like Intel would make a fault in the specs of a chip like this.

Faults exist everywhere. Hardware and software.

Many have not yet been discovered. In old devices and new.
Many many of these are theoretical faults, seen only in lab conditions.

Many others require physical access to the system, and in controlled conditions.

 

[Kenny E.]

Yes I know ME is the Intel Management Engine. Also the fact they have an upgrade due to vulnerability issues does not seem reaffirming does it.

Ok, I also checked for specs for eMachines EL1850 online and it was stated that it has the G41 chipset. So I guess that answers my question, it won't be able to use with Pentium D or Celeron D it seems.

https://icecat.biz/en/p/acer/pt.ncae2.045/emachines-pcs-workstations-el1850-6080703.html

But maybe it doesn't have the intel ME thing due to it being put into the CPU's from mid 2008. And it is from Q3 2008. I guess it would make no sence for intel to put the same thing in the CPU & the chipset just extra costs.

But still it seems they could have put it into the 82801GB IO controller, given the statement:

"Intel® ME Firmware Version - YES"

What do you think?

Is there any way to check if a chip or computer or CPU has the Intel ME or Intel AMT?

 

[wyliec2]

Have you gone into BIOS to see what info there is regarding BIOS/version, chipset/motherboard details? I would search on any additional details could be determined from BIOS....

That said, having spent an entire career in IT, at times responsible for security (ie. HIPAA requirements) as well as having dealt with malware/ransomeware recoveries, I have never seen that an extremely old platform not supported by current OS implementation and patching would be preferable to modern technology and practices.....

 

[DSzymborski]

None of this makes any sense whatsoever.

Just the act of going on the internet and researching IME is a far larger security threat than the cumulative danger from IME over the entire lifetime of a PC.

If you're this worried, remove the PC from the internet completely, buy some land and live off the grid, and pick up a roll of aluminum foil. And watch fewer movies.

The things you're talking about represent an astronomically small risk that is inherent from participating in modern society. The choices are to either accept that infinitesimal risk or live like it's 1875.

 

[popatim]

I didn't read this whole thread but:

IME exists in the chipset, not the processor.

The vulnerability you reference has to do with Hyperthreading (running more then one process on a core) and nothing to do with multiple cores. If you have a 2core 2 thread processor then you do not have HT.

There is more of a security with you using your Windows PC as an Admin then anything. Make your self a non-admin account and use it always. Make a nice secure password for your admin account and use it only when you need to install or change something.

For even greater security, trash windows and install linux.