General EFi-X™ Questions

[Mr-Mavrik]

What is the EFi-X™?

The EFi-X™ is a Multiboot Processing Unit (or MPU). It enables you to boot multiple operating system with one computer system.

Who makes the EFi-X™?

Art Studios® Entertainment Media, also known as ASEM is responsible for both the designing, creating and manufacturing of the EFi-X™.

How many versions of the EFi-X™ are there?

The current version being produced right now is version 1.1 (known as V1.1). The very first version produced by ASEM was V1.0. There was a small revision made to a very limited amount of units designated V1.01 but as far as firmware is concerned the V1.01 is the same as the V1.0. As with other products in the computer industry, updates are constantly being made. The next EFi-X™ version planned is V2.0 and more versions will continue after. Like Apple, for example, each new model takes the place of the existing model. The EFi-X™ is similar.

Does each version of the EFI-X™ use the same firmware?

No, each version of the EFi-X™ has it's own unique firmware. Because they use different firmware, some features may be present in one model that is not present in another. For a list of compatible hardware and software for each model please refer to Art-Studios.net.

What is required to use an EFi-X™?

The EFi-X™ is programmed to work with specific hardware, maticulously tested by the ASEM development team. You can find a current list of compatible hardware on the Art-Studios main website, just navigate to the EFi-X™ products page, choose a version number and they choose "Hardware Compatibility". The team is continually testing new hardware and is always working to add new products to the compatibility list.

What operating systems are supported by the EFi-X™?

At the time of writing this FAQ entry, the V1.1 supports the following:

Windows 7 - 64bit & 32bit
Windows Vista - 64bit & 32bit
Windows XP - FAT32 format only
Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Can toggle between 32bit and 64bit kernels
Linux

Currently, the V1.0 supports the following:

Windows 7 - 64bit & 32bit
Windows Vista - 64bit & 32bit
Windows XP - FAT32 format only
Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
Linux

Be aware the operating systems are always being updated and compatibility can change at anytime. Please pay close attention to the forum to see if a recent update to an operating system requires an update of the EFi-X™ firmware.

Since the EFi-X™ can run OS X, does that make it a "Mac Clone"?

Absolutely not. The EFi-X™ is not a "Mac clone". The EFi-X™ allows a user to boot multiple operating systems on one computer. The EFi-X™ is an enthusiast product and is not marketed as a product in direct competition to a Mac by Apple. If you are simply searching for a "Cheap Mac" then the EFi-X™ may not be the product for you. Users who benefit the most with an EFi-X™ are those who want to be able to run multiple operating systems on hardware tailored more for their own needs. Between using a higher end video card for gaming in Windows to restarting and switching over to Mac OS X for editing movies with Final Cut Pro, the EFi-X™ gives users freedom they don't usually have.

Does the EFi-X™ use code from any other products or boot methods such as open source projects like Chameleon to boot into OS X?

No, ASEM writes all code in house. Each driver is individually developed for a specific piece of hardware, which is why we have an HCL (hardware compatibility list). Other products or methods may alter the basic structure and overwrite the OS with files of it's own, or modify proprietary drivers. The EFi-X™ does not make any changes to the operating system and it does not modify any of the proprietary drivers included with the OS.

An example that ASEM uses it's own programming can be seen with the release of 10.6.2 for OS X. Many users of the open source method Chameleon upgrading to 10.6.2 were unable to boot into the OS after the update. EFi-X™ users had a different experience as they were fully able to boot back into their OS.

What makes the EFi-X™ so special, the hardware or firmware?

BOTH. The hardware and firmware of the EFi-X™ are equally important and both have had an extremely large amount of thought put in to it's design. The firmware is constantly updated with new features and products, and to protect that the EFi-X™ hardware includes strong encryption. More details about each EFi-X™ device version's hardware features can be found at Art-Studios.net.

How is the EFi-X™ firmware updated?

The EFi-X™ can be updated 2 methods. The first and easiest method is through the EFi-X™ Control Center for OS X. This can be downloaded directly from Art-Studios.net. The Control Center allows your computer to reach the main update server and downloads the latest firmware from ASEM and installs it. An internet connection is needed to use the Control Center. The second method is having an EFi-X™ distributor/vendor/or shop update your device. You contact an EFi-X™ distributor/vendor/or shop for more details, a list with contact information can be found on Art-Studios.net.

How many EFi-X™ forums are online?

There is only 1 OFFICIAL forum for the EFi-X™ and that is this one. This forum is operated by Art Studios, and all members of the forum team have been designated by Art Studios directly. There are no other forums sanctioned by Art Studios for the EFi-X™ and therefore ASEM cannot be responsible for information posted elsewhere or damage occurring due to that information. Remember, if you own an EFi-X™ your warranty is through ASEM. Unless an outside site or forum is going to be nice enough to warranty your item if damage occurs, it is in your best interest to use the OFFICIAL EFi-X™ Forum for all news, information, and support. If you do decide to use a unofficial forum for your EFi-X™ information, please ensure they will warranty your device in the event of damage or failure.

Is the EFi-X™ a "Hackintosh"?

No. The EFi-X™ is not a "Hackintosh". As stated above, the EFi-X™ is a Multi-Boot Processor. A "Hackintosh" has been generally known as an illegal "hacking" of Apple's OS X to work on non-Apple hardware. In the case of the EFi-X™, OS X has not been altered or "hacked" in anyway. The EFi-X™ and ASEM are in no way related or connected to the OSx86 Project or "Hackintosh" network, consisting of such methods as Chameleon, Boot123, EFi Vx, iDeneb, Netkas EFi, and the Rebel EFi.

Using the EFi-X™ on a "Hackintosh" system like listed above is strictly prohibited and will void your warranty as well as any Premium Services owners may have collected. If you wish to use your EFi-X™ on a "Hackintosh" system please contact a representative of the exact "Hacktintosh" project you wish to use it with and determine if they are willing to warranty any damage that may occur to your EFi-X™.