Writing a BIOS replacement for X100e

[Hai]

Hi,

I'm a hobbyist coreboot (open source BIOS/EFI replacement) developer and I'm looking for the next big project to tackle. Reading through this forum gave me the impression that people are unhappy with the current X100e BIOS, and I might be able to create a coreboot+SeaBIOS image for the X100e which will work like the current BIOS, but without the restrictions and the bugs.

Before I buy a X100e and start developing, I'd like to know if the project is feasible with the tools I have in my private lab. For this, I need mainboard pictures and the output of a few commands under Linux.

Does anyone have high-resolution pictures of both sides of the mainboard in the X100e? The screenaid pictures are too small to be useful. I'm especially interested in the region around the ITE IT8502 chip and the region around the southbridge (SB700?).

The following commands under Linux (as root) will give me most of the info I need about the hardware:

Code: Select all

lspci -nnvvvxxx
superiotool -deV
cat /proc/cpuinfo

If superiotool is not installed and/or too old (older than r5727), it is advisable to compile a recent superiotool (needs ca. 3-6 seconds, and you may have to install pciutils-devel or pciutils-dev if compilation fails):

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svn co svn://coreboot.org/coreboot/trunk/util/superiotool
cd superiotool
make
./superiotool -deV

[fishybawb]

This sounds interesting. What sort of features would you be looking to add?

I'm not able to help on the pictures front, but the output of the Linux commands you posted can be found here.

This is for a Thinkpad X100E (NTT2FUK).

[Hai]

This sounds interesting. What sort of features would you be looking to add?

The first step would be to get coreboot running, and then it depends on what people want. I don't know if the X100e BIOS has wireless card restrictions, but if it has, that would already an advantage of coreboot.

the output of the Linux commands you posted can be found here.
This is for a Thinkpad X100E (NTT2FUK).

Awesome, thanks! Looks like I have all the documentation I'll need.
I think the NTT2FUK is probably identical with the NTT2FDE except for the keyboard.

Side note: It is quite possible that I can add support for the X100e in the flashrom tool so updating the BIOS becomes possible under Linux/*BSD. In fact, that's probably the first task I'll tackle.

[Jumphog]

The first step would be to get coreboot running, and then it depends on what people want. I don't know if the X100e BIOS has wireless card restrictions, but if it has, that would already an advantage of coreboot.

Yes, the x100e does have the annoying whitelist and the wireless card it ships with isnt very good, so im sure people would welcome an alternative BIOS.

Side note: It is quite possible that I can add support for the X100e in the flashrom tool so updating the BIOS becomes possible under Linux/*BSD. In fact, that's probably the first task I'll tackle.

Ive got an x100e type 35085EG running ubuntu and would be happy to help out if I can.

[visionviper]

I don't own a X100e so I didn't want to vote in the poll but I do want to say I think it would be really awesome to see you work on such a thing.

[ThinkRob]

ABSOLUTELY!

I've got an X100e being delivered to me shortly, and I should be able to get you the pictures you need.

Also, if you know of any US-based coreboot developers who are working on ThinkPad BIOS replacements (or who are interested in doing so), would it be possible to drop me a PM with their contact information?

[crashnburn]

I was reading about Coreboot a while back and am wondering, whether this progressed?

Also, what would someone need to start porting Coreboot or an EFI for X61T/ T61?

[Humanoid]

I want! I want! I want! But I ordered an X120e, specifically the model with the E-350.

If you're willing to consider the X120e, I can take high resolution photos for you. Get all the writing on the chips nice and visible. I'll run lspci and stuff as soon as I get it in the mail. I can maybe even help out with coreboot itself if I have any spare time for it.

[Humanoid]

Didn't realize the original post was oct 2010, not oct 2011... doh!

[kmakaron]

What is the progress with X100e?
Humanoid I am interested in porting coreboot to x120e. Can you provide me with high resolution pictures of x120e mainboard? From the 2 sides.