x1c6-hackintosh/docs/BIOS/modding-the-BIOS.md

!!! Danger The BIOS mod may permanently break TPM. Consider this if you wish to proceed.

A modded BIOS will allow for more optimizations to be made for macOS and will overall make your hackintosh better. I am a BIOS modding novice myself, but with these instructions, I was able to mod my x1c6 BIOS in less than one hour. I fully recommend doing this for all who think themselves capable. Furthermore, the default config.plist for this repository is meant to accommodate a modded BIOS with appropriate settings. If you cannot mod your BIOS or is unwilling to do so, use Vanilla BIOS.plist.

[SPI Programmer CH341a and SOIC8 connector](https://www.amazon.com/Organizer-Socket-Adpter-Programmer-CH341A/dp/B07R5LPTYM) are needed.

Here are the steps to mod your BIOS (credits to paranoidbashthot and \x). Attempt this at your own risk.

1. Refer to digmorepaka/thinkpad-firnware-patches.
2. Use xx_80_patches-v*.txt, I commented out WWAN patches since I do not need it.
3. @notthebee also has a useful video to follow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce7kqUEccUM
4. Remember to dump the vanilla twice and use diff to make sure things were dumped properly, store this backup somewhere safe.
5. Confirmed working BIOS-v1.45, I cannot be sure about other BIOS versions. Though they will most likely work as well.
6. The modded BIOS does not need to be signed by thinkpad-eufi-sign. Just remember to replace 4C 4E 56 42 42 53 45 43 FB with 4C 4E 56 42 42 53 45 43 FF on the patched BIOS.
   • The BIOS chip is located above the CPU, under the sticker shield:

7. Your BIOS chip may not be made by Winbond, but by Macronix instead. In that case, add the argument -c MX25L12835F/MX25L12845E/MX25L12865E to flashrom. See Issue #116
   • Successfully modding your BIOS will reveal the Advance Menu tab.

8. It goes without saying, after doing this, do not update your BIOS unless you want to do this again.