Hackintosh 10.5.5 Retail Rig - Starting at $305

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Kmax82
I'm getting an error once I boot into the Leopard DVD Install. It's telling me that I have to format the HDD as a GUID partition. I formatted it as Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Is that incorrect?

Also, the bootCD is showing a missing apple.com.plist, is this supposed to happen? I tried burning the CD in WindowsXP and OS X.

Thanks again for all the time to help troubleshoot this.

Oh, and I downloaded the newest Boot132 build at the beginning of this thread.

Yes, you need to format your hard drive to the Mac format; this is just like formatting your hard drive to NTFS when installing XP or Vista. From the guide:

At the Leopard installer, click the next arrow (blue one). In the tools menu at the top, open Disk Utility, find your hard drive, and format it to "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)". Exit Disk Utility. Now just follow the prompts through (select your boot drive as the drive to install Leopard to) and let it install. You can skip Disc Checking when the prompt appears. Takes 30-45 minutes to install. You're installing a Retail Leopard DVD, whoohoo!

Disk Utility is the tool that Apple includes to format the hard drive, so you have to do that after you boot up the Leopard DVD but before installing. Also, make sure it's GUID (it should be by default, but if you had a previous Hackintosh system and chose MBR it might be MBR). In fact, I'll just add that note to the OP.

Yes, the BootCD is supposed to show a missing com.apple.Boot.plist - that's normal. This is why I'm working on the video tutorial, it's just so much easier to show the boot process than to explain it haha. Added this note to the OP as well.

 

[Kaido]

Does anyone have a SATA I drive (not a SATA II)? I've had one user report that he has to type in "80" to get to the boot drive's partition menu. I'm curious to see if this is a function of the older SATA standard.

 

[Kmax82]

I have been typing in 80 to get to the boot partition, but I haven't ever tried 81. I'm copying a bunch of stuff over right now, so I'll have to try it later once it's finished.

Everything is up and running. Only noticed two things so far.

1.) Can't install Silverlight as it thinks I'm running a PPC Mac.
2.) I typed 5 into the OSX86Tools section to make it auto advance after 5 secs, but it still just sits there at the boot menu waiting for me to type what drive to boot from in.

 

[Sophie424]

I now have one machine, running very nicely, thanks to this guide and Kaido. The disk has 2 partitions, one with OSX, the other with a restore image of the DVD.

I want to put together another. The hardware is identical (except for CPU: E7200 Wolfdale changing to E2180 Allendale; and 4G RAM changing to 2G RAM).

Any shortcuts I can use, like copying / cloning the USB drive or the hard disk? Is so, what specifically should I do?

Many thanks!

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Sophie424
I now have one machine, running very nicely, thanks to this guide and Kaido. The disk has 2 partitions, one with OSX, the other with a restore image of the DVD.

I want to put together another. The hardware is identical (except for CPU: E7200 Wolfdale changing to E2180 Allendale; and 4G RAM changing to 2G RAM).

Any shortcuts I can use, like copying / cloning the USB drive or the hard disk? Is so, what specifically should I do?

Many thanks!

If you're using the same motherboard, just pop in the second machine's boot drive to your current Hackintosh and use SuperDuper to clone the first drive to the second machine's boot drive. Get another USB stick and set it up the same way in Windows (you can't clone the USB stick, I've tried many different ways, but luckily it only takes a minute or two to setup). If you're using a different video card, just re-run EFI Studio (both Video Card and Ethernet). That's it.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Kmax82
I have been typing in 80 to get to the boot partition, but I haven't ever tried 81. I'm copying a bunch of stuff over right now, so I'll have to try it later once it's finished.

Everything is up and running. Only noticed two things so far.

1.) Can't install Silverlight as it thinks I'm running a PPC Mac.
2.) I typed 5 into the OSX86Tools section to make it auto advance after 5 secs, but it still just sits there at the boot menu waiting for me to type what drive to boot from in.

Which version of Silverlight are you using? I'll give it a try on my rig.

You shouldn't be getting the 80 or 81; this only seems to happen if you're using an older SATA I drive instead of a SATA II drive. What kind of drive do you have? It's preventing the auto-boot from OSx86Tools because of the 80/81 boot selector.

 

[alm99]

Any good MicroATX motherboards that would work for a hackintosh build? I have an old antec aria case that I would like to utilize for this.

 

[Kmax82]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Kmax82
I have been typing in 80 to get to the boot partition, but I haven't ever tried 81. I'm copying a bunch of stuff over right now, so I'll have to try it later once it's finished.

Everything is up and running. Only noticed two things so far.

1.) Can't install Silverlight as it thinks I'm running a PPC Mac.
2.) I typed 5 into the OSX86Tools section to make it auto advance after 5 secs, but it still just sits there at the boot menu waiting for me to type what drive to boot from in.

Which version of Silverlight are you using? I'll give it a try on my rig.

You shouldn't be getting the 80 or 81; this only seems to happen if you're using an older SATA I drive instead of a SATA II drive. What kind of drive do you have? It's preventing the auto-boot from OSx86Tools because of the 80/81 boot selector.

