What Is Intel vPro?
Intel vPro is a platform for business PCs. It is an umbrella term for a set of hardware technologies, including VT-x, VT-d, Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) and Intel Active Management Technology (AMT). Intel vPro covers more than the processor. It extends to the chipset, the network hardware and the management tools in the whole system.
How vPro Works
A vPro system must use a multicore processor from the Intel Core i5, Core i7 or Core i9 family, or an Intel Xeon processor. These processors are fully 64-bit capable. The vPro features do not depend on software running on the CPU. vPro systems use a BIOS with a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and support Intel TXT. TXT checks that the boot process and system software match the expected cryptographic signature. If they do not match, the system can be blocked from booting.
Key Features for Business Use
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Hardware-based security: TPM and TXT verify the boot process. VT-x and VT-d support hardware virtualization.
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Remote management: AMT lets authorized IT staff access a PC remotely, even when the operating system is not running.
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DASH support: The Desktop and mobile Architecture for System Hardware (DASH) standard lets administrators log in remotely, install software and run security checks from a central console.
Intel vPro Compared with Other Intel Branding
| Label | What it describes |
|---|---|
| Intel Core | The processor |
| Intel vPro | Processor plus chipset, network hardware and management tools |
| Intel Evo | Performance, lightweight design and battery life in laptops |
| Intel Centrino | Wi-Fi capability; retired in 2016 |
Thinvent Products and the Intel Processor Range
The Thinvent range does not list Intel vPro as a separate feature on the products on this page. Thinvent supplies these systems with Intel Core processors from the 11th to the 14th generation. The range includes Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors, and an Intel Celeron N5095A. The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 uses Intel Core i5-1240P and Core i7-1255U processors with up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM and 1 TB of SSD storage. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC uses Intel Core i3-1215U, Core i5-1335U and Core 5 120U processors. The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC3 uses the Intel Core i3-1215U and runs Ubuntu Linux. The Thinvent Treo Mini PC uses the Intel N5095A and runs Ubuntu Linux. Models with Dual Band WiFi or Dual LAN are noted in their specifications.
Thinvent Products Using Intel Processors
The Thinvent range has Intel processors in industrial PCs, mini PCs and thin clients for business and industrial use. Buyers who need vPro features should check the processor and chipset specification of each model with Thinvent before purchase.
