How To Build Your Own Hackintosh

Exploring the World of Hackintoshes: A Guide

Interested in experiencing the Mac operating system without the investment in Apple hardware? MakeUseOf’s latest guide, "Think Different: How to Build Your Own Hackintosh," authored by Stefan Neagu, provides a comprehensive walkthrough. This Hackintosh guide details the necessary steps for constructing a powerful PC capable of running macOS.

What is a Hackintosh?

A Hackintosh is essentially a non-Apple computer – either custom-built or purchased from a retailer – that runs a modified version of Apple’s macOS. The operating system is originally intended for use exclusively on Apple’s own hardware.

Essentially, it involves adapting the OS to function on alternative components.

The Appeal of Building a Hackintosh

Despite Apple’s disapproval of running their operating system on non-Apple hardware, a significant number of tech enthusiasts choose to build Hackintosh systems. This is often driven by a desire to utilize macOS without the cost associated with purchasing Apple products.

Creating a Hackintosh requires considerable time and dedication.

Guide Highlights

The MakeUseOf guide covers both options for getting started: utilizing existing computer hardware or procuring a new, pre-built system specifically for the purpose. It provides detailed instructions for both scenarios.

The guide explains the components needed for a successful build.
It outlines the process of patching the OS for compatibility.
It offers solutions to common issues encountered during setup.

While not a simple undertaking, this guide aims to demystify the process of getting macOS running on non-Apple hardware.

This document outlines the process of installing and configuring macOS on a non-Apple computer.

It provides a step-by-step guide, covering preparation, installation, and post-installation configuration.

§1–Introduction

The possibility of running macOS on PC hardware, often referred to as "Hackintoshing," has long been a pursuit for tech enthusiasts.

This guide details the procedures involved, acknowledging that success depends heavily on hardware compatibility and adherence to specific instructions.

§2–Preparation

Prior to commencing the installation, several preparatory steps are crucial.

These include downloading the necessary files, verifying hardware compatibility, and creating a bootable USB drive.

A compatible CPU, motherboard, and graphics card are essential for a successful installation.

Specifically, Intel processors generally exhibit better compatibility than AMD processors.

The required files typically consist of a macOS installation image and specific kexts (kernel extensions) tailored to your hardware.

These kexts enable macOS to recognize and interact with your PC's components.

Rufus or similar tools can be used to create a bootable USB drive from the downloaded installation image.

§3–Installing OS X On Your PC

The installation process begins by booting your PC from the prepared USB drive.

Accessing the boot menu usually involves pressing a specific key during startup (e.g., F2, F12, Delete, or Esc).

Once booted, you will be presented with the macOS installer.

The installer will guide you through partitioning your hard drive and formatting it for macOS.

During installation, the system may encounter errors related to incompatible hardware.

Addressing these errors often requires injecting the appropriate kexts during the installation process.

This can be achieved through boot arguments passed to the bootloader.

§4–Configuring OS X

Following the installation, configuring macOS for optimal performance is necessary.

This involves installing additional kexts to enable full functionality of all hardware components.

Networking, audio, and graphics are common areas requiring specific kexts.

Tools like Clover Configurator can assist in managing boot arguments and kexts.

Furthermore, it’s important to configure the bootloader to correctly identify and load the necessary kexts at startup.

Regular updates to kexts are recommended to maintain compatibility and stability.

Consider creating a backup of your system before making significant configuration changes.

§5–Conclusion

Installing macOS on a PC is a complex undertaking that demands careful preparation and attention to detail.

While successful implementation can provide access to the macOS ecosystem on non-Apple hardware, it is not without its challenges.

Hardware compatibility remains a primary concern, and troubleshooting may be required to overcome installation and configuration issues.

Ongoing maintenance, including kext updates, is essential for a stable and functional system.

1. Introduction

A Hackintosh is essentially a non-Apple computer – one you build yourself or purchase from a retailer other than Apple – that runs Apple’s macOS operating system. macOS is specifically engineered for Apple’s own hardware.

Despite Apple’s disapproval of this practice, many tech enthusiasts opt to create a Hackintosh rather than purchasing Apple hardware. Several factors contribute to this decision:

1. Apple provides limited hardware configurations for its desktops, laptops, and workstations. Many PC users prefer the ability to fully customize their hardware, a level of control not offered by Apple.

2. Upgrading Apple hardware is notoriously expensive. For example, increasing RAM from 4GB to 8GB can cost $200 through Apple, while the same upgrade is available for $40-$50 from retailers like Newegg.

3. Professionals in fields like video editing and photography often build powerful machines at a lower cost than a Mac Pro to utilize software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut, Aperture, and more.

