Hackintosh 10.5.5 Retail Rig - Starting at $305

[fyleow]

..

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: fyleow

Originally posted by: mosslack
I believe there have been some problems with the 512 Mb cards using the EFI strings. I know the 256 Mb cards like this work fine though as I have a few of them. HTH

I had EFI going with my 7950 GT which is a 512 MB card, so it's possible. The issue is finding the right string which can be a challenge. I lucked out and found someone who posted it.

I'm using a 4870 1 GB now and it works great. Dual monitor support, QE, CI, very simple set up

Yeah, it varies from card to card, and even from brand to brand. It's pretty messy

What'd you use to setup your 4870?

 

[Kaido]

I'm so tired my eyes are getting blurry haha. I have most of the kit contents together, basically I just need to test the ES2L a bit more (specifically the different audio drivers) and then put everything on the ISOs. Going to try to get it out for tomorrow!

 

[DarkAmeba]

Originally posted by: Kaido
I'm so tired my eyes are getting blurry haha. I have most of the kit contents together, basically I just need to test the ES2L a bit more (specifically the different audio drivers) and then put everything on the ISOs. Going to try to get it out for tomorrow!

Suuuure Sounds good :thumbsup:

And a second ho hum about 10.5.7... will it ever launch.....

 

[fyleow]

..

 

[imported_jonnyc]

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: jonnyc
So I installed the XFX 9800 GT, I used UIinstaller for the 9800 GFX card.
What impact will this have on the actual card performance ?

QE says supported.
CI says Hardware accelerated.

So both those look good, just wonder about performance. But for anyone wondering it does work. I used Kaido's UD3P kit with a 7300 GT first and now simply ran UIinstaller again using the 9800 GFX.

Not sure how much you want. If you expect it to fix you breakfast in the morning I wouldn't hold my breath! :laugh: Are your resolutions there? Does it do what you want it to do (outputs supported, etc.)? In the Hack business these are pretty good indications it is working properly and is supported. BTW, when you find one that will fix your breakfast, send it over to my place 'cause I want steak and eggs!

Well, ideally, performance.
If the performance from this card is the same as my old 7300 gt then obviously this whole graphics card pursuit is pretty frivolous.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: jonnyc

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: jonnyc
So I installed the XFX 9800 GT, I used UIinstaller for the 9800 GFX card.
What impact will this have on the actual card performance ?

QE says supported.
CI says Hardware accelerated.

So both those look good, just wonder about performance. But for anyone wondering it does work. I used Kaido's UD3P kit with a 7300 GT first and now simply ran UIinstaller again using the 9800 GFX.

Not sure how much you want. If you expect it to fix you breakfast in the morning I wouldn't hold my breath! :laugh: Are your resolutions there? Does it do what you want it to do (outputs supported, etc.)? In the Hack business these are pretty good indications it is working properly and is supported. BTW, when you find one that will fix your breakfast, send it over to my place 'cause I want steak and eggs!

Well, ideally, performance.
If the performance from this card is the same as my old 7300 gt then obviously this whole graphics card pursuit is pretty frivolous.

Here's a comparison:

http://www.gpureview.com/show_...hp?card1=407&card2=559

All depends on what software you're using. If all you're doing is playing 1080p videos, then the 7300GT will more than cut it. What's your end usage going to be?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: fyleow

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: fyleow

Originally posted by: mosslack
I believe there have been some problems with the 512 Mb cards using the EFI strings. I know the 256 Mb cards like this work fine though as I have a few of them. HTH

I had EFI going with my 7950 GT which is a 512 MB card, so it's possible. The issue is finding the right string which can be a challenge. I lucked out and found someone who posted it.

I'm using a 4870 1 GB now and it works great. Dual monitor support, QE, CI, very simple set up

Yeah, it varies from card to card, and even from brand to brand. It's pretty messy

What'd you use to setup your 4870?

Instructions from insanelymac here

I just followed the 4850 instructions and did not even have to install the new OpenGL framework. Got QE/CI enabled after I rebooted with -f to clear caches.

The thing you want to make sure is to get the most bone stock 4850/4870 you can find. One that has dual DVI and the stock cooler. Any custom PCBs is going to cause issues. Those guys running multiport cards with HDMI, Display port and VGA connectors are having a heck of a time getting anything working. For people with the dual dvi cards it's pretty much plug and play.

I think once 10.5.7 hits you won't even need the install package, you'll just have to add a kext to be loaded in the EFI partition and you're all set.

It'd be real nice to be able to use DisplayPort on a Hackintosh, but I'm certainly not holding my breath

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: DarkAmeba

Originally posted by: Kaido
I'm so tired my eyes are getting blurry haha. I have most of the kit contents together, basically I just need to test the ES2L a bit more (specifically the different audio drivers) and then put everything on the ISOs. Going to try to get it out for tomorrow!

Suuuure Sounds good :thumbsup:

And a second ho hum about 10.5.7... will it ever launch.....

Well, Nvidia is launching their GTX 285 in June:

http://www.appleinsider.com/ar...x_285_for_mac_pro.html

So maybe Apple is holding 10.5.7 out for the June conference. Maybe we'll get Bluray!

http://images.appleinsider.com...es-blue-ray-090429.jpg

http://www.appleinsider.com/ar...es_video_platform.html

 

[Kaido]

http://www.appleinsider.com/ar...iphone_3_0_beta_5.html

Mac OS X 10.5.7 includes well over 100 bug fixes, and AppleInsider has also recently learned that it will address issues with certain prior-generation Mac Pros and the ATI Radeon 4870 graphics card required for compatibility with Apple's new 24-inch LED Cinema Display.

