Hackintosh 10.5.5 Retail Rig - Starting at $305

[tbJohnson]

What about a firewire800 card? Any recommendations, will any MAC pci-e card work? Also I have been reading up on having a dual boot into Vista using the Magic Boot Disc, and the EFI V9 Chameleon Bootloader, people are saying it has to be on the SATA0, which is where my OSx86 drive is... Anyway walkthroughs or tutorials on UD3P and EFI V9 Chameleon Bootloader would be greatly appreciated, and firewire800 as well.

Thanks!

 

[KeypoX]

Originally posted by: Gymnae
I tried to deinstall all the .kext connected to HDA and reinstall them from the newest soupkit, but still no sound on my D3SL.
I figured this routine should work:
1. Start from a working 10.5.6 install
2. Install the 10.5.7 Combo Update, reboot
3. Reinstall the soupkit with the UInstaller, reboot
4. Re-patch with the HDAPatcher, reboot...

...but it ain't working for me.

yeah you need step 5. change output after reboot.

 

[Zaap]

Originally posted by: tbJohnson
What about a firewire800 card? Any recommendations, will any MAC pci-e card work?
Thanks!

This one is listed as working fine for Hackintoshes. If you notice, 3 our of 4 user reviews of it on newegg are actually OSx86 users. Of particular note is the first reviewer: "Compatibility is greatly enhanced because both the StarTech and the iMac use the same Agere Firewire FW643 chipset."

From the 10.5.6 HCL wiki: "Works OOB 50MB sustained transfer with fw800 PCIE. Probably the best FW card to use with Hackintosh if sustained speed is important."

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Zaap

Originally posted by: tbJohnson
What about a firewire800 card? Any recommendations, will any MAC pci-e card work?
Thanks!

This one is listed as working fine for Hackintoshes. If you notice, 3 our of 4 user reviews of it on newegg are actually OSx86 users. Of particular note is the first reviewer: "Compatibility is greatly enhanced because both the StarTech and the iMac use the same Agere Firewire FW643 chipset."

From the 10.5.6 HCL wiki: "Works OOB 50MB sustained transfer with fw800 PCIE. Probably the best FW card to use with Hackintosh if sustained speed is important."

My buddy has this and says it works well on his UD3P. I'll add it to the wiki!

 

[tbJohnson]

Yeah, I think the PEX1394B3 is the 800 Card I am going to go with.. but highspeed USB 2.0 seems ok for now.

Found my first problem.
1. My DVD is Pioneer DVR-2910. So, when I am importing CD's into iTunes it goes really fast, goes up to almost 30x import, then after it imports the DVD drives goes offline. It says that the disk inserted is not formated and weird errors then the DVD drive is totally offline, until I reboot.. I know this must be a firmware thing, because itunes seems to be the only program that takes the DVD drive to its limit, spinning fast and loud. Not sure if there is anyway to fix this?? Don't know, kinda anoying.

Also it looks like the only way I would have been able to dual boot into vista would have been to do it that way from the beginning?? Is that true? Is there anyway, after having a working OSx86, I can install vista? I have a separate drive drive for it, another SATA.

 

[DWells55]

Hey, I'm about to build a Hackintosh rig as a Father's Day present and was just hoping someone could glance over my current hardware setup:

CPU: Intel Pentium E5200 ($70)
RAM: OCZ Reaper 4GB DDR2 ($35)
Mobo: GigaByte GA-G31M-ES2L
Video Card: Asus 9600 GSO ($35)
HDD: Samsung HD502IJ 500GB ($60)
DVD Drive: LG 22X DVD±RW ($25)
PSU: Apevia 500W ($20)
Case: GigaByte GZ-X5 ($25)

The last Hackintosh I built was a couple years ago and things were totally different then, so I basically have to relearn everything. I did a bunch of research and learned about boot132 and such, but it looks like Kaido's guide covers everything. So basically I just follow the guide and I'm set? For the video card, I can just use EFI Studio to inject the string (I had heard that the 9600 GSO was supported under 10.5.7) and be on my way with working QE/CI?

