Thứ Năm, 27 tháng 5, 2010

Acer Aspire 4740G EFI and Memory Bug

SOLVED:
Acer sent me a EFI/BIOS Version 1.07 which fixed the DEP issue however no ability to activate switch able graphics was provided and 256MB is still being mysteriously eaten up by Intel HD Graphics.
It is officially out now in Acer Support Site so download from there directly.
Found a bug in Acer Aspire 4740G EFI Bug
From Intel Spec Site
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=47663
The i3 330M Processor supports
Execute Disable Bit Yes

To verify this on your own Acer Aspire 4740/4740G
Download Securable here.
To access the Windows Advance Menu, Go to Control Panel >> System >> Advance System Settings >> Advance >> Performance Settings >> Data Execution Prevention.
Why is this vital?
Data Execution Prevention improves system security by flagging non executable code as non executable so malicious code cannot buffer overrun into execution hence if Acer really screwed this up Acer Aspire 4740G security could be potentially at risk.


I took a look into the EFI Firmware this is the feature which is not enabled:
Use XD Capability [Enable/Disable Processor XD Capability]
XD refers to Intel eXecute bit Disable Bit.

Add 1 more bug to the mix:




Acer if you are reading this and is sorry about the surprises you sprang please enable the Intel HD Switchable Graphics in the BIOS as an Apology to all AS4740 owners. I know it is there.
Either you remove Intel HD Graphics Memory reserve or you enable Switchable.
The Switchable Graphics Capability is as shown in the EFI firmware:
Set Display Mode Configure Type Integrated Graphics Discrete Graphcis Switchable Graphics

Không có nhận xét nào:

Đăng nhận xét