I was trying Silverlight 2 for Netflix streaming, which actually will be taken care of when the NXE ships for Xbox on Nov. 19, so I'm not that concerned about it.

It's a Western Digital 500GB SATA 3.0GB/s:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136073

I don't know how to tell if it's SATA1 or 2.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: alm99
Any good MicroATX motherboards that would work for a hackintosh build? I have an old antec aria case that I would like to utilize for this.

Yes there are a few, but you'll need to customize the BOOT132 driver package to suit your needs. Maybe Zaap could chime in here, he's done a lot more builds with mATX boards than I have

 

[dclive]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Pneumothorax
IT WORKS!!! Thanks Kaido
I kinda finagled your instructions though
used my macbook pro to copy my retail leopard DVD to my raptor using a SATA expresscard
installed Leopard like you said, BUT I installed memory fix prior to installing the 10.5.5 update.
after installing update, BEFORE rebooting I then installed the EFIstudio and OSX86 tools and then finally rebooted
My system was hanging, if I did the following:
Installed the 10.5.5 first, after reboot I would get black screen of death
or if I installed all the tools first and then attempted to reboot system would then hang
or if I installed the 10.5.5 update then I couldn't install the memory fix without rebooting which would then hang my machine up.

Okay, this bug seems to be affecting 8600GT/8600GTS users: installing 10.5.5 stops the system from booting unless it's installed in a special order. So, I've updated the guide since these steps will apply to everyone:

1. Install Leopard
2. Install the Memory Fix and reboot
3. Install 10.5.5 (don't reboot yet)
4. Install EFI Studio
5. Install OSx86Tool
6. NOW reboot

Only 2 reboots: install Leopard + Memory Fix, reboot. Then install 10.5.5, EFI Studio, OSx86Tools, and reboot. Don't forget to disable Automatic Updates and download any remaining updates!

Also, changing the resolution to "2560x1600" (the 30" screen resolution) seems to downscale to match whatever display you currently have. I need to test this theory on 4:3 monitors though, but it seems to be working on widescreen monitors.

Can you update the guide to make this more clear (and introduce versioning in the OP guide?) I mean clarify the NEED for steps 1-6....

For example, I have an 8800GTS/320, and I think I'm hit with this - I tried the basic install (works fine) then the AboutThisMac fix (reboot - worked fine), then the Memory fix (why? what is this for?), reboot - works fine - then installed 10.5.5 update (600MB) and it hangs on bootup every single time (I've done this twice now).

I'll try the above (not rebooting until I do all of the above) but it would be great if you could clarify this in the guide.

Thanks for writing all of this! I am hopeful I will get a good install going yet!

Edit: Trying to install on 8GB Dell Dimension 530 Quad-core. 8800GTS/320. 250GB HDD. 2xIntel Pro 1000 GT NIC, 1xDell stock NIC. Dell stock audio.

Edit2: Works now with that method - the efi / osx apps are required and must be run after 10.5.5 and prior to a reboot, then it works.

Still working on getting some ethernet working....

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: dclive
Can you update the guide to make this more clear (and introduce versioning in the OP guide?) I mean clarify the NEED for steps 1-6....

For example, I have an 8800GTS/320, and I think I'm hit with this - I tried the basic install (works fine) then the AboutThisMac fix (reboot - worked fine), then the Memory fix (why? what is this for?), reboot - works fine - then installed 10.5.5 update (600MB) and it hangs on bootup every single time (I've done this twice now).

I'll try the above (not rebooting until I do all of the above) but it would be great if you could clarify this in the guide.

Thanks for writing all of this! I am hopeful I will get a good install going yet!

Edit: Trying to install on 8GB Dell Dimension 530 Quad-core. 8800GTS/320. 250GB HDD. 2xIntel Pro 1000 GT NIC, 1xDell stock NIC. Dell stock audio.

Edit2: Works now with that method - the efi / osx apps are required and must be run after 10.5.5 and prior to a reboot, then it works.

Still working on getting some ethernet working....

I'm actually working on a video guide, should elimate ALL confusion

I'm surprised you got this BOOT132 package working on your Dell at all - the drivers are customized for the DS3L specifically. As far as Ethernet, just buy this card:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16833180026

Natively-supported under Leopard, Gigabit, fits in a regular PCI slot, and only ten bucks.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Kmax82
I have been typing in 80 to get to the boot partition, but I haven't ever tried 81. I'm copying a bunch of stuff over right now, so I'll have to try it later once it's finished.

Question: Does your USB stick show up in Boot Priority?

 

[dclive]

text is best for me rather than video - a quick edit or two plus versioning would be v helpful

I have an old 3com 100mb card I am using now - works great!

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: dclive
text is best for me rather than video - a quick edit or two plus versioning would be v helpful

I have an old 3com 100mb card I am using now - works great!