Also, I'd like to use Chameleon 2.0 RC1 - I should just be able to install this over the bootloader that Kaido's pack installs, correct? Also, is this close enough to a stock OS X install that I can allow my folks to use Software Update (with the exception of point updates which I assume will break any fixes for the motherboard as well as the video card's EFI string)?

Can't wait to get this thing set up. I'm hoping to buy some in-wall HDMI and optical cable and run it through the floor and to the TV in the next room. I figure I'll install Boxee or XBMC on OS X, buy a supported IR receiver and the Apple remote, and have the system double as a media center and desktop PC.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Gymnae]

Originally posted by: KeypoX

Originally posted by: Gymnae
I tried to deinstall all the .kext connected to HDA and reinstall them from the newest soupkit, but still no sound on my D3SL.
I figured this routine should work:
1. Start from a working 10.5.6 install
2. Install the 10.5.7 Combo Update, reboot
3. Reinstall the soupkit with the UInstaller, reboot
4. Re-patch with the HDAPatcher, reboot...

...but it ain't working for me.

yeah you need step 5. change output after reboot.

Yeah, but the problem is: Not a single output source can be selected because no Audio Device is being identified...

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: tbJohnson
Yeah, I think the PEX1394B3 is the 800 Card I am going to go with.. but highspeed USB 2.0 seems ok for now.

Found my first problem.
1. My DVD is Pioneer DVR-2910. So, when I am importing CD's into iTunes it goes really fast, goes up to almost 30x import, then after it imports the DVD drives goes offline. It says that the disk inserted is not formated and weird errors then the DVD drive is totally offline, until I reboot.. I know this must be a firmware thing, because itunes seems to be the only program that takes the DVD drive to its limit, spinning fast and loud. Not sure if there is anyway to fix this?? Don't know, kinda anoying.

Also it looks like the only way I would have been able to dual boot into vista would have been to do it that way from the beginning?? Is that true? Is there anyway, after having a working OSx86, I can install vista? I have a separate drive drive for it, another SATA.

Some people have had good luck installing Vista on another SATA port and some haven't. If yours won't install that way simply move your OS X drive to a different port as it should now work fine from any of the yellow ports as long as it has been fully installed and updated.

If it were me, I would unhook the OS X drive for now and hook up the VIsta drive on port 1. Then after the Vista install is complete, move that drive to another port and put the OS X drive back on port 1. Then install Chameleon 2.0 RC1 on the OS X drive and it will allow you to boot into either OS X or Vista. HTH

 

[KeypoX]

Originally posted by: Gymnae

Originally posted by: KeypoX

Originally posted by: Gymnae
I tried to deinstall all the .kext connected to HDA and reinstall them from the newest soupkit, but still no sound on my D3SL.
I figured this routine should work:
1. Start from a working 10.5.6 install
2. Install the 10.5.7 Combo Update, reboot
3. Reinstall the soupkit with the UInstaller, reboot
4. Re-patch with the HDAPatcher, reboot...

...but it ain't working for me.

yeah you need step 5. change output after reboot.

Yeah, but the problem is: Not a single output source can be selected because no Audio Device is being identified...

Bummer

 

[tbJohnson]

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: tbJohnson
Yeah, I think the PEX1394B3 is the 800 Card I am going to go with.. but highspeed USB 2.0 seems ok for now.

Found my first problem.
1. My DVD is Pioneer DVR-2910. So, when I am importing CD's into iTunes it goes really fast, goes up to almost 30x import, then after it imports the DVD drives goes offline. It says that the disk inserted is not formated and weird errors then the DVD drive is totally offline, until I reboot.. I know this must be a firmware thing, because itunes seems to be the only program that takes the DVD drive to its limit, spinning fast and loud. Not sure if there is anyway to fix this?? Don't know, kinda anoying.

