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Ha! make it simple?

Got a better option?

Instead of a RaspberryPi, use a small form factor PC. It will have more power (downside is it will consume more electricity) but give you more options to upgrade or host more services in the future should your needs change. You can find these on eBay or used for not much more money than a Pi these days. Would replace the nvme drive with a fresh one.

ServeTheHome

Lenovo ThinkCentre M920 and M920q Tiny Guide and Review

In our Lenovo ThinkCentre M920 Tiny (M920q) Project TinyMiniMicro guide and review, we go into what sets this unit apart from its competition

There are ones from Dell, HP, Lenovo etc in this small form factor. You can look into Proxmox as a virtualization solution.

💡 Great suggestion! I’ve been looking into ASUS NUCs 👉 ASUS Mini PCs. They’re powerful and upgradable, but… 🔒 Privacy is a concern: Most Intel and AMD CPUs include: ⚙️ Intel ME / AMT 🛡️ AMD PSP These allow remote management even when the device is off, which isn't ideal if you're aiming for full control. 🧠 That’s why I’m seriously considering ARM-based devices: ✅ No ME/PSP ✅ Lower power consumption ✅ Simpler, more open design

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I came across this project previously, because I had the same concerns as you. It is a bit beyond my skill level, but I still bought the gear needed in case I wanted to try it in the future. If you ever try it, post back your results!

GitHub

GitHub - corna/me_cleaner: Tool for partial deblobbing of Intel ME/TXE firmware images

Tool for partial deblobbing of Intel ME/TXE firmware images - corna/me_cleaner

I just happened to come across this note which led me to look into the libreboot FAQ that says the SPI flasher CH341A unmodified can damage the chip that's mentioned in the docs of the github I posted in my previous note. I'm trying to determine if the article's claims of removing ME/PSP are accurate if using libreboot. I think it might be bypassing it rather than removing or disabling it which can only be done though a flash or physical modification.

From Libreboot website: "Libreboot already disables the Intel ME by default, using me_cleaner" If you have a T480/T480s: "Libreboot uses both me_cleaner and deguard on the T480/T480s."

Also, I strongly recommend to use Raspberry Pi Pico and Pomona Clip, please do NOT use CH341A, it is absolutely crap!

Thanks for the update and clarification! I think I will toss the CH341A since I'm not savvy enough to do the 3.3v mod to make it safe. The quality is also suspect. I should have read further in your guide as the rest of the steps have details on getting rid of ME. Appreciate the guide, it is giving me confidence that I can actually do this!

The Raspberry Pico already works on 3.3V and you do not need additional modifications to do :)! Thanks a lot for your words man, this guide was a huge personal effort and I am glad it can help others!

What a pain in the ass. All of this just because you want to pay for something?

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I absolutely see your point here. At the same time you have to consider why one would go to these „extreme“ lengths to just pay for something. The simplest reason would be, because you otherwise wouldn’t be able to simply pay for something. One example would be a country where hyperinflation is the norm, where paying in dollars or in another major currency is not possible. Leaving you no other alternative to buy something or obtain payment for any work you sell. Another example is an organisation operating under a dictatorship, where paying for something is not simply possible, because you are not able to have a bank account. One additional example would be you trying to stay anonymous. Maybe you want to buy a sex toy in a country where this is illegal or just don’t want your spouse to know about this. (There is a moral question behind this, but there is a moral question behind everything, depending on location, time and context. Lets not get into that.) Maybe you bought crypto years ago and now want to buy stuff, without having to pay horrendous amounts of tax on any gains. Yet, I agree with you in that the setup above might be too complex and complicated for most people. Wishing you a great day ☀️