Hi,
On Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 09:30:00PM +0100, Remi Lefevre wrote:
I build a new embedded system (Linux based) and seriously consider for various reasons to replace the proprietary BIOS by coreboot. Before promising heaven to business guys, I would like to see if nothing will prevent me to realize it.
My system will probably have the following components:
- CPU: Core 2 Duo L7400 - Overview: http://www.intel.com/design/intarch/core2duo/316663.pdf - Core 2 Duo datasheet:
I don't think we have tested Core 2 Duo CPUs so far (?) so I cannot say much about whether or not this is doable.
- MB chipset: Intel 3100 - Overview: http://www.intel.com/design/intarch/prodbref/315817.htm - Datasheet: http://www.intel.com/design/intarch/datashts/313458.htm
Ed Swierk (CC'd) has done a 3100 port a while ago I think, see http://www.coreboot.org/pipermail/coreboot/2007-December/028581.html but it's not committed so far (but will be soon I hope). I don't know about the status of that code (i.e. which hardware works or does not work), maybe Ed can say more about that.
Doing a completely _new_ port (new northbridge, new southbridge) is usually lots of work and takes several months to do.
- The motherboard will probably be custom (at least adapted) and I
don't have enough information yet to provide.
If you have the schematics etc. you're in a better position than most other coreboot developers here. What you'll need at the minimum is 'lspci -tvnn' output, 'superiotool -dV', and information about PIRQ routing (maybe ACPI if you're inclined, but that's not trivial).
Without wasting time from you, do you see anything that could prevent me to port coreboot to this system (given your Intel NDA experience or whatever...)
Can't say much about that, but I think there is some more info in NDA datasheets (though the public ones are useful, too). No idea how easy it is to get the NDA datasheets or how long it takes. If you have a business case (lots of $$$) your chances are likely better.
This port would surely contribute to the coreboot repository.
That would be great!
Cheers, Uwe.