Also it looks like the only way I would have been able to dual boot into vista would have been to do it that way from the beginning?? Is that true? Is there anyway, after having a working OSx86, I can install vista? I have a separate drive drive for it, another SATA.

Some people have had good luck installing Vista on another SATA port and some haven't. If yours won't install that way simply move your OS X drive to a different port as it should now work fine from any of the yellow ports as long as it has been fully installed and updated.

If it were me, I would unhook the OS X drive for now and hook up the VIsta drive on port 1. Then after the Vista install is complete, move that drive to another port and put the OS X drive back on port 1. Then install Chameleon 2.0 RC1 on the OS X drive and it will allow you to boot into either OS X or Vista. HTH

Yeah, I am going to play with this, but I am a bit hesitant about the Chameleon 2.0 RC1, can I use the PC_EFI v9 Chamelion with this method? or just the Chameleon 2.0 RC1?

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: tbJohnson

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: tbJohnson
Yeah, I think the PEX1394B3 is the 800 Card I am going to go with.. but highspeed USB 2.0 seems ok for now.

Found my first problem.
1. My DVD is Pioneer DVR-2910. So, when I am importing CD's into iTunes it goes really fast, goes up to almost 30x import, then after it imports the DVD drives goes offline. It says that the disk inserted is not formated and weird errors then the DVD drive is totally offline, until I reboot.. I know this must be a firmware thing, because itunes seems to be the only program that takes the DVD drive to its limit, spinning fast and loud. Not sure if there is anyway to fix this?? Don't know, kinda anoying.

Also it looks like the only way I would have been able to dual boot into vista would have been to do it that way from the beginning?? Is that true? Is there anyway, after having a working OSx86, I can install vista? I have a separate drive drive for it, another SATA.

Some people have had good luck installing Vista on another SATA port and some haven't. If yours won't install that way simply move your OS X drive to a different port as it should now work fine from any of the yellow ports as long as it has been fully installed and updated.

If it were me, I would unhook the OS X drive for now and hook up the VIsta drive on port 1. Then after the Vista install is complete, move that drive to another port and put the OS X drive back on port 1. Then install Chameleon 2.0 RC1 on the OS X drive and it will allow you to boot into either OS X or Vista. HTH

Yeah, I am going to play with this, but I am a bit hesitant about the Chameleon 2.0 RC1, can I use the PC_EFI v9 Chamelion with this method? or just the Chameleon 2.0 RC1?

Some people have been able to boot Vista from v9, but I never was able. 2.0 RC1 works fine for me. There are certain things it can't do, but it is able to boot OS X or Vista just fine.

 

[Zaap]

2.0 RC1 won't boot Windows 7 normally- but I accidentally figured out a way to get it to. (If there are other easier ways, I'd love to know!)

1. First I set up a small partition and installed Vista 32 (bleh.)
2. The I set up my main partition and installed Windows 7 x64 (yay!) Win 7 adds itself to Vista's bootloader.
3. Finally I deleted Vista yet left the bootloader alone: Chameleon 2.0 boots Windows 7 from the Vista bootloader.

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: Zaap
2.0 RC1 won't boot Windows 7 normally- but I accidentally figured out a way to get it to. (If there are other easier ways, I'd love to know!)

1. First I set up a small partition and installed Vista 32 (bleh.)
2. The I set up my main partition and installed Windows 7 x64 (yay!) Win 7 adds itself to Vista's bootloader.
3. Finally I deleted Vista yet left the bootloader alone: Chameleon 2.0 boots Windows 7 from the Vista bootloader.

Hmmm, isn't that doing it the hard way? Why not just use the Vista bootloader to boot both 7 and OS X? Easy BCD worked great for that when I used it and IIRC it was you who pointed me in this direction!?!