4. Some individuals are motivated by a desire to challenge Apple’s closed-source approach and controlling policies, building a Hackintosh as a statement of independence.

5. Many users believe macOS offers the best user interface available, but prefer not to be tied to Apple’s hardware ecosystem. This leads them to the Hackintosh solution.

Apple doesn’t actively prevent the installation of its software on unsupported hardware through complex protection methods. Instead, the OS’s design and reliance on specific hardware standards present challenges. These standards include the GUID partition table, an integrated TPM chip, and specialized hardware drivers.

Building a successful Hackintosh requires careful component selection, mirroring those found in Apple computers, and meticulous configuration. It also involves a degree of risk, as software updates can potentially disrupt the system’s functionality.

Legal Notice: This guide is for educational purposes only. The author and MakeUseOf.com assume no liability for any consequences resulting from following these instructions. Proceeding may violate copyright laws and other applicable regulations.

Consult with legal counsel before proceeding. If you disagree with this disclaimer, please close this guide and delete all copies.

2. Getting Started: System Preparation

Essentially, installing OS X isn't universally compatible with all computers. There are three primary routes to begin utilizing Mac OS X:

1. Installing Mac OS X on a PC you currently own.

2. Acquiring compatible components and assembling a new PC.

3. Purchasing a pre-configured, Mac OS X-ready PC from online vendors.

2.1 Option 1: Utilizing Existing Hardware

CPU Requirements

To successfully install OS X on an Intel-based computer, the processor must support at least the SSE2 instruction set extension; however, SSE3 is highly recommended. You can verify your processor’s capabilities by consulting the manufacturer’s website and reviewing its technical specifications. If the CPU model is unknown, access Device Manager through the Control Panel and locate the “Processor” listing.

Alternatively, a freely downloadable program called CPU-Z can identify and display your processor’s features.

If you operate within a Linux environment, open the Terminal and execute the command “cat /proc/cpuinfo”, then press Enter. While most modern processors support these extensions, this verification is crucial when repurposing existing hardware.

This guide focuses on installing Mac OS X on Intel-based PCs. Attempting to install OS X on a PC with an AMD processor presents a significant challenge. I personally spent considerable time trying to install OS X 10.6.8 on an AMD laptop, and while I eventually achieved a bootable state, it lacked essential functionality like sound and wireless connectivity, and the display resolution was not native. Further attempts resulted in Kernel panics.

2.2 Option 2: Constructing a Dedicated Computer

The following table presents two example Hackintosh configurations, tailored to varying performance needs:

Component	Minimum Specifications for Basic Use*	Recommended High-Performance Configuration*
Storage	60 GB SATA 1	2x 250GB SATA 3 or higher, 80GB SSD for the operating system (primary)
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo @2Ghz	Intel Core i5-2xxx (LGA1155) @2.7Ghz (Sandy Bridge)
Memory	2GB	DDR3 4GB (2 x 2GB Dual Channel) (@1600Mhz)
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce GT 220	2x ATi Radeon HD 2600 PRO (CrossFire setup)
Motherboard	Gigabyte EP45-UD3LR	AsRock Z68 PRO3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Intel Motherboard

*These system component recommendations are based on the author’s experience and are not official Apple specifications. Full functionality is not guaranteed with either configuration.

If your PC meets the minimum requirements outlined in the table – regarding RAM, storage, and CPU – and you prefer to utilize it rather than build a new system, Mac OS X may function. However, compatibility is limited, and finding drivers for wireless and sound functionality can be time-consuming. Apple employs customized hardware not readily available for purchase through standard retailers like Newegg and Amazon.

Shown above is Mac OS X Snow Leopard running Finder, Mail, and QuickTime.

The specific components – CPU, motherboard, graphics card, etc. – will depend on your intended use for the Hackintosh. Investing in 8GB of RAM and dual HD 2600 PRO graphics cards is unnecessary if the system will primarily be used for web browsing and basic office tasks. The Hackintosh community is fragmented, resulting in numerous wikis, guides, and hardware compatibility lists. It is advisable to consult these resources and select hardware that aligns with your needs. A thorough understanding of the technical specifications of listed hardware is essential for making informed decisions.

Useful hardware compatibility resources:

• The DSDT database maintained by tonymacx86.

• Kexts.com, a resource provided by the Dutch Hackintosh community, offering a wide range of free utilities and drivers.

• MyMacNetbook’s hardware compatibility list, focused on portable computers, listing compatible laptops and netbooks.

• InsanelyMac’s OSX86 hardware compatibility list.

