NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 Review: The Essential Upgrade for Windows 11 Security

I remember the day vividly. Microsoft had just unveiled Windows 11, and the tech community was buzzing. Like many PC enthusiasts, I was eager to get my hands on the latest and greatest operating system. I downloaded the PC Health Check app, ran it on my trusty, custom-built machine—a rig with a slightly older but still very capable ASUS Z170 series motherboard—and was met with a soul-crushing message: “This PC can’t run Windows 11.” The culprit? A lack of Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support. It felt like an arbitrary gate, locking a perfectly good system out of a major upgrade. The options seemed drastic: buy a whole new motherboard and CPU, or stick with Windows 10. That’s when I began my search for a third way, a solution that led me directly to small, unassuming components like the NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665. This review is for everyone who has faced that same frustrating roadblock, wondering if a simple, affordable hardware addition can truly be the key to unlocking the future of Windows.

What to Consider Before Upgrading Your Motherboard’s Security

A motherboard security module is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for extending the life and enhancing the security of your existing computer hardware. In an era of increasing digital threats and stricter operating system requirements, a discrete TPM module provides a hardware-based “root of trust.” This is fundamental for features like Windows Hello, BitLocker drive encryption, and, most pressingly, for meeting the baseline requirements of Windows 11. The main benefit is enabling modern security features on older hardware, saving you from a costly and wasteful full system overhaul. It separates cryptographic functions from the main CPU, which can offer a more secure environment and, as some users speculate, potentially smoother performance by offloading these tasks from the processor’s firmware-based solution (fTPM).

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a compatible, slightly older motherboard (typically from the Intel Skylake/Kaby Lake or early AMD Ryzen eras) who is technically comfortable enough to open their PC case and navigate the system BIOS. It’s for the savvy DIYer looking for a cost-effective path to Windows 11. Conversely, this module is not suitable for those whose motherboards lack the specific 14-pin LPC header, or for users who are intimidated by the prospect of changing BIOS settings. For those individuals, or for anyone building a new PC from scratch, the better alternative would be to purchase a modern motherboard that has TPM 2.0 functionality already integrated into its firmware or built directly onto the board.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Motherboard Compatibility & Pin Header: This is the single most important factor. You must verify that your motherboard model explicitly supports a TPM-M R2.0 module and has the correct 14-pin LPC header. Check your motherboard’s manual and the manufacturer’s support website. Do not assume a 14-pin header means it will work; BIOS support is mandatory.
• Chipset & Standard: The NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 uses the well-regarded Infineon SLB9665 chipset and adheres to the TPM 2.0 standard. Ensure this is what your system requires. While TPM 1.2 modules exist, they are not sufficient for Windows 11, making the 2.0 standard the only one to consider for this purpose.
• Physical Installation & Keying: A properly designed module will have a “blanked” or missing pin that corresponds to a plugged hole on the motherboard header, making it impossible to install incorrectly. We found this to be the case with our test unit, which aligns with positive user feedback. Always check for this physical keying to prevent damage.
• BIOS/UEFI Navigation: You will need to enter your system’s BIOS/UEFI to enable the discrete TPM module. This usually involves finding a “Trusted Computing” or “Security Device Support” menu and changing the setting from “Firmware TPM” (fTPM) to “Discrete TPM.” If you’re not comfortable with this process, it might be best to seek assistance.

Keeping these factors in mind, the NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 stands out for its straightforward purpose and reliance on a trusted chipset. You can explore its detailed specifications and check for compatibility notes here.

While the NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 is an excellent choice for extending the life of your current board, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against a full system upgrade. For a broader look at modern platforms with built-in security, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Small Component with a Big Mission

The NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 arrived in a simple, anti-static bag—no frills, just function. This is what we expect for an internal component. The module itself is a small, green printed circuit board (PCB), cleanly laid out and dominated by the square Infineon SLB9665 chip at its center. The soldering quality appeared precise under inspection, with no signs of excess flux or cold joints. The 14-pin header was straight and sturdy. One of the first things we verified was the keyed pin, which is critical for preventing incorrect installation. As one user correctly noted, the third pin position was blanked, ensuring it could only be inserted one way onto the corresponding motherboard header. This small detail is a massive confidence booster, especially for less experienced builders. It’s a simple, purpose-built device designed to do one job and do it well, and our initial hands-on inspection gave us no reason to doubt its build quality.

