Qubes-Community-Content/guides/hardware-tree.md

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layout: doc
title: Hardware Selection Tree
permalink: /guides/hardware-tree/
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- /en/guides/hardware-tree/
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# Hardware Selection Tree #

Selecting the appropriate hardware for Qubes R4.0 can be a complex choice.
This document aims to simplify that.
Click on the links, read the supporting information if desired, reach a conclusion.

**Note** Qubes does not endorse any of the manufacturers or methods listed.

### Start here ###

Are you concerned about potential manufacturer [hardware backdoors](https://libreboot.org/faq.html#intel)?

[Yes](/guides/hardware-tree/#concerned)  
[No](/guides/hardware-tree/#unconcerned)

### Concerned ###

Are you concerned about [blobs](https://www.coreboot.org/Binary_situation) being used to initialize hardware?

[Yes](/guides/hardware-tree/#init)  
[No](/guides/hardware-tree/#mecleaner)  
[No, but I want AMD](/guides/hardware-tree/#amd)

### Init ###

Nearly all R4.0 capable systems require at least a CPU microcode blob, and often one for video BIOS.
However, there are still some options when it comes to running the [proprietary, unaudited code](https://www.coreboot.org/Intel_Management_Engine#Freedom_and_security_issues) for hardware initialization.
Do you want:

[AMD](/guides/hardware-tree/#amd)  
[Intel](/guides/hardware-tree/#intel)

### AMD ###

If you don't mind older/used hardware, there are some options if you do not want [PSP initialization](https://libreboot.org/faq.html#amd-platform-security-processor-psp).
All new AMD hardware comes with PSP.
In theory there is an option to partially disable it, but no motherboard/BIOS manufacturers have made it available yet.

Form factor?

[Laptop](/guides/hardware-tree/#amd-laptop)  
[Desktop](/guides/hardware-tree/#amd-desktop)

### AMD Laptop ###

DIY corebooted used [Lenovo G505s](https://www.coreboot.org/Board:lenovo/g505s) with [microcode patch](https://review.coreboot.org/#/c/coreboot/+/22843/).

### AMD Desktop ###

DIY or commercially available corebooted (or librebooted?) [KCMA-D8](https://www.coreboot.org/Board:asus/kcma-d8)/[KGPE-D16](https://www.coreboot.org/Board:asus/kgpe-d16).
Vikings is one vendor that appears to sell these.
If used with Opteron Series 2 processors, no microcode blob is required.

### Intel ###

Unfortunately, all R4.0 capable Intel hardware requires use of at least the [BUP portion](https://github.com/corna/me_cleaner/wiki/HAP-AltMeDisable-bit) of Intel ME.
[Weaknesses](https://mobile.twitter.com/rootkovska/status/938458875522666497) have been found in this proprietary, non-owner-controlled code.
There are some ways to restrict Intel ME after the initial BUP.

[Commercial](/guides/hardware-tree/#intel-commercial)  
[DIY](/guides/hardware-tree/#intel-diy)

### Intel Commercial ###

These vendors have systems available that partially disable Intel ME after the initial hardware initialization: System76, Purism, Dell.
Implementations vary, so research the vendors.
Prefer ones that use Coreboot instead of closed-source, [proprietary](https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/758382) [UEFI firmware](https://www.securityweek.com/researchers-find-several-uefi-vulnerabilities).
Search the [HCL](https://www.qubes-os.org/hcl/) for a compatible system.
[Search the mailing list](https://www.mail-archive.com/qubes-users@googlegroups.com/) for additional reports.

### Intel DIY ###

Closed-source, proprietary UEFI firmware has its own [set](https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/758382) of [vulnerabilities](https://www.securityweek.com/researchers-find-several-uefi-vulnerabilities).
Do these concern you?

[Yes](/guides/hardware-tree/#coreboot)  
[No](/guides/hardware-tree/#mecleaner)

### Coreboot ###

Cross reference [Coreboot](https://www.coreboot.org/Supported_Motherboards) capable systems with the [HCL](/doc/hcl).
See also the [board freedom index](https://www.coreboot.org/Board_freedom_levels).
[Search the mailing list](https://www.mail-archive.com/qubes-users@googlegroups.com/) for additional reports.
Flash your system with Coreboot, including [ME_Cleaner](https://github.com/corna/me_cleaner).

### MECleaner ###

Search the [HCL](https://www.qubes-os.org/hcl/) for a compatible system.
[Search the mailing list](https://www.mail-archive.com/qubes-users@googlegroups.com/) for additional reports.
Follow the instructions [here](https://github.com/corna/me_cleaner) to partially disable Intel ME.

### Unconcerned ###

Search the [HCL](https://www.qubes-os.org/hcl/) for an R4.0 compatible system.
[Search the mailing list](https://www.mail-archive.com/qubes-users@googlegroups.com/) for additional reports.
If selecting a desktop, you may also want to include and use a third party NIC in an expansion slot instead of the onboard Ethernet.
This will help avoid overt network communications from onboard management.
This is often not an option in laptops with manufacturer firmware due to the use of NIC whitelists.