 

[Zaap]

Haha, yeah it is a bit the hard way, but like I said, I sort of stumbled into it. Also, I'm focused on the POST Vista computing age at this stage. The sooner Vista is just a bad memory much like WinME, the better.

Therefore I'm really jazzed on the possibilities of Chameleon 2, and I like it better than the alternatives. Once they get all the bugs worked out of C2, and it just boots Win7 and anything else with no hoop jumping, (an no need at all for Vista-anything) it'll be hands down the best way of multi-booting Windows and OSX, and certainly the most polished.

 

[tbJohnson]

Does anyone know if I when I upgrade to Chameleon 2 as the Boot loader it will write over my PC_EFI v9 Chameleon Edition 1.0.12 I used with the PCWiz UInstaller? Anyone know if its a clean transition?

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: tbJohnson
Does anyone know if I when I upgrade to Chameleon 2 as the Boot loader it will write over my PC_EFI v9 Chameleon Edition 1.0.12 I used with the PCWiz UInstaller? Anyone know if its a clean transition?

I have went back and forth between the 2 several times. You just reinstall the other one and that is that. I've had no problems switching back and forth.

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: Zaap
Haha, yeah it is a bit the hard way, but like I said, I sort of stumbled into it. Also, I'm focused on the POST Vista computing age at this stage. The sooner Vista is just a bad memory much like WinME, the better.

Therefore I'm really jazzed on the possibilities of Chameleon 2, and I like it better than the alternatives. Once they get all the bugs worked out of C2, and it just boots Win7 and anything else with no hoop jumping, (an no need at all for Vista-anything) it'll be hands down the best way of multi-booting Windows and OSX, and certainly the most polished.

I just reinstalled Win7 on a spare HD, to be fair, I didn't give it much of a test run the first time out. Just not an MS fan if you know what I mean. The first thing I did was to install Firefox, definitely not an MSIE fan. Now I can't get adobe flash to install, which version should be used? I chose the XP/VISTA/yada yada version but it's not working. FWIW, it does seem snappier to me this time.

Edit: Okay I've played with it a bit, I was able to use Chameleon 2 to boot the Win 7 HD by using EasyBCD to reinstall the Vista bootloader. This gave me 2 Windows NTFS icons when I rebooted into Chameleon, one worked and the other one didn't, which is the way yours appeared I assume. I simply renamed the Win 7 HD to DRIVE C, so I could tell the difference when booting. BTW, I was going to go back into EasyBCD to see if I could rename something there to make it easier to spot when booting, but it said the bootloader would have to be reinstalled so I just exited the program. Better to leave well enough alone I think. :laugh:

 

[leglez]

I get the last of my parts to finish converting my DS3L system to UD3P tomorrow. I went ahead and installed everything on my new hard drive. Tomorrow once my bolt thru kit for the HSF comes in I will be transfering motherboards. Will I be able to boot from my DS3L hard drive on the UD3P motherboard? I have all the DS3L kexts and everything on it. I have setup a new one with the UD3P kexts, but if it doesn't work I don't want to have to transfer the old motherboard back in just to get online and ask a question. So should I be able to boot with the DS3L? I am not too worried about audio. Just as long as I can boot up and get on here.

 

[Zaap]

Originally posted by: mosslack
The first thing I did was to install Firefox, definitely not an MSIE fan. Now I can't get adobe flash to install, which version should be used? I chose the XP/VISTA/yada yada version but it's not working. FWIW, it does seem snappier to me this time.

Come to think of it, I had this problem too. I don't remember exactly where I found the info, but an earlier version of Flash works in Win7.

Any rate, I'm running Flash 10.0.22.87 in Win7 x64. Try D/Ling from here.

 

[Zaap]

I finally got my HD 2600 XT setup up tonight. At first I had no end of problems with it. Dual 22" monitors, one DVI, one adapted VGA.

First I installed the driver from Kaido- rebooted with the card, but got no QE or CI- mirrored image on each monitor with no way to change it.

