macOS 10.14 Mojave on Unsupported Macs Thread

[TimothyR734]

I am a newbie trying to do what I can to help if possible Thank you
[doublepost=1528343786][/doublepost]I am a newbie trying to help if I can Thank you

 

[anazhd]

Apple are not suggesting at all that any of the above models should be thrown away. The crucial element is that none of the above models support Metal.
There is no conspiracy and we have all seen it coming. Metal was first introduced in El Capitan some three releases back so it was only a matter of time before OpenGL support timed out. In fact I am surprised it didn't happen upon the release of High Sierra with the introduction of Metal 2.
There had to be a cut off point for OpenGL support. Yes I know its frustrating but all of the Macs you have listed above are still perfectly good.

Complain and rant as much as you like but things are not going to change.

Couldn't agree more. Moving to metal is not the excuse, but moving towards newer technology is. Plus only iPhone from 5s and newer are supported, why don't you (@redheeler) list out every single iDevice since 2009-2012 too? Or maybe try to compare with Google's very own Nexus line-up. I personally use Nexus 4, 5 and 5x and I'm pretty sad that they generally support it for 2 years + few months security update after that. Don't make me start with terrible OS support from various Windows laptop manufacturer, just ditching most laptop shipped Windows 8 from getting a proper 8.1/10 drivers while it's technically still can work flawlessly if the user know where to get generic driver from the vendor.

What a bunch of great company!

 

[watakoola]

Hello gurus,

I’m hoping you can assist with this query.

I have a Mac Pro (Mid 2012)
Model Identifier: MacPro5,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Boot ROM Version: MP51.0084.B00
Chipset Model: ATI Radeon HD 5770
VRAM (Dynamic, Max): 1024 MB

I’m confused by the following 'MacOS 10.14 supports' wording:
“Mac Pro (Late 2013, plus mid 2010 and mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-Capable GPU)
*Support for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models will be available in an upcoming beta”

Does this mean:
a) regardless of when support (in an upcoming beta) comes for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models, they will still require a recommended Metal-Capable GPU
or
b) Support for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models even with a NON-Metal capable card (such as my Radeon 5770) will be available in an upcoming beta

If - as I suspect - the answer is “a”, should I rush out now and purchase a second-hand ATI Radeon HD 7950, before us 5.1 Mac Pro owners all gobble up any out there? Is it even ‘guaranteed’ the ATI Radeon HD 7950 will work, or should I hold off?

 

[parrotgeek1]

a) regardless of when support (in an upcoming beta) comes for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models, they will still require a recommended Metal-Capable GPU

yes based on my reverse engineering

 

[bookemdano]

It's "a" unless for some reason Apple changes their mind during the beta cycle (very unlikely).

I don't think you should rush out and buy a 7950 "just because". It would almost definitely be compatible with Mojave but there are several other compatible cards as well (both ATI and Nvidia have metal-capable cards that will work in the Mac Pro). Some of us hold a glimmer of hope that Apple will get another "Mac Edition" card into production with a proper EFI, which would be the best, most compatible option.

I mean, if you really want a 7950, go ahead and get one. It should work with Mojave, but these are early days and personally I would wait until Apple issues more guidance about the Mac Pro 5,1.

 

[trifero]

Trying in my Mac Pro 5.1

First, firmware update

Crossing fingers

[doublepost=1528353579][/doublepost]Continue….

 

[stormxeron]

Hello gurus,

I’m hoping you can assist with this query.

I have a Mac Pro (Mid 2012)
Model Identifier: MacPro5,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Boot ROM Version: MP51.0084.B00
Chipset Model: ATI Radeon HD 5770
VRAM (Dynamic, Max): 1024 MB

I’m confused by the following 'MacOS 10.14 supports' wording:
“Mac Pro (Late 2013, plus mid 2010 and mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-Capable GPU)
*Support for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models will be available in an upcoming beta”

Does this mean:
a) regardless of when support (in an upcoming beta) comes for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models, they will still require a recommended Metal-Capable GPU
or
b) Support for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models even with a NON-Metal capable card (such as my Radeon 5770) will be available in an upcoming beta

If - as I suspect - the answer is “a”, should I rush out now and purchase a second-hand ATI Radeon HD 7950, before us 5.1 Mac Pro owners all gobble up any out there? Is it even ‘guaranteed’ the ATI Radeon HD 7950 will work, or should I hold off?

I don't think it's 'b' because if that was the case then all Macbook's and Mac's supporting the High Sierra will eventually get the Mojave. But that is unlikely, because it requires Macs(mid 2012 and later). So, It's 'a'

Also, I think the wording in this year's apple statement is ambiguous but maybe its too early.

