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December 16th, 2025 14:10
R730 new TPM module install causes POST failure
I have an R730 with up to date firmware for the BIOS and iDrac - it's also set to UEFI. It's running ESX and I need to have some Win11 VMs on there, so I need to add a TPM module to the server. I bought the proper modules from our account rep and went to install them this past weekend starting with a test R730.
I powered it down, removed the power cables, waited a few minutes, then opened it up, installed the module, closed it up, powered it up, and POST failure. It hangs at Initializing Intel Quick Path. After a couple of minutes, it reboots itself and hangs at the same place. I powered down, removed power, yanked the module, powered up, and it boots without issue. I even tried a second module to see if something was wonky with that one, but no joy.
Kind of at a loss here. Is there a step I'm missing? This seems pretty straightforward, and I've been slinging cards and building PC/server systems since the mid-90s, so this isn't my first go-round... any ideas?
Origin3k
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December 16th, 2025 15:35
Sorry to say.. but you have a mis-understanding.
To get a Win11 VM running on vSphere (ESXi) the phys. ESXi Hosts doesnt need a TPM 2.0 module. The vCenter provide support for a external and internal(added later) native KeyProvider. Thats the source to feed the virtual TPM which you than added to the virtual VM configuration.
So you need vCenter. No it will not work with a stand lone Host or free ESXi Hypervisor. It will not help to get a Win11 VM running if the pyhs. PowerEdge have a TPM or not.
Regards,
Joerg