[Libreboot] Blocking Intel ME ?

[peter]

https://libreboot.org/faq/#intel explains,
"Introduced in June 2006 in Intel's 965 Express Chipset Family of 
 (Graphics and) Memory Controller Hubs, or (G)MCHs, and the ICH8 I/O 
 Controller Family, the Intel Management Engine (ME) is a separate 
 computing environment ..."
 
 That page is indispensable.  Thanks to Francis Rowe.
 
An ongoing demand exists for embedded systems.  In principle, a 
cpu with no ME will be cheaper than one with a ME.  Price 
competition should motivate production of "ME free" cpus.  Also financial 
and government markets will be unwilling to compromise security and 
will seek machines without the ME or similar subsystem.  CPU are 
likely to continue for these markets.  
 
Suppose a person doesn't have extensive and detailed familiarity with 
Intel products.  Can such person determine whether a given cpu has a 
ME?  For example, I have an Intel Desktop Board D945GSEJT.  First 
release of the document was 2009, April.  The cpu is a single-core 
Atom N270.  Web pages indicate the machine was marketed as an 
audio/video appliance.  A product review of the N270 lists features as 
MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, HHT, Execute Disable Bit, Enhanced 
Speedstep and Hyper-Threading.  No mention of an ME but 2006 < 2009.  
Is an ME present?  How can the question be answered?
 
Thanks,                               ... Peter E.
 


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