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This is not completely true, there is open source implementation of UEFI Spec(EDK 2), Microsoft also has Project MU for uefi.

If you are willing to pay, you can design from scratch everything.

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The UEFI spec is open. The way to load Intel ME payload isn't. You need to do it otherwise the Intel CPU is as good as a brick. It will shut down automatically in 30 mins, none of the TPM functions will work, no power management will work.

It is not just payment. Without being "big enough" and guaranteeing some big volumes of CPU sales, Intel won't give you the specs. AFAIK only ODMs and BIOS makers like AMI has the full low-level CPU bootstrap spec.

This is just the CPU. Now add the other peripherals like HDMI controllers. You'd see the problem now.

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