Posts in 2023
  • NVMe BIOS Option ROM

    Tuesday, October 31, 2023 in Computing

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    What is it? The NVMe BIOS Option ROM is a heavily modified version of iPXE, which can be integrated into a computers BIOS (or provided via a PCI card, USB flash drive, SD card, etc.). It allows x86 computers to boot from NVMe devices attached via …

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Posts in 2022
  • M.2 NVMe -> miniPCIe

    Saturday, November 19, 2022 in Computing

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    What is it? This mechanical adapter allows older devices (like the popular apu2 SBCs) to use modern M.2 NVMe storage. Usage 2 adapters installed in a PC Engines apu2 with Samsung PM991 NVMe SSDs: Links Hardware: KiCAD design files

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  • Palm IIIc LED backlight

    Sunday, May 15, 2022 in Computing

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    What is it? A replacement LED backlight for the popular Palm IIIc handheld computers (“PDAs”) of the early 00s. The original CCFL backlight (high voltage fluorescent tubes in a portable device!) uses a lot of power for very little …

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Posts in 2020
  • eMMC (micro)SD card

    Monday, December 21, 2020 in Computing

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    What is it? These PCBs contain eMMC storage ICs, which are electrically compatible with SD and microSD interfaces. They use a different protocol and (depending on the type of eMMC IC used) can be more reliable and faster. Many (but not all!) SD card …

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  • FlexibleLOM PCIe adapter

    Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Computing

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    What is it? This passive adapter PCB allows the use of HP FlexibleLOM extension cards (like 10/40 GbE network cards) in regular PCIe slots. FlexibleLOM extension cards are available used at very low prices (due to them not being PCIe compatible, …

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  • Pinebook Pro M.2 WiFi

    Thursday, April 23, 2020 in Computing

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    What is it? The M.2 A/E key adapter enables the use of M.2 WiFi cards in the Pinebook Pro Arm64 laptop. This adapter was designed as a replacement for the available NVMe M.2 (M-key) adapter. It uses the same flat flex cable, mounting screws and …

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