The Hackintosh Thread

[pastrychef]

I knew that trying to hackintosh a laptop is considerably more complicated than what I'd done up to now, which was installing macOS on largely hardware compatible desktop computers. The difficult part comes from having to do DSDT patches to get everything working which can be avoided with desktops if your hardware choices are good.

Boredom, curiosity (I wanted very much to acquaint myself with DSDT patching), and the fact that my current laptop is nearly a decade old pushed me to give it a try. I found a great deal on a Dell Latitude 3450 with i3-5005U for under $200.

Specs:

• CPU: i3-5005u
• GPU: HD 5500
• RAM: 4GB
• Audio: Realtek ALC3234 (aka ALC255)
• Wifi: Qualcomm/Atheros AR9565
• Ethernet: Realtek RTL8111
• Storage: SATA 3 SSD

I tried to do it all on my own with what knowledge I'd already acquired from my experiences with desktops. I was able to get basic functionality with little difficulty.

What I got working:

• Keyboard
• Trackpad but no 3 finger gestures and no Pref Pane
• CPU power management
• Sleep/Wake (but does not sleep when lid closes)
• HD 5500 QE/CI acceleration
• HDMI (but no HDMI audio)
• Ethernet
• Wifi (did not even need to swap out wifi card)
• USB 3
• Battery indicator
• AirPlay Mirroring (but no audio)

What I couldn't get working:

• Audio
• Sleep when lid closes
• Screen Brightness Control
• HDMI Audio
• USB 2 port
• Bluetooth

I reached this point without having to mess with DSDT at all. It just goes to show how great the Clover boot loader is. But I knew that to get the rest of the features working, I'd have to use DSDT patches. Again, I tried my best to do it on my own using all the information and guides that are out on the internet. After A LOT of reading, I was unable to overcome syntax errors when trying to compile my own DSDT. Unfortunately, I was unable to find information on what to do when encountered with these syntax errors...

I was stuck and needed to ask for help... I tried asking on my usual stomping grounds and only got a half-hearted non-answer which consisted of a link to a bunch of other links (most of which I'd already read). Eventually, I found help at www.osxlatitude.com and Jake was able to help me sort out the few remaining features that were not working.

So, how is this Dell working out as a replacement for my very old 2008 MacBook? Quite well!

To be fair, I basically just use my laptop to surf in bed when I'm too lazy to walk over to my desktop, watch the occasional video, or check usenet. Nothing very demanding at all. But these same activities would sometimes choke my old laptop and cause it to heat up and the fan to get annoyingly loud. This laptop handles all of that easily and never breaks a sweat doing it. Under normal use, the fan never spins up and I've never seen temps exceed about 120F/49C. It wasn't until I tested Handbrake and when temps hit 163F/73C that the fan finally spun up. Amazing.

My old MacBook was limited to 8GB and I often saw a good deal of memory swapping which would bring usability to its knees. I upgraded this Dell to 16GB and no more swapping!

It's not all daffodils and puffy clouds, though... While the keyboard is fine, the trackpad is far inferior to those from Apple. I lose some of the trackpad features that I'd fallen in love with such as pinch to zoom, etc. I was able to mimic some of the 3-finger gestures, but the experience just isn't as nice as on Apple laptops. If you use your laptop for lots of delicate work in Photoshop, etc. forget it. You will just be left completely frustrated. For me, though, it's something I can live with since I don't do too much with my laptop.

Secondly, the materials used in this Dell can never come close to the all aluminum construction of Apple products. I can see how this Dell would probably begin to fall apart if someone were to travel with it frequently. I don't have any confidence that it can handle rough handling.

At the end of the day, it fits my needs fine. I couldn't justify the costs of a new MacBook for my very basic needs and I didn't want to buy a older, used Mac for fear that it could lose support for macOS updates. At a total cost of $275 after upgrading RAM to 16GB, this was a great bargain. I'm still disappointed I was unable to educate myself on DSDT patching but I will keep reading...