A Deep Dive into the NewHail TPM2.0 Module’s Performance and Integration

A TPM module isn’t judged on benchmarks or frame rates, but on a simple, binary outcome: does it work? Does it seamlessly integrate with the system and unlock the features it promises? To find out, we put the NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 through a comprehensive installation and testing process on our ASUS Z170-A motherboard, a prime candidate for this type of upgrade.

Physical Installation: A 60-Second Hardware Upgrade

The physical part of the installation is, for anyone who has ever built a PC, remarkably simple. After a complete shutdown and disconnecting the power, we laid the case on its side and located the TPM header. On most ASUS boards from that era, it’s a 14-1 pin header labeled “TPM” located along the bottom edge of the board, often near the front panel connectors. The most crucial part of this step was confirming the keyed pin. The header on our motherboard had a solid pin where the module had a blank space, making a perfect match. Aligning the module was foolproof; it simply wouldn’t go in the wrong way. With gentle, even pressure, the module seated firmly onto the header. There was no wobble or looseness. The entire physical process, from opening the case to closing it back up, took less than a minute. This is the elegance of a discrete module solution—it’s a targeted, surgical upgrade that doesn’t require dismantling the entire system. This plug-and-play physical aspect is a significant win, and our experience directly refutes any claims that the module is not keyed; the unit we tested was designed with user safety in mind.

BIOS Configuration: The Real Test of Skill

With the hardware in place, the next step was the software configuration within the BIOS. This is where many users might feel a bit of apprehension, and rightly so. Upon booting the system and entering the ASUS UEFI BIOS, we navigated to the ‘Advanced’ tab. Here, we found the “PCH-FW Configuration” menu, which contained the “TPM Device Selection” option. By default, this was set to “Enable Firmware TPM” (or PTT – Platform Trust Technology, on Intel systems). This is the CPU-based TPM emulation that, while functional, was the very thing we sought to replace, partly based on user reports of potential micro-stuttering in games. We switched this setting to “Enable Discrete TPM.” After selecting this, a new status screen appeared, confirming that a TPM 2.0 device was found and that it was manufactured by Infineon (IFX). This immediate recognition was a very positive sign. We saved the changes and exited the BIOS. The system rebooted without any issue, and we logged into Windows. The entire BIOS process took only a couple of minutes, but it’s vital to know where to look. We can confirm the user feedback that while it’s straightforward for those familiar with a modern BIOS, novices should definitely consult their motherboard manual or an online guide first.

Unlocking Windows 11: The Moment of Truth

Once back in the Windows 10 desktop, the operating system had to recognize the new hardware. We opened the TPM Management console by typing `tpm.msc` into the Run dialog. The console immediately popped up, showing “The TPM is ready for use.” It correctly identified the Specification Version as 2.0 and the Manufacturer Name as IFX (Infineon). This was the confirmation we needed. Windows had accepted the hardware without any need for drivers or manual intervention. Now for the final test. We launched the PC Health Check application, the same one that had previously delivered the bad news. We clicked “Check now,” and this time, we were greeted with a beautiful green checkmark and the message: “This PC meets Windows 11 requirements.” It was a complete success. The NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 had performed its primary mission flawlessly. For anyone stuck in Windows 10 due to this single requirement, this small, affordable module is a game-changing solution that bridges the gap and brings modern OS capabilities to your trusted hardware.

The Compatibility Caveat: A Critical Warning

While our experience with a compatible Z170 board was perfect, it’s irresponsible not to address the elephant in the room: compatibility failures. One user review detailed a frustrating experience with an ASUS Maximus VIII Ranger, where the system would hang on boot after installing the module. This is not a fault of the module itself, but a stark reminder of the fragmented nature of motherboard support. Even within the same brand and chipset generation, BIOS support for discrete TPM modules can vary wildly. The Maximus VIII Ranger, despite being a high-end Z170 board, may have a different header layout or lack the specific BIOS microcode to initialize the Infineon SLB9665. This underscores the absolute necessity of doing your homework. Before you even think about purchasing, you must visit the support page for your exact motherboard model on the manufacturer’s website. Look for the official specifications, CPU/memory support lists, and, most importantly, the manual. If the manual doesn’t explicitly mention support for a TPM-M R2.0 14-pin module, you should not proceed. This single point is the most significant factor determining whether the NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 will be a five-star success or a non-functional piece of hardware for you.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are strongly echoed in the broader user feedback. The positive sentiment centers on the product doing exactly what it advertises. One user successfully installed it on their ASUS Z170 motherboard, noting that after setting the BIOS correctly, “windows immediately detected TPM and Windows 11 upgrade capability. Perfect!” This mirrors our own successful test. Another user, who bought it to potentially resolve gaming issues suspected to be caused by firmware TPM, confirmed that “the TPM module works as intended and was fairly easy to install.” They also importantly corroborated our finding about the keyed pin, stating their module could only be plugged in one way, providing a valuable counterpoint to any confusing information out there.

