Hackintoshing Reddit FAQ
This is the FAQ to help you get started with getting your Hackintosh up and running. It will also guide you in what you should/could ask for in the /r/Hackintosh subreddit.
Overview
Content
How to Use /r/Hackintosh
Posting Guidelines
Need build help? Post your build in a table and ask your question. We want to see all your specs, because you never know when that Optical Drive might crash your system! Include your power supply as well, so that we can make sure your computer is at least up to spec, too (you never know when your computer won't even BOOT!)
Need to shout to everyone you got a working build? Great! Post the specs and let us know what guide you used. Or, write your own guide! Let us know so we can keep a simple database on who got what to work. Make sure you include the motherboard in the title!
Have a specific problem? Post your issue in the title, and include specs in the post. We'll try to post answers to your problems.
Upvote/Downvote Guidelines
As a redditor, it is typically our job to upvote good submissions, and downvote bad submissions. Since most of us here on /r/Hackintosh use self posts, please DO NOT:
- Downvote because you dislike a post.
- Downvote out of spite.
- Downvote a poor build.
You should always:
- Upvote posts that are unsolved.
- Upvote good submissions of builds (pics excluded).
- Report problems posts (posts that do not ask for a response or misleading.)
Use your best judgement, and message the mods if you see fishy posts.
Getting Started on your Hackintosh
What Information Should I Look Up?
When getting a new Hackintosh, you should ask yourself some simple questions first:
- Do I want to build a new computer?
- Do I want to dual-boot or triple-boot?
- Will I use this computer regularly?
Your answers will vary where you should start.
Do I want to build a new computer?
Did you say yes? Then you should head over to TonyMac for simple buying guides. These guides will give you builds that have been tried and tested by Tony Mac himself. Prices will vary, but generic pricing is available on the page. This is the easiest way to get your own build, but will still require some piecing together, as well as some simple instructions to what you should do. You can also look up on NewEgg and build a computer from scratch and post to the Hackintoshers on reddit if your build will work. Chances are, someone will correct bits. The only downside to this: there is no simple step-by-step guide available for every part, so you will be tinkering around with your build to get it working right.
Did you say no? I'm assuming that means you want to dual-boot or primary-boot your current setup. This can be tricky. Your first step will be to compile all of your components on a list, and start looking up the HCL guides on the OSX86 Wiki for your components and compatibility. Another simple start is to post your build on the subreddit to get a general idea from other redditors.
Do I want to dual-boot or triple-boot?
This will affect how many drives or partitions you'll need in your build. But this will mostly only affect what guide you should look at after a successful build/install.
Will I use this computer regularly?
Well, will you? If you will, and you have a lot of sensitive data, the best recommendation is to stop now. Hackintoshes can be significantly unreliable, with updates constantly breaking systems, and a consistent need to tinker and backup your info, your data is nearly at the verge of being wiped. If you have a trusted backup system, you can keep reading and using this guide. Most people strive for 100% builds, and several succeed. Your chances of making a 100% build rely solely on the time you have to build and the compatibility of your system.
OK, I Want to Build!
That's good to hear! Now it's time to start your research project. The best places to start with will be:
What you'll be looking for are components that make the most effectively simple build for the latest software. Under OSX86, you'll want the Hardware Compatibility Lists (HCL). Under TonyMac and InsanelyMac, it's best to browse the forum. Most likely, people will be posting unsuccessful builds or issues. You'll want the forums for build references when you have issues.
Building and Installing
Requirements
Ok, so you're ready for the installation. What the hell do you use to install? Well, that's up to your preferences. There are two procedures: Kakewalk, and MultiBeast/iBoot. Check with Kakewalk for your hardware compatibility. If you can manage Kakewalk, download and follow the instructions, and you're already set. Looking at MultiBeast? Look no further.
Post-BIOS/Pre-Boot
What will I need to get the game started? Grab yourself a copy of iBoot, and get it burned. This is what you'll need on your initial boot. You'll also need to modify your BIOS settings to support AHCI boot, as well as HDP mode. Got it? Grab your OSX Installer.
Post-Install/Pre-Update
Alright, I got OSX Installed. What do I do at first boot? MultiBeast will be your first required download (or, download before boot, and put it on a mac readable external drive.) The next things to download may vary depending on your HCL guide.
- DSDT files customized for your motherboard.
- Custom Kexts for your computer.
- Various patchers for your peripherals.
- Combo Updates!
Get these all together follow the instructions to place them correctly. Run the combo updates and prepare for MultiBeast setup. After you've run the installers, you'll run MultiBeast and restart. Congrats, you're pretty much finished.
But wait...what about Lion?
Want Lion? You'll need to start at 10.6.7, or grab a recovery drive to install clean from there. Where can you grab one? You'll need an existing Mac to make one. If you don't have that, unfortunately, you'll need to combo update to 10.6.7 and grab the installer from the App Store. Ready? Now grab xMove from TonyMac and follow his instructions. Nearly there!
Post-Lion Install
You got Lion? Congrats. One step left, MultiBeast and patch some various trouble spots (no sound, wonky graphics, missing drives), and restart. You did it if you see the Apple logo!
Dual-Boot Setup
So how can you get that great feeling of sharing a drive with Windows? Well, you'll need to create a custom BIOS for both booters. Some recommend letting your Mac bootloader handle that and let it boot Windows at startup. Once you get that setup, you'll just need to install Windows to a drive while Mac isn't connected. Windows prefers to be by itself, so you'll need to make sure it can't find that Mac drive.