 

[trifero]

And stucked there

 

[Parystec]

Hi All,

Will a nVidia Quadro 4000 work in Mojave on a Mac Pro 2010 12 core 5,1

 

[Czo]

Hi All,

Will a nVidia Quadro 4000 work in Mojave on a Mac Pro 2010 12 core 5,1

If i remember correctly, Fermi based cards can't support Metal (but u can check it since El Capitan in System Profiler) or run some benchmarks (like GFXBench Metal: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gfxbench-metal/id1044629456?mt=12) to test it.

 

[Guy Clark]

There is still an OpenGL renderer, it's just intentionally disabled. we're trying to enable it.

Even if it were possible to enable the OpenGL renderer would it be worth the risk?

 

[parrotgeek1]

Even if it were possible to enable the OpenGL renderer would it be worth the risk?

What risk? If it works, it works; if it doesn't, it doesn't.

 

[e_ch]

Hello gurus,

I’m hoping you can assist with this query.

I have a Mac Pro (Mid 2012)
Model Identifier: MacPro5,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Boot ROM Version: MP51.0084.B00
Chipset Model: ATI Radeon HD 5770
VRAM (Dynamic, Max): 1024 MB

I’m confused by the following 'MacOS 10.14 supports' wording:
“Mac Pro (Late 2013, plus mid 2010 and mid 2012 models with recommended Metal-Capable GPU)
*Support for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models will be available in an upcoming beta”

Does this mean:
a) regardless of when support (in an upcoming beta) comes for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models, they will still require a recommended Metal-Capable GPU
or
b) Support for 2010 and 2012 Mac Pro models even with a NON-Metal capable card (such as my Radeon 5770) will be available in an upcoming beta

If - as I suspect - the answer is “a”, should I rush out now and purchase a second-hand ATI Radeon HD 7950, before us 5.1 Mac Pro owners all gobble up any out there? Is it even ‘guaranteed’ the ATI Radeon HD 7950 will work, or should I hold off?

I think they will make a simple exception in a platformsupport for MacPro models. Some people are still using them as servers and don't need to work with GUI all the time. Also only Mac Pros support GPU changing officially. That would be stupid to make individual OpenGL mode for Mac Pro and restrict other Macs. I admit there's no reason to update working server to limited mode of the latest OS just because you can, but Apple updated several iPhones which couldn't handle recent iOS versions normally, who cares.

 

[AussieWrangler]

Also a newcomer to this site.. but not new to Apple products.

I too have an unsupported iMac. 2011 running 10.13.5
I don't see a new iMac in my future and am grumbling inside because I can't update to Mojave.
What are the consequences if I wanted to run it off Parallels?
I don't do much with my iMac except for Lightroom and web surfing, maybe a bit of photoshop.
I run Time Machine - I have dedicated externals each for TM/iTunes Library and basic Storage drive
Advice?

 

[Czo]

Metal only things don't works from VM (it's produces a blank window only), because of the missing graphics acceleration. You can achieve this too without a VM, because on iMac 2011 Mojave working fine without acceleration.

All Marzipan/UIKit based app's are Metal exclusive currently and from standard apps, Maps produce an empty window (maybe this is Metal too). Photos seems to be working but currently i'am not checked all effects/functions. Playing a video is terrible slow and playing 1080 from youtube is impossible.

 

[tsanchai]

After clean install Mojave, I start adding essential apps to it. And I do TM backup from time to time. AFter some app install, Finder start freezing with beachball, iamge thumbnail stop displaying, and showing generic icon instead, iCloud start nagging that it cannot communicate with Helper app, And the system wnet down completely. It is not usable at all, due to FInder problem

All I have to do is to restore from good TM backup. I have done this 9 trimes over the past few days, Wasting my time like crazy.

Mojave is the worst seed build I have ever tested. Apple shpuld have a better testing before releasing it. FInder is a very important gateway to the system. Whet it fail, that's the end of story

I may have to go back to High Sierra. But my problem is my TM copy many have problem. When I do migration using Migration Assistant, it just stop half way, look like having file error associated with it. I cannot find out what is wrong, and I jsu cannpot go back

What I have to do is to wait for Apple mercy to fix it soon

 

[AussieWrangler]

Metal only things don't works from VM (it's produces a blank window only), because of the missing graphics acceleration. You can achieve this too without a VM, because on iMac 2011 Mojave working fine without acceleration.

All Marzipan/UIKit based app's are Metal exclusive currently and from standard apps, Maps produce an empty window (maybe this is Metal too). Photos seems to be working but currently i'am not checked all effects/functions. Playing a video is terrible slow and playing 1080 from youtube is impossible.

"metal only" - I don't even understand what Metal works on or what its for.
I don't know the ins and outs of apps and how they run or what's required for them to run.
I'm hoping PHotoshop and Lightroom will be functional and just want to surf, upload my photos to my website.. that's all I do on my iMac. Videos and whatnot are via another means.
I'm not even a gamer.....