However, the negative feedback is just as important and serves as a critical warning. The French-language review from a user with an Asus Maximus VIII Ranger is a clear case study in compatibility failure. They followed the correct procedure—powering down, installing the module—only to have their PC hang on a fixed logo screen, with the BIOS showing no trace of the device. This highlights that having the physical header is not enough; the motherboard’s BIOS must be explicitly programmed to support it. This feedback is invaluable for potential buyers, reinforcing our core advice: verify compatibility with your specific motherboard model before you buy.

How Does the NewHail TPM2.0 Module Compare to the Alternatives?

Comparing this specific upgrade module to full motherboards is an exercise in strategy. Do you perform a targeted, low-cost upgrade to extend the life of your current system, or do you invest in a new platform altogether? The NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 represents the first path, while modern motherboards represent the second.

1. ASUS PRIME B550-PLUS ATX Motherboard

The ASUS PRIME B550-PLUS is a full-featured, modern motherboard for AMD Ryzen processors. Unlike the NewHail module, which is an add-on, this board has TPM 2.0 functionality built into the AMD CPU’s firmware (fTPM) by default. Someone would choose this motherboard over the module if they are building a new PC from the ground up or if their current CPU is old enough that a full platform upgrade makes sense. It offers significant advantages like PCIe 4.0 support for faster GPUs and SSDs, more robust power delivery, and modern connectivity like USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C. The choice here is clear: if you just need to pass the Windows 11 check on an otherwise capable system, the module is the smart buy. If you’re seeking a comprehensive performance uplift across the board, investing in a new platform like this is the better long-term decision.

2. ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 MicroATX Motherboard

The ASRock B450M-HDV is a budget-oriented motherboard for the AMD AM4 socket. It also relies on the CPU’s built-in firmware TPM to meet security requirements. This board would be preferable to the NewHail module for someone building a new, highly cost-conscious system. Its MicroATX form factor is ideal for smaller cases. However, compared to our Z170 test bench, upgrading to this B450 board might not be a significant performance leap, especially if you already have a powerful Intel CPU. Therefore, a user with a strong existing system would find the NewHail module to be a far more economical and less disruptive solution. The ASRock board is for new budget builds; the NewHail module is for smart, targeted upgrades.

3. MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi Motherboard

This MSI B550M motherboard sits in a sweet spot, offering modern features like PCIe 4.0 and built-in WiFi in a compact Micro-ATX form factor. Like the other boards, it uses AMD’s firmware TPM. A builder might choose this over the NewHail module if they’re building a new, powerful, yet compact PC and value the convenience of integrated wireless networking. The decision-making process is the same: the MSI board is part of a full system replacement, offering a host of new features beyond just TPM support. The NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 is a single-purpose tool. If your only barrier to Windows 11 is the TPM requirement and you’re happy with your current performance, the module is the undisputed winner in terms of cost and simplicity.

Our Final Verdict: A Highly Effective but Highly Specific Solution

After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion on the NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 is overwhelmingly positive, but it comes with a significant caveat. For the right user—someone with a supported ASUS motherboard who is comfortable navigating the BIOS—this module is a brilliant piece of kit. It is a simple, elegant, and incredibly cost-effective solution to what can be a very frustrating problem. It flawlessly enabled Windows 11 on our older test rig, transforming it from an “incompatible” machine into a fully compliant one in under 15 minutes. The build quality is solid, the keyed pin design prevents installation errors, and its reliance on the trusted Infineon chipset provides peace of mind.

However, it is not a universal fix. The absolute, non-negotiable requirement is to meticulously check your motherboard’s official support documentation before purchasing. The negative user experiences are not a reflection of a faulty product, but of the tricky landscape of motherboard compatibility. If your board is on the list, we recommend this module without hesitation. It’s the smartest way to extend the life of your perfectly good hardware in the face of new software demands.

If you’ve done your research and confirmed your motherboard is compatible, the NewHail TPM2.0 Module Infineon SLB9665 is the right fit. You can check its current price and get your system ready for the future here.