Building a Hackintosh, a non-Apple computer running macOS, has always been a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. For many tech enthusiasts, achieving the smooth performance of a Mac while utilizing custom hardware is a dream come true. Today, we’ll guide you through the steps to install macOS on a custom-built Hackintosh using an Intel Core i9-10900K. Our professional, detailed approach will ensure even first-time builders will find this guide helpful.
Prepping Your Hardware: Choose Compatible Components
Before diving into the software installation, selecting the right hardware is crucial for a successful Hackintosh build. Compatibility with macOS is essential; otherwise, you might face numerous issues down the road.
CPU and Motherboard
For this guide, we will be using the Intel Core i9-10900K. This powerful processor is known for its compatibility with macOS through the use of OpenCore bootloader. Pair it with a Gigabyte Vision D motherboard, which offers excellent support for macOS, including Thunderbolt 3, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
GPU
The AMD Radeon RX 580 is an excellent choice due to its native support in macOS. NVIDIA cards are generally less compatible with newer versions of macOS.
Storage
Opt for an NVMe SSD, like the Samsung 970 Evo, to ensure fast boot times and smooth performance.
Case
Choose a spacious and well-ventilated case that accommodates your components comfortably. Cases like the NZXT H510 provide both aesthetics and functionality.
Miscellaneous Components
For WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, a Fenvi FV-T919 card is supported out-of-the-box. Ensure you have a compatible USB flash drive (at least 16GB) and a Mac or macOS-running environment to create the bootable USB.
Creating the Bootable macOS USB Drive
Download macOS Catalina
Using a supported Mac, download macOS Catalina from the App Store. Ensure the version you download is supported for your Hackintosh build.
Format the USB Drive
Insert your USB drive and open Disk Utility. Select the USB drive and format it as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) with a GUID Partition Map.
Use Terminal to Create a Bootable USB
Open Terminal and use the following command:
sudo /Applications/Install macOS Catalina.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume
Replace “MyVolume” with the name of your USB drive. This will take some time, so be patient.
Configuring OpenCore Bootloader
Download OpenCore
Visit the OpenCore GitHub page and download the latest release. Extract the files to a folder on your desktop.
EFI Folder Structure
Navigate to the USB drive and create an EFI folder if it doesn’t exist. Inside the EFI folder, create another folder named BOOT and OpenCore.
Configuring config.plist
The config.plist file is crucial for your Hackintosh. Open it using a plist editor and configure it according to your hardware. You can find sample plist files online but ensure you modify them to match your exact setup.
Adding Kexts
Kexts (kernel extensions) are like drivers for macOS. Add necessary kexts such as:
- Lilu.kext
- WhateverGreen.kext
- AppleALC.kext
- IntelMausi.kext
- VirtualSMC.kext
Place these kexts in the EFI/OC/Kexts folder.
SMBIOS Settings
Generate a unique SMBIOS for your Hackintosh using the GenSMBIOS tool. This will provide a serial number, board serial, and SmUUID for your system. Configure these in your config.plist under the PlatformInfo section.
BIOS Settings Configuration
Before booting from your USB drive, you need to configure the BIOS settings of your Gigabyte Vision D motherboard.
General BIOS Settings
- Disable Secure Boot
- Enable XHCI Handoff
- Disable Fast Boot
- Enable Above 4G Decoding
CPU Settings
- Enable Hyper-Threading
- Set CPU to Default Settings
Storage Configuration
- Set SATA Mode to AHCI
- Disable VT-d
Save and exit the BIOS settings. Insert your USB drive and boot from it.
Installing macOS Catalina
Boot from USB
Restart your computer and press the boot menu key (usually F12 for Gigabyte boards). Select the USB drive and boot from it.
macOS Installer
Once the macOS installer loads, follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS Catalina on your NVMe SSD. This process will take some time, so ensure the system remains powered on during the installation.
Post-Installation Steps
Booting from the SSD
After installation, you need to ensure your system can boot without the USB drive. Copy the EFI folder from the USB drive to the EFI partition of your NVMe SSD.
Configuring macOS
Once macOS is installed, you’ll need to configure it for optimal performance. Install additional kexts if needed and fine-tune the config.plist.
Checking macOS Functionality
Ensure all hardware components, such as USB ports, GPU, WiFi, and Bluetooth, are functioning correctly. You might need to adjust or add additional kexts to fix any issues.
Installing macOS on a custom-built Hackintosh using an Intel Core i9-10900K is a complex but rewarding process. By carefully selecting compatible components, creating a bootable USB drive, configuring the OpenCore bootloader, adjusting BIOS settings, and going through the detailed steps of the macOS installation, you can achieve a fully functional Hackintosh. This guide provides a professional and thorough approach to ensure your custom-built Hackintosh runs smoothly, blending the flexibility of custom hardware with the seamless experience of macOS.
Remember, each Hackintosh build is unique, and patience, persistence, and attention to detail are key to your success. Enjoy your new Hackintosh and the powerful performance it brings!