2.3 Option 3: Purchasing a Pre-Assembled Hackintosh

If you lack technical expertise or time for detailed research, consider a pre-configured system from kakewalk. While you still need to assemble the computer, they have pre-selected compatible components for three Hackintosh types: Lite (for basic tasks), Moderate (for hobbyist creative work), and Pro (for professional creative applications). They also offer a free software package that automatically installs Mac OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, along with the necessary drivers specifically for these configurations.

Pictured above, Mac OS X being installed on a Lenovo laptop.

MakeUseOf provides a comprehensive guide to building a new PC, available for free. Authored by Karl L.Gechlik, it offers a step-by-step walkthrough of the assembly process and serves as a valuable companion to this guide.

Installing OS X on Your PC

Do you possess the necessary hardware? If so, let's proceed with the installation process. A preparation checklist is provided below for your convenience:

First, you will require a blank CD and appropriate burning software, specifically for iBoot.

Second, a retail copy of Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) is essential. Should you opt to download the operating system’s ISO image, a DVD-9 disc with 8GB of storage capacity will be needed for burning.

Third, during installation, limit your system to a maximum of 4GB of RAM and a single video card. Avoid connecting multiple displays. Utilize only one hard drive – the one designated for the OS X installation.

Fourth, remove or disconnect any USB peripherals, supplemental PCI cards, modems, Bluetooth adapters, and WiFi cards.

BIOS Configuration: Refer to your motherboard’s manual for instructions on accessing the BIOS configuration utility. Within the BIOS, set the default boot device to CD-ROM and configure the SATA controller to ACHI mode, which governs hard disk controller operation. If supported, adjust the HPET (High Precision Event Timer) setting to 64-bit. Finally, select and enable High-Performance (or Optimized) Defaults. Save these changes and reboot the system.

Boot Sequence: Download iBoot and burn it to a CD. The most recent version can be found on the tonymacx86 forum. This software is necessary as a direct boot and installation from the Snow Leopard DVD is not possible. Insert the iBoot CD into the CD/DVD-ROM drive and reboot your computer. When prompted, eject iBoot, insert the Snow Leopard DVD, and press F5. Once the label beneath the DVD icon changes to Mac OS X Install, press Enter.

Initiating Installation: Upon the appearance of the installation screen, select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. Change the partition table to GUID and format the entire hard drive using Mac OS Extended Journaled, assigning it a name such as Leopard. Close Disk Utility. Initiate the installation process and await file copying.

Important Note: Instructions for dual-boot configurations are detailed later in this guide. Please review that section before partitioning your disk.

Following completion of the installation, restart your computer and insert the iBoot CD. Select the Leopard disk that was created. Installation is now complete!

Important Update: Refrain from installing updates directly from Apple, as this frequently results in installation failures – approximately 90% of the time. Updates must be patched before installation.

Download MultiBeast and the 10.6.8 Combo Update. Mount MacOSXUpdCombo10.6.8.dmg and proceed with the installation. When prompted to restart by the wizard, do not restart. Launch MultiBeast. This tool allows booting directly from the hard drive, bypassing iBoot, and installs drivers for common motherboard chipsets, graphics cards, and sound cards within the Hackintosh community.

Two installation options are available:

EasyBeast installs the minimum components required for system booting.
UserDSDT provides similar functionality if your motherboard is listed. If you have a customized DSDT file, place it on your desktop and select UserDSDT; otherwise, choose EasyBeast.

Select System Utilities and install additional drivers from Advanced Options. The bootloader option does not need to be checked, as it is installed automatically.

An alternative installation method involves downloading a pre-patched version of Mac OS X from a peer-to-peer file-sharing network. This process requires only burning the obtained ISO image to a DVD and booting from it. The OS X Installation wizard remains the same, but offers a selection of drivers before file copying begins.

Due to legal considerations, we cannot provide direct links to this software. Searching for Kalyway, iATKOS, or iPC may yield results.

3.1 Dual Booting Mac OS X and Windows

If you also require Windows, the following steps are necessary for a dual-boot setup:

Insert your Windows Vista or Windows 7 installation CD and boot from it.

Utilize the partition tool to delete all existing partitions, then create two new partitions, each with at least 60GB of storage space.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows installation.

Insert a patched version of OS X (as previously mentioned) and boot from it.

Open Disk Utility from Utilities and format the second partition with Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Continue with the Mac OS X installation. Upon completion, the system should boot into Mac OS X. If it does not, use the Windows installation disk to access the Start-up Repair option and choose “Repair your computer.”

Insert the iATKOS patched OS X install disk and select the Customize option. This allows you to deselect components before installation. Deselect everything except the Bootloader, then proceed with the installation wizard. Ensure that Chameleon 2.0 only is selected.

Restart your computer and press Enter when the Apple logo appears.

You now have a dual-boot system. The bootloader will present a choice of operating systems at each startup.

