corebootbased

Coreboot-based refers to firmware implementations that use the coreboot open-source firmware as the primary BIOS/UEFI replacement to initialize hardware and boot an operating system. Coreboot itself is designed to be minimal and extensible, loading a separate boot payload rather than embedding all firmware logic in a single binary.

During startup, coreboot performs the early hardware initialization, memory training, and platform setup. It then loads a boot payload, such as SeaBIOS, Tianocore (EDK II), or a direct boot strategy using GRUB. The payload handles device enumeration, legacy BIOS services (if SeaBIOS is used), and providing a boot menu. Some implementations also integrate a trusted platform module (TPM) and measured boot for security.

Supported hardware varies by board and project. Coreboot has ports for many x86 and ARM platforms, including a number of Chromebooks, certain Thin/Netbook laptops, embedded boards, and development platforms. Installing or flashing coreboot requires board-specific builds and careful handling to avoid bricking hardware. Some devices ship with coreboot preinstalled, while others can be upgraded by end users or manufacturers.

Benefits of coreboot-based firmware include transparency, auditable code, faster boot times, and the ability to use freely available payloads. It can also support security features such as measured boot and hardware initialization auditing. Limitations include uneven hardware support, potential warranty risk, and the complexity of maintaining firmware for newer devices. The term is commonly used within the coreboot community; Libreboot is a related project that provides fully free software firmware builds based on coreboot.