management engine interface

Intel Active Management Technology: The Intel 82573E controller is a key platform ingredient for enabling Intel AMT by providing always-available network connectivity and an integrated management engine. Intel AMT allows IT to discover, heal, and protect all the computing assets on their corporate network. With Intel AMT, IT managers can discover all their hardware and software computing assets. Because asset information is stored in non-volatile memory, IT can read it even if the PC is off or the operating system (OS) is inoperable. IT managers can heal systems remotely through Intel AMT�s out-of-band management capabilities, which allow remote diagnosis and repair of PCs after software, OS, or hardware failures. Intel AMT stores software and virus-protection version information that is consistent and up-to-date across the enterprise, helping protect systems against malicious software attacks. The 82573E is recommended for use on the Intel� Professional Business Platform based on the Intel� 945 Express Chipset family, which supports Intel AMT.

personally I would not install it as I don't think it's something that is necessary.
 
I trust what Scott says that Sandy Bridge needs this.

Getting the feeling it's going to be that kind of a day...

"timidi"
Anyone know what this is? Do I need to install it?

Remote control software vendors use this integrated technology to:

1] Restart a remote computer even if the operating system is not responding.
2] Turn on a remote computer if its power cord is plugged in.
3] Reboot a remote computer into BIOS and work with the computer's BIOS settings remotely.

... and this one of my favorites

4] Enables the remote computer to boot from a local computer's CDROM/ floppy drive or ISO/floppy image file. The entire boot process is interactive and keyboard keys are sent directly to the remote computer. This functionality also enables you to use a recovery console, perform maintenance, use software that boots from a CD-Rom like memtest or install an operating system remotely.

Is this really something you're going to need? And since this particular Intel embedded feature targets remote management, it seems to me like this is something geared mostly for corporate consumption. This is not something I would want to set up on my DAW.

Again, and at the risk of contradicting Scott, sandy bridge does not absolutely need this to breathe. 


Note: Tim, I'll get back to you sometime today (when I have a chance) in the other thread.

"Beagle"
personally I would not install it as I don't think it's something that is necessary.

Good call Beagle, I agree with this statement.

3) sandy bridge absolutely needs it (IME). and is included in the intel drivers when you download them from intel

 
+1

Jim and Scott - from what I've read this looks like nothing more than remote access management.  If it's needed for Sandy Bridge, could you explain why, please?

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?lang=eng&dwnldid=18532

quote: If the Intel® Management Engine (Intel ME) driver has not been successfully installed, you may see an error on a "PCI Simple Communications Controller" in Device Manager.

and more
The Intel Management Engine Interface (aka HECI: Host Embedded Controller Interface ) enables communication between the host OS and the Management Engine firmware. MEI is bi-directional, and either the host or Intel AMT firmware can initiate transactions.The core hardware architecture of Intel Active Management Technology(Intel AMT) is resident in firmware. The micro-controller within the chipset's graphics and memory controller (GMCH) hub houses the Management Engine (ME) firmware, which implements various services on behalf of management applications.Some of the ME subsystems that can be access via MEI driver:- Intel(R) Quiet System Technology (QST) is implemented as a firmware subsystem that runs in the ME. Programs that wish to expose the health monitoring and fan speed control capabilities of Intel(R) QST will need to use the MEI driver to communicate with the ME sub-system.- ASF is the "Alert Standard Format" which is an DMTF manageability standard. It is implemented in the PC's hardware and firmware, and is managed from a remote console.”
 
Also this link: [link=http://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/architecture-guide-intel-active-management-technology/]http://software.intel.com...management-technology/[/link]
 
The AMT is part of the IME.

"jcschild"
MEI is bi-directional, and either the host or Intel AMT firmware can initiate transactions.

Seems to me like it's a choice. And the potential error condition concerning the PCI Simple Communications Controller has to do with EMI. There's no mention that AMT (as a distinct component of EMI) is also required to avoid that error condition.

But the questions really are,

Why would you need AMT for on a DAW? And if it is required as in... I have no choice to install it, how come I have the ability to disable it in the BIOS and Computer Management without any adversed effects on my system?