 

[jblagden]

I knew that trying to hackintosh a laptop is considerably more complicated than what I'd done up to now, which was installing macOS on largely hardware compatible desktop computers. The difficult part comes from having to do DSDT patches to get everything working which can be avoided with desktops if your hardware choices are good.

Boredom, curiosity (I wanted very much to acquaint myself with DSDT patching), and the fact that my current laptop is nearly a decade old pushed me to give it a try. I found a great deal on a Dell Latitude 3450 with i3-5005U for under $200.

Specs:

• CPU: i3-5005u
• GPU: HD 5500
• RAM: 4GB
• Audio: Realtek ALC3234 (aka ALC255)
• Wifi: Qualcomm/Atheros AR9565
• Ethernet: Realtek RTL8111
• Storage: SATA 3 SSD

I tried to do it all on my own with what knowledge I'd already acquired from my experiences with desktops. I was able to get basic functionality with little difficulty.

What I got working:

• Keyboard
• Trackpad but no 3 finger gestures and no Pref Pane
• CPU power management
• Sleep/Wake (but does not sleep when lid closes)
• HD 5500 QE/CI acceleration
• HDMI (but no HDMI audio)
• Ethernet
• Wifi (did not even need to swap out wifi card)
• USB 3
• Battery indicator
• AirPlay Mirroring (but no audio)

What I couldn't get working:

• Audio
• Sleep when lid closes
• Screen Brightness Control
• HDMI Audio
• USB 2 port
• Bluetooth

I reached this point without having to mess with DSDT at all. It just goes to show how great the Clover boot loader is. But I knew that to get the rest of the features working, I'd have to use DSDT patches. Again, I tried my best to do it on my own using all the information and guides that are out on the internet. After A LOT of reading, I was unable to overcome syntax errors when trying to compile my own DSDT. Unfortunately, I was unable to find information on what to do when encountered with these syntax errors...

I was stuck and needed to ask for help... I tried asking on my usual stomping grounds and only got a half-hearted non-answer which consisted of a link to a bunch of other links (most of which I'd already read). Eventually, I found help at www.osxlatitude.com and Jake was able to help me sort out the few remaining features that were not working.

So, how is this Dell working out as a replacement for my very old 2008 MacBook? Quite well!

To be fair, I basically just use my laptop to surf in bed when I'm too lazy to walk over to my desktop, watch the occasional video, or check usenet. Nothing very demanding at all. But these same activities would sometimes choke my old laptop and cause it to heat up and the fan to get annoyingly loud. This laptop handles all of that easily and never breaks a sweat doing it. Under normal use, the fan never spins up and I've never seen temps exceed about 120F/49C. It wasn't until I tested Handbrake and when temps hit 163F/73C that the fan finally spun up. Amazing.

My old MacBook was limited to 8GB and I often saw a good deal of memory swapping which would bring usability to its knees. I upgraded this Dell to 16GB and no more swapping!

It's not all daffodils and puffy clouds, though... While the keyboard is fine, the trackpad is far inferior to those from Apple. I lose some of the trackpad features that I'd fallen in love with such as pinch to zoom, etc. I was able to mimic some of the 3-finger gestures, but the experience just isn't as nice as on Apple laptops. If you use your laptop for lots of delicate work in Photoshop, etc. forget it. You will just be left completely frustrated. For me, though, it's something I can live with since I don't do too much with my laptop.

Secondly, the materials used in this Dell can never come close to the all aluminum construction of Apple products. I can see how this Dell would probably begin to fall apart if someone were to travel with it frequently. I don't have any confidence that it can handle rough handling.

At the end of the day, it fits my needs fine. I couldn't justify the costs of a new MacBook for my very basic needs and I didn't want to buy a older, used Mac for fear that it could lose support for macOS updates. At a total cost of $275 after upgrading RAM to 16GB, this was a great bargain. I'm still disappointed I was unable to educate myself on DSDT patching but I will keep reading...

