Coreboot: ThinkPad T430 using Skulls
Guide to Flash Coreboot using the Skulls Method for Lenovo ThinkPad T430
Introduction:
This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to flash Coreboot on your Lenovo ThinkPad T430 laptop using the Skulls method. Please note that corebooting a laptop carries risks, and any modifications made to your system are at your own responsibility. DaurTech is not liable for any damage or issues that may occur during the process. It is recommended to read and understand the instructions fully before proceeding.
Warning: Corebooting your laptop carries risks, and any modifications made to your system are at your own responsibility. Be sure to read and understand the instructions fully before proceeding. DaurTech is not liable for any damage or issues that may occur during the process.
Hardware Requirements:
To follow this guide, you will need the following:
- The Lenovo ThinkPad T430 laptop to be flashed.
- A separate Linux computer to download the necessary files and execute the commands.
- A CH341a programmer that has been verified to operate at 3.3V. You can verify the CH341a voltage using the instructions provided at this link.
Step 1: Hardware Preparation
- Prepare the laptop that will be flashed (ThinkPad T430).
- Prepare the laptop that will execute the commands.
- Prepare the verified 3.3V CH341a programmer.
- Ensure that the recipient T430 laptop has the most current BIOS that is safe for Coreboot and that is compatible with possible modifications such as keyboard upgrades or the use of third-party batteries. You can verify the latest BIOS provided at this link: ThinkPad EC Repository.
Step 2: Download and Prepare the Coreboot Image
- On the computer that will execute the commands, download the Coreboot Skulls files from the official repository: Skulls T430.
- Extract the downloaded archive to a directory of your choice.
- Open a terminal and navigate to the extracted directory.
Step 3: Flashing the Top Chip
- Connect the CH341a programmer to the T430 laptop’s Top chip.
- Execute the following command in the terminal to flash the Top chip:
sudo ./flash.sh top
Sample output after flashing the Top chip:
flashrom v1.2 on Linux 4.19.0-18-amd64 (x86_64)
flashrom is free software, get the source code at https://flashrom.org
Calibrating delay loop... OK.
Found Macronix flash chip "MX25L6405D/MX25L6408E" (8192 kB, SPI) on ch341a_spi.
Reading old flash chip contents... done.
Erasing and writing flash chip... Erase/write done.
Verifying flash... VERIFIED.
Step 4: Flashing the Bottom Chip
- Disconnect the CH341a programmer from the T430 laptop’s Top chip and connect it to the Bottom chip.
- Execute the following command in the terminal to flash the Bottom chip:
sudo ./flash.sh bottom
Sample output after flashing the Bottom chip:
flashrom v1.2 on Linux 4.19.0-18-amd64 (x86_64)
flashrom is free software, get the source code at https://flashrom.org
Calibrating delay loop
... OK.
Found Macronix flash chip "MX25L6405D/MX25L6408E" (8192 kB, SPI) on ch341a_spi.
Reading old flash chip contents... done.
Erasing and writing flash chip... Erase/write done.
Verifying flash... VERIFIED.
Step 5: Verification
- Disconnect the CH341a programmer from the T430 laptop’s Bottom chip.
- Reassemble any hardware components that were removed.
- Power on the T430 laptop and verify that it boots properly with the new Coreboot firmware.
Congratulations! You have successfully flashed Coreboot on your Lenovo ThinkPad T430 laptop using the Skulls method. Ensure that the flash process completes successfully and the flash is verified before proceeding. If you encounter any issues, refer to the official Skulls repository or seek assistance from the Coreboot community.