Messed around a bit more- for some reason the driver wouldn't work for me when installed from the active system, but worked when I installed it to an inactive system, then booted the altered system. Finally got QE and CI working, but the DVI monitor was flashing black on and off- super irritating.

After fighting the same weird behavior, I was just about to give up and write the card off like the person who game it to me had (non-hack, replaced with a far better gaming card), when I decided to try reversing the signal types- DVI and adapted VGA.

Voila! Everything worked! Go figure- just a simple connection switch solved a ton of hair-pulling troubleshooting! It's always the most bone-simple stuff that works.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Zaap
I finally got my HD 2600 XT setup up tonight. At first I had no end of problems with it. Dual 22" monitors, one DVI, one adapted VGA.

First I installed the driver from Kaido- rebooted with the card, but got no QE or CI- mirrored image on each monitor with no way to change it.

Messed around a bit more- for some reason the driver wouldn't work for me when installed from the active system, but worked when I installed it to an inactive system, then booted the altered system. Finally got QE and CI working, but the DVI monitor was flashing black on and off- super irritating.

After fighting the same weird behavior, I was just about to give up and write the card off like the person who game it to me had (non-hack, replaced with a far better gaming card), when I decided to try reversing the signal types- DVI and adapted VGA.

Voila! Everything worked! Go figure- just a simple connection switch solved a ton of hair-pulling troubleshooting! It's always the most bone-simple stuff that works.

Did you have any other graphics drivers installed before the 2600XT? I found it was extremely finicky for me - I had to do a clean install, THEN install the 2600XT drivers for full normal operation. Or maybe that was on the 1900XT. Or both. Haha.

 

[Zaap]

Yeah, originally I had a 7300GT in this machine (P35-DS3L). I thought that might be the problem since that card had been setup using EFI strings, so I replaced the boot.plist with the backup. But it didn't make any difference. I finally got it working on two separate partitions, two installs, one with the altered boot.plist, and the other without. Both work. For me, it was just the simple port switch that seemed to do the magic.

Fully working!

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: Zaap

Originally posted by: mosslack
The first thing I did was to install Firefox, definitely not an MSIE fan. Now I can't get adobe flash to install, which version should be used? I chose the XP/VISTA/yada yada version but it's not working. FWIW, it does seem snappier to me this time.

Come to think of it, I had this problem too. I don't remember exactly where I found the info, but an earlier version of Flash works in Win7.

Any rate, I'm running Flash 10.0.22.87 in Win7 x64. Try D/Ling from here.

Got it, working great now, thanks a bunch. :thumbsup:

 

[leglez]

Ok I got transfered from my DS3L to my UD3P, everything seems to be working right now. I installed the UD3P leopard on a new F1 hard drive, I still have my DS3L setup on my Raptor. Is there anyway I could install the kexts for the UD3P on the raptor and overright the DS3L kexts? That way I don't have to go about reinstalling all my software and everything?

Actually I did some reading, and I think the best thing for me to do is transfer my home folder from my old drive to the new one. I can't get it to copy over though. Any time I try I get "Library" can't be modified or deleted because it is required by Mac OS X.

Any ideas?

 

[Zaap]

Seems like a lot of hoop-jumping just to avoid a reinstall that takes what, 20-30 minutes? I know reinstalling apps can be a PITA, but at least you get the satisfaction of knowing for sure everything will work correctly. Also, I always recommend doing a backup install as well as a main install. Makes any kind of troubleshooting go 10x faster without any worry of borking the whole thing, as you always have a working backup to restore anything you screw up. (At one point trying to set up my XT2600 my screen went completely grey- I'd have been screwed if not for the second install. I just booted back into it, and undid the previous changes that borked the other install, and voila, back to pristine.*) It's more than worth a few GB of disk space.


*I should add, use one install to lable EVERY kext in the system folder of the other install. That way anything that gets added won't have a label- you know instantly what any installer has added and can undo any changes blindfolded.