N97 based mini-MB with minimised BIOS

[LinPiao]

Hello!
Could you please tell me if any manufacturer of N97 based mini PCs is offering units where we can install a minimised CoreBoot or LibreBoot ?
In case none is offering a ready to use product, do you know if some other manufacturer can source us the info required to adapt CoreBoot to our needs?

Thanks for your attention!
Best regards,

Lin

[JohnM_Intel]

Hello LinPiao,

Thank you for reaching out! I appreciate your detailed questions regarding CoreBoot/LibreBoot support on N97-based mini PCs.

Before we proceed, I kindly need a bit more information so I can better understand your needs and provide the most accurate support:

• Where are you planning to use the N97 mini PC?
• What is the main reason you’re looking for a manufacturer that offers an N97-based mini PC compatible with CoreBoot or LibreBoot?
• Are you a developer or an end user?

Once I have these details, I’ll be able to assist you more effectively.

Regards,

John M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[LinPiao]

Dear John!
I belong a computer engineering company having some experience about embedded firmware, running over x86 based motherboards. We have written the whole firmware of a multipurpose appliance for critical enterprise applications. The only "foreign" firmware in our system is the AMIBIOS.
Despite my nickname, I am Italian, as well as my colleagues... We do not want to manufacture a MB of our own because it would result far too expensive, due to our small numbers (a few thousand per year).

Using AMIBIOS has become very unpleasant for us, because it does too much wizardry !
We do not want to trust in it !
Thus our idea is to find a manufacturer who can give us the appropriate info about his MB, enabling us to create our minimised BIOS, starting from CoreBoot. The task seems feasible because we need to support only a very small set of devices: 4GB RAM (always the same modules), SUPER I/O chip for PIO, SATA3 SSD (always using the same controller in the same way), USB, very basic Audio support. No video. The device drivers for several LAN controller are already written.

Hopefully this describes our plan. If it appears you crazy, please do not hesitate to tell me!

Best regards!
Lino

[JohnM_Intel]

Hello LinPiao,

Thank you for sharing the background and the direction your team is considering. Your plan is not crazy at all it's actually a reasonable and strategic approach for specialized appliances where tight control, reliability, and firmware predictability are essential.

With that in mind, please allow me some time to coordinate this internally so we can seek the appropriate assistance regarding the N97 processor for your mini PC.

Regards,

John M.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JohnM_Intel]

Hello LinPiao,

Since this processor is an embedded unit, I will be transferring this case to the appropriate team. They will have the expertise and resources to provide you with all the information you need.

Regards,

John M.

Intel Customer Support Technician