How can I get the Beta onto my Parallels? As I try to download the beta, it won't let me. I get an error stating my mac is unsupported.

 

[e_ch]

After clean install Mojave, I start adding essential apps to it. And I do TM backup from time to time. AFter some app install, Finder start freezing with beachball, iamge thumbnail stop displaying, and showing generic icon instead, iCloud start nagging that it cannot communicate with Helper app, And the system wnet down completely. It is not usable at all, due to FInder problem

All I have to do is to restore from good TM backup. I have done this 9 trimes over the past few days, Wasting my time like crazy.

Mojave is the worst seed build I have ever tested. Apple shpuld have a better testing before releasing it. FInder is a very important gateway to the system. Whet it fail, that's the end of story

I may have to go back to High Sierra. But my problem is my TM copy many have problem. When I do migration using Migration Assistant, it just stop half way, look like having file error associated with it. I cannot find out what is wrong, and I jsu cannpot go back

What I have to do is to wait for Apple mercy to fix it soon

Are you running it on a supported or unsupported machine? I assume second case because you post your experience in this tread. If so, there's big difference between hardware accelerated stable release and non-accelerated beta so several glitches are normal.
[doublepost=1528363154][/doublepost]

"metal only" - I don't even understand what Metal works on or what its for.
I don't know the ins and outs of apps and how they run or what's required for them to run.
I'm hoping PHotoshop and Lightroom will be functional and just want to surf, upload my photos to my website.. that's all I do on my iMac. Videos and whatnot are via another means.
I'm not even a gamer.....

How can I get the Beta onto my Parallels? As I try to download the beta, it won't let me. I get an error stating my mac is unsupported.

Honestly, it's better to stay with 10.3xx than. VM's and software accelerated mode are suitable for testing purposes, not for normal use as main system. Mojave is not so superior – it looks better and has some nice UI improvements, but you won't be able to enjoy them without Metal compatible GPU or backported OpenGL Hardware acceleration which has too few chances to be done for now.

 

[Vyzantion]

Hey there from a Hackintosh user. I use macOS since Yossemite and Mojave seems the hardest upgrade so far. Indeed, I needed to change my CPU from El Capitan to Sierra, but it went smooth. There are many hackintosh users like me who see themselves put off by an expensive hardware upgrade. I am still using a 2009 standard hardware, this means no Metal for me.
Running Mojave on unsupported hardware needs to unite the efforts of hackintoshers and users/developers who try to run Mojave on unsupported Macs.
First of all, the kernel hardware requirements need to be discovered. It seems the Mojave kernel requires SSE 4.2, but we are not sure yet. If it can run on SSE 4.1 CPUs, this will allow a much larger installer base and support. Running a modified kernel means a lot hassle, although some may find it worth it. Updates from App Store usually can not be installed, even if they are security critical ones, since they modify the kernel and that would make the system unbootable.
One idea (maybe not the best one) is to import the basic Hackintosh components Clover and FakeSMC. Clover as a boot loader cam emulate a lot with help of FakeSMC.

 

[e_ch]

Hey there from a Hackintosh user. I use macOS since Yossemite and Mojave seems the hardest upgrade so far. Indeed, I needed to change my CPU from El Capitan to Sierra, but it went smooth. There are many hackintosh users like me who see themselves put off by an expensive hardware upgrade. I am still using a 2009 standard hardware, this means no Metal for me.
Running Mojave on unsupported hardware needs to unite the efforts of hackintoshers and users/developers who try to run Mojave on unsupported Macs.
First of all, the kernel hardware requirements need to be discovered. It seems the Mojave kernel requires SSE 4.2, but we are not sure yet. If it can run on SSE 4.1 CPUs, this will allow a much larger installer base and support. Running a modified kernel means a lot hassle, although some may find it worth it. Updates from App Store usually can not be installed, even if they are security critical ones, since they modify the kernel and that would make the system unbootable.
One idea (maybe not the best one) is to import the basic Hackintosh components Clover and FakeSMC. Clover as a boot loader cam emulate a lot with help of FakeSMC.

Clover and FakeSMC are needed to bypass Mac OS hardware checking to boot it on a PC. On a real Mac platformsupport hack should be enough to install it and boot if you have supported CPU. Even first Core i Series CPUs support SSE 4.2 so kernel mods are necessary only for older systems which will be almost unusable on Mojave with software renderer anyway.