Some non-Apple laptops actually have multitouch trackpads, such as those from System76, though you might have to make your own DSDTs, though that process is a little easier than it normally because System76 laptops come with Ubuntu preinstalled, though they come with the Unity desktop environment, which I'm not a big fan of. Come to think of it, if I just wanted a laptop for web browsing and watching videos, I'd just go with Ubuntu Gnome because it would be a lot less work and every part of the laptop would work, and I'd be able to make use of a Pascal GPU. Linux has come a long way in the last ten years. It's not as good as OS X, but it's getting there, and it'll only get a lot better if users complain about things that could be better. Here's my list possible improvements:

· Changing the startup sound

· Refreshing repositories – should be done automatically on a daily basis

· Copying photos from an iPhone

· Changing the Unity launcher’s position without installing the Unity Tweak tool – this is something which should be handled by Settings

· Renaming files just by left-clicking on the file name.

· Including proprietary drivers in all Linux distributions. I realize the open source community doesn’t want to use any proprietary software, but sometimes such a stance is either impractical or extremely inconvenient, especially when it comes to hardware drivers.

· Typing letters with special characters like ñ, like you can on a Mac (insert link to YouTube video)

· Installing desktop environments

· Installing Microsoft fonts – It doesn’t work in Ubuntu anymore, and it would be nice if this could be included with the choice for installing proprietary software during the OS installation

· Every Linux distribution should include the option of installing proprietary codecs during the OS installation – people aren’t going to switch to Linux if they can’t play their audio and video files “out of the box”, and most folks don’t know that the codecs can be installed later or how to go about it, which can make this a huge impediment to mass adoption. Sure, people can convert their media files to open-source formats, but they’re not going to do that when they’re just trying out the operating system; that’s something they’ll take care of after they’ve been using Linux for a while and have really gotten into the FOSS philosophy.

· Every Linux distribution should support the use of mice which have two extra buttons for moving back and forward through a web browser tab’s history

· Connecting to a Windows domain

 

[pastrychef]

I do have some multitouch functions with the trackpad on the Latitude 3450, but it just doesn't work quite as well as the ones on Mac laptops.

I have used Linux a little in the past but I'm just much more comfortable using macOS. I do have Linux Mint on a flash drive for the rare occasions where I need to run a Linux only utility and I agree that it's come a long way and I almost find it pleasant.

 

[jblagden]

I do have some multitouch functions with the trackpad on the Latitude 3450, but it just doesn't work quite as well as the ones on Mac laptops.

I have used Linux a little in the past but I'm just much more comfortable using macOS. I do have Linux Mint on a flash drive for the rare occasions where I need to run a Linux only utility and I agree that it's come a long way and I almost find it pleasant.

Oh, okay. Yeah, Linux has gotten a lot better, and it’s nearly pleasant. It could be better. The open-source programs could also use updated GUIs, though I guess that’s an issue for another time.

One of the tough things about Linux is picking a desktop environment. Ubuntu comes with Unity, but it’s a little slow on older hardware and the launcher isn’t like the Mac Dock, at least not as much as the launchers in Gnome and XFCE. I know Mint has variants with different desktop environments, specifically XFCE, MATE, GNOME and KDE. What’s your favorite desktop environment?

 

[Crosscreek]

I have a Linux Mint Mate SSD installed on my hack along with Windows 10. I use Mint more than anything else for privacy when surfing or banking and paying bills. I also use a full time VPN on all three of my operating systems along with the Tor browser.

 

[pastrychef]

Yes, I also use Linux Mint Mate, but very rarely.

I'm not concerned about my security with macOS. I have been using a VPN for years too but I only turn it on when I feel like I need to.

 

[fridgeymonster3]

Yeah I was curious because I just built a hackintosh and wanted to see how far I could push it with a CPU overclock for the hell of it. I'll won't run an extreme overclock 24/7 just wanted to find the limits of my chip.

 

[ekwipt]

Yeah I was curious because I just built a hackintosh and wanted to see how far I could push it with a CPU overclock for the hell of it. I'll won't run an extreme overclock 24/7 just wanted to find the limits of my chip.

The only real way to do it is install windows and overclock and stress test, there's no real tools for overclocking in OSX because real macs don't overclock. There's great tools now available to overclock and you can do it all in software then when you have your stable results you can hard set them in your bios and go from there.

