Cerbios, the open-source BIOS for Microsoft's original Xbox console, has just received a significant update in the form of version 3.1.0 beta. This latest iteration focuses on improving app user experience by introducing new hardware options, bug fixes, and advanced features for modding, storage, and emulation.

The Cerbios team has made it clear that their goal is to create a BIOS that caters to the needs of modern gamers while still paying homage to the classic Xbox era. To achieve this, they've implemented several key features. Firstly, the support for hard disk drives (HDDs) has been increased to an impressive 16 TB, eliminating storage limitations and allowing users to store massive libraries of games without compromising performance or loading times.

One of the most significant updates is the introduction of new hardware options in the configuration file. This allows users with CPU-potentiated consoles featuring a 100 MHz front-side bus to manually force the XTAL crystal frequency when necessary, ensuring that the BIOS remains stable and reliable on overclocked systems.

In addition to these hardware-related enhancements, Cerbios has also strengthened its support for RAM, allowing users to install up to 256 MB of extra memory (although this feature is still considered experimental). The team warns that some configurations may lead to graphical artifacts or crashes, so it's essential to test the BIOS with caution.

The Cerbios v3.1.0 beta update also includes an integration with Team Resurgent's firmware HDMI, which improves compatibility with modern video solutions. Furthermore, users can now force a SafeMode directly from their modchip using the SMC register. This feature ensures that if any issues arise during boot-up, the BIOS will automatically trigger a recovery menu or allow manual access by holding down the white button.

The team has also worked on refining the BIOS's aesthetic appeal by introducing customizable boot animations using JPG, BMP, or PNG images. While this might seem like a minor detail, it contributes to an overall tailored experience for users.

On the stability front, Cerbios has resolved numerous bugs, including errors in CPU frequency detection on dashboards like XBMC, issues with game loading on overclocked consoles, and anomalies in widescreen mode during Crash Tag-Team Racing. The team has also improved the management of UDATA and TDATA redirects for games like Forza Motorsport and Return to Castle Wolfenstein.

Cerbios continues to offer advanced features such as support for UDMA configurations with dual HDDs, anti-flicker filters, in-game screenshot capabilities, real-time hardware monitoring on LCD screens, and numerous automatic patches dedicated to specific titles. Its reputation as one of the most comprehensive and updated BIOS options available today is well-deserved.

Characteristics:

  • Hybrid Retail/Debug BIOS for all Xbox revisions 1.0-1.6b: Completely compatible with Insignia.
  • Support for HDDs up to 16 TB: Supports single and multiple partition configurations with various cluster sizes:

+ Partition size 1-2 TB with a cluster size of 128 KB.

+ Partition size 2-4 TB with a cluster size of 256 KB.

+ Partition size 4-8 TB with a cluster size of 512 KB.

+ Partition size 8-16 TB with a cluster size of 1024 KB.

  • Native support for XISO: Supports CCI (Cerbios Compressed ISO).
  • Boots all original/xenon debug code/backups: Supports debugging XBE files.
  • Complete support for RAM up to 128 MB: Allows forcing the transition from 480i to 480p.
  • Support for hardware RTC module incoming: For maintaining time synchronization.
  • HD+ (NeMesis/MakeMhz) support: No reset on exit, no patch hack required.
  • Personalization options:

+ IGR (CerbiosTool only): Options for IGR To Dash, IGR Reset Game, IGR Full, IGS, IGPC.

+ No AV cable control, no DVD control without dongle/hardware add-on.

+ Modalities for HDD and DVD:

  • 1 = HDD and no DVD (Legacy Mode) identical to existing BIOS.
  • 2 = HDD and no DVD (Modern Mode) complete removal of DVD code.
  • 3 = Dual HDD (Add a second HDD in place of the DVD drive).
  • LED front light customization: Force 480p, ForceVGA, fan speed, and more.
  • Other personalization options:

+ Enable/Disable RTC, block dashboard updates, animation paths, color schemes, dashboard and CD paths, UDMA speeds, debug mode, and error message customization.

UDMA (Ultra Direct Memory Access) Mode:

UDMA is a transfer mode used by the kernel. The increase in UDMA mode has demonstrated improved performance and reduced latency. This enhancement allows for more efficient data transfer between storage devices and the console's CPU.