Oliver Schinagl wrote:
I think Linux will need VSA to be happy though.
There isn't a way to excract the VSA from a running linux on the system is there?
Try using flashrom to read the BIOS image. Then you could try using bios_extract to take it apart, and you should get a VSA image. Not redistributable, but should work for you.
So if I would use setpci; i'd be actually changing things within the VSA; Hmm ... I was hoping I could use setpci to enable the IDE controller...
There's also some firmware interaction there. And if you're unlucky, there's a special limitation in VSA about the controller.
Drivers that understand GeodeLink directly (such as the X graphics driver) do not need the PCI compat stuff.
Kinda makes sense, as the GPU is built in anyway; what about Net/Audio devices?
Audio is built-in, same situation as for graphics. VSA needed for legacy compatibility, but I believe BSD at least has a native driver for it.
They would have regular PCI connections on the chips so the Geode would need some form of PCI connector for those devices and connect that then tot he geodelink?
That's basically how it works. A PCI-compatible bus is created with help from the CS553x companion chip.
How about extracting the bios using /dev/iomem + /dev/mem such as mentioned ont he Obtaining a VGA Bios wiki page?
Try flashrom+bios_extract first, ideally it'll also get you the VGA BIOS, which you must have since VESA graphics works.
//Peter