Hackintosh Diaries, Part 3: Installing and Configuring OS X

This guide completes your Hackintosh journey by detailing the installation of OS X Snow Leopard and optimizing its performance. We'll build upon the Core i7 950 setup from previous installments. This section requires precise steps, so instead of repeating lengthy instructions, we'll link to the guides used, while explaining the core concepts.

We'll use the "iBoot MultiBeast" method from tonymacx86.com. This involves two key steps: creating a custom boot CD to trick OS X, and then using MultiBeast to configure hardware and install a bootloader.

BIOS Preparation

First, adjust your BIOS settings. If you have a Gigabyte motherboard, enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing Escape during startup) and configure it according to the first step in Tonymac's guide. This is a one-time process.

OS X Installation

Download the iBoot disc image and burn it. Boot from this disc (you might need to press F12 on a Gigabyte board to select the boot disc). Once the iBoot screen appears:

Remove the iBoot disc and insert your retail Snow Leopard disc. Press F5, select the OS X installer, and press Enter. Follow Tonymac's instructions for partitioning and formatting (this erases all data!).

The OS X installation will proceed. Expect a fast install with an SSD. Screen distortion during installation is normal.

After installation, reboot and boot from your iBoot disc again. Select your Snow Leopard installation. Sound and Ethernet might work immediately; display resolution will be fixed later. Before proceeding, follow Tonymac's instructions to apply the latest Snow Leopard update (e.g., 10.6.7). Run MultiBeast before the update, and again after the update completes, without restarting.

MultiBeast Configuration

MultiBeast is a package installer, not a standalone application. It allows you to select device drivers and enablers for your hardware. Most installations go to /System/Library/Extensions or /Extra/Extensions. Install the "OSx86 Software" utilities as well. Use MultiBeast's "System Utilities" to rebuild kext caches and repair permissions. Subsequent runs only install new or changed options.

Use the tonymacx86 forum guide (originally by MacMan, updated by notshy) for our specific hardware. This guide includes a DSDT file for your motherboard's firmware (explained in part two). Match the MultiBeast checkboxes to the guide's settings:

After restarting, you should boot without the iBoot CD, with full sound, networking, and graphics support.

Troubleshooting and Tips

If you encounter issues, consult the tonymacx86 forums. Common troubleshooting tips include:

• Retain your iBoot disc: Boot from it if needed to access your system.
• Software updates: Check tonymacx86.com before installing OS X updates.
• 64-bit kernel: For most users, the default 32-bit kernel is sufficient.
• /Extra/Extensions: Monitor and back up this folder.
• MultiBeast updates: Update cautiously; updating the bootloader might clear /Extra/Extensions.
• Unplug USB devices: USB devices can cause conflicts.

Dual-Booting Windows

Installing Windows is straightforward. Add a new hard drive, install Windows, and Chimera should detect it, allowing you to choose between OS X and Windows at startup.

This concludes the guide. Refer to parts one and two for additional information.

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