40 lines
2.1 KiB
Markdown
40 lines
2.1 KiB
Markdown
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# ThinkPad T400 — install notes
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Flake host: `lyrathorpe-t400`. Files: `configuration.nix`, the `boot-*.nix`
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variants, and `hardware-configuration.nix`.
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## Hardware configuration
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`hardware-configuration.nix` here is a hand-written **placeholder**. On the real
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machine, run `nixos-generate-config`, replace the file, and commit it. It assumes
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by-label partitions — root `nixos` (ext4) and `swap` — so either label them at
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install time or swap in the generated UUIDs.
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## Bootloader — import the module matching the flashed firmware
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`configuration.nix` imports exactly one boot module. Default is `boot-bios.nix`;
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switch by commenting it out and uncommenting the relevant alternative.
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| Firmware | Module | Notes |
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| --- | --- | --- |
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| Stock Lenovo BIOS, or coreboot + **SeaBIOS** payload | `boot-bios.nix` | GRUB on the MBR. Set `device` to the real install disk (`/dev/sda` by default). MBR/legacy layout. |
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| coreboot + **GRUB** payload | `boot-coreboot-grub.nix` | GRUB is config-only (`device = "nodev"`); NixOS does **not** write to a disk. Your coreboot `grub.cfg` (in the flash chip) must `search` for and `configfile` the on-disk `/boot/grub/grub.cfg`, or chainload the disk's GRUB. |
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| coreboot + **Tianocore/edk2 (UEFI)** payload | `boot-coreboot-uefi.nix` | systemd-boot. `canTouchEfiVariables = true` (coreboot honours NVRAM writes). The module **declares its own ESP** (`/boot` vfat, label `ESP`) — when you regenerate `hardware-configuration.nix`, do **not** let it also define `/boot`. Create + label an `ESP` vfat partition (GPT). |
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## Graphics
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This unit has the optional **discrete ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3470 (RV620)**. The
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open `radeon` KMS driver is loaded in the initrd for early modesetting; firmware
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comes from `enableRedistributableFirmware`.
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The T400 has switchable graphics (discrete ATI + Intel GMA 4500MHD). Select
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**Discrete** in the firmware's graphics setting so only the ATI is live. If you
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run **Integrated** instead, the Intel `i915` driver takes over with no config
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change and `radeon` stays idle.
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## Apply
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```sh
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sudo nixos-rebuild switch --flake .#lyrathorpe-t400
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```
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