Breakdown:

Video:
1) Quickstart Video
2) I. Hardware Setup
3) II. Leopard Installation
4) III. Backup & Cloning
5) IV. Dual-Booting & Virtualization
6) V. Overclocking

Text:
1) Checklist
2) I. Hardware Setup
3) II. Leopard Installation
4) III. Backup & Cloning
5) IV. Dual-Booting & Virtualization
6) V. Overclocking

 

[dclive]

Looks good - keep us posted.

Versioning also would be helpful - changes (being clarified) are helpful.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: dclive
Looks good - keep us posted.

Versioning also would be helpful - changes (being clarified) are helpful.

Yeah that's what I did on Insanely, had a "Latest News" section for updates and guide revisions. It will be much easier to keep track of now that I am using a PDF format and I don't have to much around with a 15-page-long forum post with HTML encoding on it

 

[MBony]

Transcend RAM backordered until 11/18, has dropped a few more dollars as well.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: MBony
Transcend RAM backordered until 11/18, has dropped a few more dollars as well.

G.Skill is another excellent brand:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231203

And plenty of other cheap 2gb RAM sticks in the sub-$30 range:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...59&bop=And&Order=PRICE

 

[MBony]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: MBony
Transcend RAM backordered until 11/18, has dropped a few more dollars as well.

G.Skill is another excellent brand:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231203

And plenty of other cheap 2gb RAM sticks in the sub-$30 range:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...59&bop=And&Order=PRICE

Oh geez, talk about options!

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: MBony

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: MBony
Transcend RAM backordered until 11/18, has dropped a few more dollars as well.

G.Skill is another excellent brand:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231203

And plenty of other cheap 2gb RAM sticks in the sub-$30 range:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...59&bop=And&Order=PRICE

Oh geez, talk about options!

Yeah any way you go, you can get 8 gigs of RAM for under $120 pretty easily. That's a STEAL for what you get! :shocked:

 

[Kaido]

Tested: Koutech PCI to USB 2.0 Card ($14.99) [4 ports rear, 1 port inside]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16815104216

I needed more USB ports and tested one of my PCI USB cards. It does work natively in Leopard and supports sleep, but is not a bootable card. If you plug the BOOT132 USB stick, a keyboard, or mouse into it, it will not be recognized until you get to the desktop. This means that you cannot use it to boot from the BOOT132 stick with, nor can you tap a key on your keyboard to enter BIOS or the Chameleon bootloader.

+ Works natively in Leopard
+ Supports sleep (wakes from sleep OK)
+ Fairly inexpensive ($15)
- Not bootable (keyboard not recognized until desktop, no BOOT132 usage)

 

[Pneumothorax]

Just to add the SIS pci express cards like the Syba brand that the 'Egg sells work great in the Kaido config hackintosh for those that need more Sata ports. I've got 2 installed right now in my machine. One with 2 internal ports and another with 1 Esata and 1 internal sata port. I did have to reflash the bios on them to standard card as the RAID bios is standard. Drivers are available for OSX on SIS website

Also, is there any way to enable the PATA ports in OSX on the Gigabyte board?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Pneumothorax
Just to add the SIS pci express cards like the Syba brand that the 'Egg sells work great in the Kaido config hackintosh for those that need more Sata ports. I've got 2 installed right now in my machine. One with 2 internal ports and another with 1 Esata and 1 internal sata port. I did have to reflash the bios on them to standard card as the RAID bios is standard. Drivers are available for OSX on SIS website

Also, is there any way to enable the PATA ports in OSX on the Gigabyte board?

Great, can you post links to those cards for us?

No, the PATA port driver (Jmicron) causes kernel panics, as well as other problems. You are free to use it, but it will cause you many, many headaches and basically make your machine become about as reliable as a Windows box.

 

[Zaap]

Originally posted by: alm99
Any good MicroATX motherboards that would work for a hackintosh build? I have an old antec aria case that I would like to utilize for this.

Those that I can recommend from personal use:

Intel DG31PR
Really solid choice. I've built several machines with this board that all work flawlessly. Apparently they now ship (from newegg) with the newer BIOS that allows out of box 45nm support.

Gigabyte GA-G31M-S2L
Another good board, definite OOB 45nm support. The audio (ALC662) isn't quite as good as the Intel's (ALC 888) but otherwise very similar.

Also, Gigabyte is quirky with revisions and board name updates- I can no longer find this exact board, it's replaced with the GA-G31M-ES2L which I assume is the same board with the energy saving features, and now it has ALC 883 audio.

Then there's also an EG31M-S2 with the same layout, but the better ALC 888 audio. (according to one newegg review, this one works great for Hackintosh, but they don't say what method used).

These boards have built in VGA, but it's not good for Hackintosh- you still need a PCIe graphic card to get full QE/CI and res switching.

 

[dclive]

I've had luck with the Dell Inspiron 530. Dirt cheap, quad-core, easy to install. Add a gigabit NIC of some sort, add an nVidia graphics card of some sort, and add 2/4/8GB of RAM and you're good to go - at very minimal cost.