 

[MacUser2525]

The only real way to do it is install windows and overclock and stress test, there's no real tools for overclocking in OSX because real macs don't overclock.

mprime the osx version of the prime 95 program works great for stress testing your overclock just as it does in windows.

http://www.mersenne.org/download/

 

[JamesPDX]

Has anybody built a powerful [Avid/Pro Tools 12/Vienna Symphonic Library] machine yet? I'm on the fence with the HP840 and a used quad-core nMP. I need mine in the control room and I'd prefer Thunderbolt 2, if possible.
USB 2 and 3 ports must work and Firewire (even FW400) would be nice for tethering certain gear.

PS, All SSDs, no more spinners, not even HGST Deskstars nor Ultrastars last more than a few years anymore.

Thanking you...

 

[lowendlinux]

So I tried to use an actual Mac Pro for a couple weeks and couldn't hang it's just to loud so I'm back on my PC. I'll reinstall OSX after I find out where Apple is going with graphics cards which we should know when a new iMac is launched.

 

[JamesPDX]

So I tried to use an actual Mac Pro for a couple weeks and couldn't hang it's just to loud so I'm back on my PC. I'll reinstall OSX after I find out where Apple is going with graphics cards which we should know when a new iMac is launched.

cMP or nMP? Which year/make/model was noisy?

 

[lowendlinux]

cMP or nMP? Which year/make/model was noisy?

It was a 5,1 hex

I had a tube for a week while that one was it the shop it was nice and quiet until it was loaded up.

 

[kschendel]

Either you're in a dead silent room or that 5,1 wasn't right. My 4,1 is extremely quiet, if not dead silent, and that's with two spinners in it along with the SSD. In fact that's a big part of the reason I'm sticking with it for a couple more years.

 

[lowendlinux]

Either you're in a dead silent room or that 5,1 wasn't right. My 4,1 is extremely quiet, if not dead silent, and that's with two spinners in it along with the SSD. In fact that's a big part of the reason I'm sticking with it for a couple more years.

Like I brought up in the past when the computer was sitting under my desk at work I couldn't here it there was just enough ambient noise to drown it out at home that is not the case. When I built my PC silence was the priority and I spent quite a bit more than was necessary to make it that way.

 

[JamesPDX]

****. So, if I want another dead-quiet Pro Tools machine, should I get the 3.7 Quad-Core tube with 32GB RAM and 2 D300's from ibuildmacs.com? -I use external Thunderbolt SSDs via Blackmagic Design MultiDock II. I don't want to get caught with my pants down again like I did in 2013. My machines gotta be quiet. Please advise.

I'm running PT 12.6 on a 2012 i7 QC.

Or I can still run out and get a 2015 MBP i7 16GB RAM, SSD/Flash etc.

 

[TheStork]

JamesPDX,
Since you're posting in a hackintosh thread, are you interested in a hackintosh? BoomR is a recording engineer over at tonymacx.com. See his sticky threads in the Music forum section there.
https://www.tonymacx86.com/forums/music.21/

 

[ActionableMango]

If it is indeed possible to switch to Clover, getting iMessage, FaceTime, etc working on a hackintosh is very possible. I used method detailed here to get it all working. It has been flawless and I use it everyday.

Do you have a build list of your computer? I am not ready to hackintosh yet, but I'd like to look it over out of curiosity and to add to my understanding.

EDIT: Never mind, I see the link in your sig!

 

[techsavvy01]

I am an amateur when it comes to hackintosh. I get stuck at PCI Configuration Begin. I have windows 7 machine with r9 290 & asus z97 deluxe. How do I enable AHCI mode for my windows 7 ssd? Also does hackintosh work on mbr partition? Most hackintosh software works on mbr right?

 

[MacUser2525]

I am an amateur when it comes to hackintosh. I get stuck at PCI Configuration Begin. I have windows 7 machine with r9 290 & asus z97 deluxe. How do I enable AHCI mode for my windows 7 ssd? Also does hackintosh work on mbr partition? Most hackintosh software works on mbr right?

