Windows 11 is Microsoft’s first operating system to require a TPM, or Trusted Platform Module, which sends frantic upgrades to online retailers looking for hardware modules. Demand has exploded overnight as users try to grab a TPM as quickly as possible to make sure their PCs are compatible with the new operating system, but the market is tough. In some cases, TPMs that sold for $ 15 are now reaching $ 100 on eBay.
As you can see in the charts below, we took an in-depth look at the TPM market to see how pricing and availability were impacted immediately following the announcement of Windows 11. We also have a guide to the modules available for. your motherboard.
The TPM market largely imploded overnight, with almost all modules completely out of stock. Some Trusted Platform Modules are still available, but they are only available at significantly higher prices. Scalping is already taking hold just as we are seeing in many other areas of the PC market right now. Whip up ongoing chip shortages that could make timely replenishments more of a dream than a reality, and we could see an extended period of TPM shortages set in.
The good news is that the physical module will be optional on most systems, thanks to all modern Intel and AMD processors that have a firmware-based TPM that works in the trusted chip runtime environment. If you have a motherboard that supports processor based TPM, you can enable it through UEFI / BIOS.
Each motherboard marker typically sells a specific TPM that will work with most or all of its motherboards. If you’re looking for a physical TPM to get Windows 11 support, this is what the market looks like.
Gigabyte TPMs
All of Gigabyte’s TPMs are currently out of stock at popular retailers like Newegg and Amazon, and there is no indication when they will be restocked.
Gigabyte has two TPMs available for its motherboards, which we will detail below. The quick catch is that prices have exploded on eBay: the GC-TPM2.0 module is available for a whopping $ 89.99, which is an absurd price for a simple TPM that sold for $ 15. Not to mention the GC-TPM2.0_S, which was priced even higher on eBay at $ 100 before it’s out of stock. This device typically costs $ 20.
Gigabyte has two modules available in the US The GC-TPM2.0 supports Intel 200 series cards up to 9 series (e.g. Z97 and X99) as well as AM4 and FM2 cards (we assume it supports all AM4 and FM2 cards because Gigabyte does not specify the chipset models).
the GC-TPM2.0_S is a newer module designed to support much newer Intel 300 series chipset cards and X299 for HEDT platforms. For AMD, this TPM supports all 500, 400 and 300 series cards and TRX40 for Threadripper. This chip does not support FM2 motherboards, unlike the other Gigabyte module.
According to retail Historical price points, the GC-TPM2.0 has had a wide price range over the past two years. Prior to 2020, prices were as low as $ 15, but they increased to $ 70 at its peak in mid-2020. As for 2021, the price was last seen at around $ 35.
Fortunately, GC-TPM2.0_S seems to have a more stable price over the past few years. Throughout the end of 2019 and through 2020, we see prices as low as $ 20 and stay there relatively constant. However, as 2021 arrived, prices doubled to around $ 50 on average, with peaks of $ 80 and $ 90. The most recent price is $ 44.99.
Asus TPM module
For Asus users, the choice to buy a TPM is very simple: the TPM-M R2.0 is the only product. Asus does not provide details on specific motherboard support, so we believe this module is designed to work on all Asus cards that support physical TPMs.
The TPM-M R2.0 is priced significantly better than Gigabyte’s offerings. The price climbed to $ 25.16 just before the stock sold out on June 27. This model is also out of stock on eBay.
MSI TPM module
MSI has two TPMs, one of which is currently available for purchase on Amazon through a third-party seller.
We have no specification for the TPM V3.19 (B00C2DKC88) – neither the MSI website nor Amazon provide compatibility information. According to customer reviews, it works with modern Intel boards ranging from H77 to B450.
MSI MS-4136 is another option. This TPM is designed to fit Intel 300 and AMD 400 cards.
MSI has a newer TPM, the MS-4462, which supports AMD 500 and Intel-400 series motherboards, but is only available MemoryExpress. At least the price is respectable at $ 19.99
The TPM V3.19 is available for $ 24.99, but the MS-4136 is currently out of stock.
Supermicro TPM module
Supermicro has two TPM modules: The AOM-TPM-9665V-C and AOM-TPM-9665V. The 9665V-C is designed to support Intel Core i5 / i7 chips and Xeon E3 processors. The 9665V model is designed to support any Supermicro card with a TPM header.
You can purchase the AOM-TPM-9665V-C chip now for $ 34.85 on Amazon. As for the AOM-TPM-9665V, the price is stable at $ 40.88 because it is only on sale (from amazon) since yesterday.
Obtaining a TPM module for your motherboard will certainly be a difficult task, as these devices are either out of stock or insanely expensive. Typically, anything over $ 20-25 for a simple TPM is too expensive, but thanks to the requirements of Windows 11, expect it to get worse before it gets better.