 

[Czo]

Hey there from a Hackintosh user. I use macOS since Yossemite and Mojave seems the hardest upgrade so far. Indeed, I needed to change my CPU from El Capitan to Sierra, but it went smooth. There are many hackintosh users like me who see themselves put off by an expensive hardware upgrade. I am still using a 2009 standard hardware, this means no Metal for me.
Running Mojave on unsupported hardware needs to unite the efforts of hackintoshers and users/developers who try to run Mojave on unsupported Macs.
First of all, the kernel hardware requirements need to be discovered. It seems the Mojave kernel requires SSE 4.2, but we are not sure yet. If it can run on SSE 4.1 CPUs, this will allow a much larger installer base and support. Running a modified kernel means a lot hassle, although some may find it worth it. Updates from App Store usually can not be installed, even if they are security critical ones, since they modify the kernel and that would make the system unbootable.
One idea (maybe not the best one) is to import the basic Hackintosh components Clover and FakeSMC. Clover as a boot loader cam emulate a lot with help of FakeSMC.

I don't think so its harder than before. Nothing is changed. You required a supported CPU (like before) and a supported GPU (like before). In the past Apple dropped device support multiple times (2011 - 32bit CPU's, 2012 - GPU's without DirectX 10 support, 2016 - CPU's without SSE4.1, and now: CPU's withous SSE4.2, GPU's without DirectX 12 support). Anything that remains supported will be working fine (no matter whether it is in a real Mac or in a Hackintosh device).

 

[e_ch]

I don't think so its harder than before. Nothing is changed. You required a supported CPU (like before) and a supported GPU (like before). In the past Apple dropped device support multiple times (2011 - 32bit CPU's, 2012 - GPU's without DirectX 10 support, 2016 - CPU's without SSE4.1, and now: CPU's withous SSE4.2, GPU's without DirectX 12 support). Anything that remains supported will be working fine (no matter whether it is in a real Mac or in a Hackintosh device).

No, things changed, but only for Macs. Mac OS was accelerated using Open Gl/CL since 10.5-10.6. Previous limitations were based on SSE instructions and platformsupport. Now if everything really accelerated with metal or software – there's no ways for most dropped Macs. Hackintosh users can change GPU pretty easy and the rest process is pretty easy and habitual.

 

[abcdefg12345]

I installed it on a virtual machine on MacBook Pro early 2011, everything is working fine except for 2 things
1. the new apps like news don't work, I presume there is no way to make them work without a metal supported hardware
2. its slow and laggy, which is normal considering its a beta and its running on a virtual machine not taking advantage of the hardware

Based on that I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be able to patch it to make it install on older device, the only things that won't work are iOS Apps.

 

[stormxeron]

I installed it on a virtual machine on MacBook Pro early 2011, everything is working fine except for 2 things
1. the new apps like news don't work, I presume there is no way to make them work without a metal supported hardware
2. its slow and laggy, which is normal considering its a beta and its running on a virtual machine not taking advantage of the hardware

Based on that I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be able to patch it to make it install on older device, the only things that won't work are iOS Apps.

that's good news. And does the dark mode work?

 

[Czo]

No, things changed, but only for Macs. Mac OS was accelerated using Open Gl/CL since 10.5-10.6. Previous limitations were based on SSE instructions and platformsupport. Now if everything really accelerated with metal or software – there's no ways for most dropped Macs. Hackintosh users can change GPU pretty easy and the rest process is pretty easy and habitual.

Nothing changed, because this happened multiple times before. When 10.6 come out, real PPC mac users can not upgrade and peoples who running Mac OS X with MOL on thier PowerPC based not apple macs can't update to 10.6. When 10.7 come out, hackintosh with only 32 bit processors can't run it (like real Macs), but many machines had upgradable CPU's (like real Macs) and will worked fine with 10.7 (like real iMacs, Mac Minis). When 10.8 come out, Hackintosh users simply replace thier nVidia cards to Tesla or newer, thier AMD cards to HD2000 or newer. Now, hackintosh users replace thier video cards to nVidia 600 series or newer or Radeon GCN. This is same true for macs also. Macs with compatible hardware can run 10.8 and newer in full accelerated mode, macs without proper hadware is not.

So no, Nothing is changed. Sometimes Apple lifting up hardware requirenments only with device blacklistings (mostly that happened with 10.12 or 10.4 because nearly all G3 macs can run it, the firewire port is only a blacklisting requirenments) and sometimes with real changes (this happened with 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 and now with 10.14).
[doublepost=1528367561][/doublepost]

I installed it on a virtual machine on MacBook Pro early 2011, everything is working fine except for 2 things
1. the new apps like news don't work, I presume there is no way to make them work without a metal supported hardware
2. its slow and laggy, which is normal considering its a beta and its running on a virtual machine not taking advantage of the hardware

Based on that I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be able to patch it to make it install on older device, the only things that won't work are iOS Apps.

You loosing multiple things without hadware acceleration, like h264 hardware assisted decoding orhardware support from the GPU for video scaling, colorspace conversion. Running on a real hardware without acceleration is nearly the same speed that you can achieve in running a VM. Try to play videos from youtube or running Kodi or playing somethings recorded with an iPhone and imported to Photos.