[coreboot] Intel Core 2 Duo L7400 with MB chipset Intel 7100

[Uwe Hermann]

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:
> http://www.intel.com/design/mobile/datashts/316745.htm

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.
-- 
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