4. Configuring OS X

4.1 Introduction to Mac OS X

Mac OS X is built upon a Unix foundation, contributing to its reputation as a remarkably stable, dependable, and efficient operating system for everyday users. The graphical user interface is, in our assessment, exceptionally well-designed – offering both ease of use and sophisticated functionality.

With your Mac OS X installation, a comprehensive collection of applications is included: Mail, iChat, PhotoBooth, iCal (for calendar management), Safari (a web browser), iTunes, Address Book, and various system utilities.

The Dock, located at the screen's bottom, provides quick access to frequently used applications and folders. You can easily customize it by dragging and dropping any desired application or folder.

The status bar, positioned at the top right of the screen, displays essential information such as the current time, WiFi signal strength, and volume levels. This functions similarly to the Taskbar in Windows.

On the upper left, the File menu dynamically adapts to the active application, presenting relevant options. The Apple logo within the File menu grants access to System Information, System Updates, and the Force Quit function – analogous to the Task Manager for managing unresponsive applications.

Explore the applications within your Dock to familiarize yourself with their capabilities. GarageBand, iPhoto, and iMovie are available for individual purchase through the App Store (accessible via the Apple menu) or as part of the iLife suite DVD from an Apple Store.

To modify the computer’s settings, click the cogwheel icon in the Dock to launch System Preferences. Utilize the search bar at the top right of the window to quickly locate the specific feature you wish to adjust. Each setting includes a helpful explanation of its function.

4.2 Desktop/Office Tools

Transitioning to a Hackintosh for tasks like word processing and spreadsheets is straightforward. Microsoft offers a Mac-compatible version of its Office productivity suite, closely resembling the Windows iteration in appearance and functionality.

Apple’s own office suite, iWork, provides comparable features. However, after a trial period, a preference for the established features of Microsoft Word was observed.

For writers and programmers, TextMate is a highly recommended application. It offers extensive functionality without being intrusive, allowing writers to focus on content creation, while programmers benefit from automatic code wrapping and auto-completion features.

A wealth of applications are available for Macs from the free and open-source software community. A categorized directory can be found online, offering solutions for various needs, from text editing to podcasting.

4.3 Mac Tools for the...

Musician:

• GarageBand – included with every new Mac as part of the iLife suite, requires a separate purchase for Hackintosh users. This application is an ideal starting point for music creation, offering simplicity and a comprehensive feature set.

• Ableton Live – represents a more advanced option, enabling professional-level mixing and editing capabilities.

• Logic Studio – provides a complete professional solution for Apple users, encompassing all necessary tools for music creation and publishing, along with an extensive library of sound effects and instruments.

• Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Cubase, Ardour, Tracktion – represent further alternatives to consider.

Photographer:

• Adobe Photoshop – a versatile and widely used photo editing tool, though it comes with a significant cost.

• Pixelmator – offers a streamlined yet faster photo editing experience.

• Seashore – based on the open-source Gimp project, provides a robust set of tools.

• Corel Painter X, Acorn, Picturesque, PhotoComplete – are additional options worth investigating.

Videographer:

• Premiere Elements – stands as the leading consumer-level video editing tool available for Mac.

• Final Cut Pro – Apple’s professional video editing software, known for its feature-rich environment and intuitive interface.

• Encore – an Adobe tool designed for creating DVDs with menus, subtitles, and effects.

• Avid DS – a highly sophisticated video editing solution, best suited for experienced users due to its complexity.

5. Conclusion

Achieving a truly equivalent experience to a genuine Mac computer with a Hackintosh proves consistently challenging. The macOS operating system is specifically engineered for seamless integration with Apple’s hardware.

This native synergy enables functionalities such as multi-touch gesture support, automated screen brightness adjustment, rapid system startup, and effortless system and driver updates. Utilizing a Hackintosh necessitates sacrificing this inherent integration.

Instead of concentrating on tasks, users often find themselves troubleshooting system stability. While such behavior might be considered normal within the Windows or PC ecosystem, it’s generally unacceptable in the Mac or Linux environments.

Constructing a Hackintosh demands significant time and dedication. This includes component selection, acquiring modified installation media, and applying various patches. A core strength of macOS is its “just works” philosophy, eliminating the need for constant system maintenance – a benefit forfeited when opting for a Hackintosh.

Personal experience has shown that replicating the performance and reliability of a MacBook with a Hackintosh is difficult. Attempts often result in systems that are unstable, slow, and prone to issues, despite considerable effort.

The added expense of purchasing a Mac is justified, primarily due to the exceptional customer support offered by Apple. Their prompt and effective assistance provides invaluable peace of mind, particularly in critical situations like data loss.

Topics

More