Wrong mbr was a hack used in the early days before wide availability of EFI motherboards like your is. You want GPT partitioned now for using OSX on a board like yours you should try to install on spare drive/ usb disk for the best results. For the AHCI you need to modify setting in the BIOS and your windows will no longer boot unless you go through the changing after install foolishness that needs to be done, never managed it myself until I found hacked installer that had all the changes needed in it for both the AHCI and EFI install. Probably better off using a BIOS profile for what you need one for your current windows settings and one for the OSX, loading each when wanting to run the system of choice at the time, that is if your mb supports that feature.. Couple of guides below and an youtube video that says it shows the settings needed for a hack no clue if it does as it does not play in my browser in html5. One quick tip remove the ATI and go with the onboard video to get it up and running then get the add in card going last.

http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/310786-guide-asus-z97-deluxe-i7-4790k-gtx-980-upgraded/
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...rd-ac-wifi-bluetooth-4-0-secure-drive.137114/
http://www.qnell.com/articles/1/

Edit: The video is for BIOS settings somehow embedded here does it in html5, ain't that special...

 

[techsavvy01]

Wrong mbr was a hack used in the early days before wide availability of EFI motherboards like your is. You want GPT partitioned now for using OSX on a board like yours you should try to install on spare drive/ usb disk for the best results. For the AHCI you need to modify setting in the BIOS and your windows will no longer boot unless you go through the changing after install foolishness that needs to be done, never managed it myself until I found hacked installer that had all the changes needed in it for both the AHCI and EFI install. Probably better off using a BIOS profile for what you need one for your current windows settings and one for the OSX, loading each when wanting to run the system of choice at the time, that is if your mb supports that feature.. Couple of guides below and an youtube video that says it shows the settings needed for a hack no clue if it does as it does not play in my browser in html5. One quick tip remove the ATI and go with the onboard video to get it up and running then get the add in card going last.

http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/310786-guide-asus-z97-deluxe-i7-4790k-gtx-980-upgraded/
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...rd-ac-wifi-bluetooth-4-0-secure-drive.137114/
http://www.qnell.com/articles/1/

Edit: The video is for BIOS settings somehow embedded here does it in html5, ain't that special...

Thank you for this. I have another question. Yosemite from a team called Hackintosh World should have a mbr patch correct?

 

[MacUser2525]

Thank you for this. I have another question. Yosemite from a team called Hackintosh World should have a mbr patch correct?

No clue I have not tried an MBR install in years all GPT here, your really better off with separate drive/settings in the BIOS for less problems in the long run. It may be pain switching each time you want to run the different OSs but worth it from trouble shooting point of view.

 

[owbp]

Have to agree with MacUser2525, separate drives are always the way to go.

If you really want to patch Yosemite, there is no need for prepatched distros when you can do it yourself.

Also, if you really want to run both OS' on one HDD i suggest installing OS X first.
Great guide that worked for me for number of times: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/to...ot-with-windows-10-and-clover-legacy-or-uefi/
The beauty of it is that you just have to rename/copy a few files.

 

[pastrychef]

I agree with all of the above. With Z97, you really should use GPT and UEFI install.

If you really want to install multiple operating systems on a single drive, here's a guide:
Guide: MultiBooting UEFI

I did multiple operating systems on one drive with my laptop but that was because I had no easy way of installing a second hard drive/SSD... Given a choice, I would definitely have gone with separate drives.

 

[techsavvy01]

I agree with all of the above. With Z97, you really should use GPT and UEFI install.

If you really want to install multiple operating systems on a single drive, here's a guide:
Guide: MultiBooting UEFI

I did multiple operating systems on one drive with my laptop but that was because I had no easy way of installing a second hard drive/SSD... Given a choice, I would definitely have gone with separate drives.

Geez creating a hackintosh machine is more complicated than I thought I just want straight forward help for my specific computer which has a asus z97 deluxe & r9 290. How can I simply install yosemite hackintosh world on my 256 gb ssd with windows 7 currently installed on it? I just simply want to build a hackintosh machine with dual boot windows 7 & yosemite on same ssd.