Reportedly, the company prematurely marketed this graphics card to certain Mac Pro owners before appropriate software support was ready, which caused issues with iPhoto, VMWare Fusion, and putting the systems to sleep. Apple support representatives have apologized to affected customers and informed them that Mac OS X 10.5.7 will address the issue.

These support representatives further informed these customers last Friday that Mac OS X 10.5.7 would arrive "very shortly" or "within about a week."

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: jonnyc

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: jonnyc
So I installed the XFX 9800 GT, I used UIinstaller for the 9800 GFX card.
What impact will this have on the actual card performance ?

QE says supported.
CI says Hardware accelerated.

So both those look good, just wonder about performance. But for anyone wondering it does work. I used Kaido's UD3P kit with a 7300 GT first and now simply ran UIinstaller again using the 9800 GFX.

Not sure how much you want. If you expect it to fix you breakfast in the morning I wouldn't hold my breath! :laugh: Are your resolutions there? Does it do what you want it to do (outputs supported, etc.)? In the Hack business these are pretty good indications it is working properly and is supported. BTW, when you find one that will fix your breakfast, send it over to my place 'cause I want steak and eggs!

Well, ideally, performance.
If the performance from this card is the same as my old 7300 gt then obviously this whole graphics card pursuit is pretty frivolous.

Here's a comparison:

http://www.gpureview.com/show_...hp?card1=407&card2=559

All depends on what software you're using. If all you're doing is playing 1080p videos, then the 7300GT will more than cut it. What's your end usage going to be?

My point exactly, I could understand if he wanted to play the latest games on the dark side, but last time I checked there aren't a lot of graphics intensive apps on the good side other than the video you mentioned. Now pass the ketchup, my eggs are getting cold.

 

[imported_jonnyc]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: jonnyc

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: jonnyc
So I installed the XFX 9800 GT, I used UIinstaller for the 9800 GFX card.
What impact will this have on the actual card performance ?

QE says supported.
CI says Hardware accelerated.

So both those look good, just wonder about performance. But for anyone wondering it does work. I used Kaido's UD3P kit with a 7300 GT first and now simply ran UIinstaller again using the 9800 GFX.

Not sure how much you want. If you expect it to fix you breakfast in the morning I wouldn't hold my breath! :laugh: Are your resolutions there? Does it do what you want it to do (outputs supported, etc.)? In the Hack business these are pretty good indications it is working properly and is supported. BTW, when you find one that will fix your breakfast, send it over to my place 'cause I want steak and eggs!

Well, ideally, performance.
If the performance from this card is the same as my old 7300 gt then obviously this whole graphics card pursuit is pretty frivolous.

Here's a comparison:

http://www.gpureview.com/show_...hp?card1=407&card2=559

All depends on what software you're using. If all you're doing is playing 1080p videos, then the 7300GT will more than cut it. What's your end usage going to be?

Mostly it's a Plex box,
But I need it to play 3 or 4 games under os x.

I understand the basic idea that most graphics cards are overkill if your not a gamer, 3d designer etc.... what i'm trying to discern is, does the new video card installed as a 9800 GFX rather than a GT perform like it would under windows. Or is it a cripled, hacked up install that just makes it work enough to show the desktop at the proper res.

 

[mosslack]

Hmmm, well I don't have Plex installed on any of my Hacks so you tell us, does it work well for that? Unless someone else has done this then you may have to play the guinea pig in this situation. I am curious about Plex, what exactly does it do for you? No, I already ate breakfast so I'm not going back there again...

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: fyleow
Kaido do you know if you can dual boot OS X and Windows using Chameleon? I know if I have it on two different drives with an OS installed on each I get to pick one during boot but I've never tried with both OS on the same drive.

I'm getting ready to do another round of testing with the new Chameleon as I have wrapped up work on the Neutrino which BTW works very well now (sound, video, battery, sleep, iCam, card reader, dual boot with Vista, etc.), thanks to using a guide for the Asus EEE PC which I found online. I have the new G31 system setup with dual booting in mind, but I have not installed Vista yet. Once I do, and have a good backup, I will play with Chameleon to see just how well it works with dual operating systems on the same drive. Prior tests have proved inconclusive due to a number of different factors. I will report back once I have a good answer, at least on this particular system. HTH

Okay, I do have it dual booting using the new Chameleon, but it wasn't easy. How I did it:

1. Setup partitions. In this case I used disk utility to make a total of 3 partitions using GUID. First partition for Leopard (MOSJ), second DATA (fat), third Vista (fat).
2. Install Leopard and get it booting using Chameleon. I used the one in the Uinstaller for this.
3. Install Vista
(At this point, Vista is the only thing that will boot as it's bootloader overwrites Chameleon's boot link.)
4. Using boot 132 (CD or USB stick), get back into Leopard and install the new Chameleon.

Here is the tricky part. It took a total of 3 times before it actually worked for me. Each time I would have to use boot 132 to get back into Leopard as the system would not boot into either Leopard or Vista. Each time I reinstalled Chameleon I used customize to add an option until finally on the third try I just checked everything. After the third time the system would boot, but not the GUI screen, just the usual Darwin prompt. If a key was pressed it would allow you to boot into either Leopard or Vista. Once back in Leopard I installed Chameleon one more time just using the standard install (no custom options) and rebooted. This time it actually started as it should with the GUI screen and the familiar chameleon at the top. I may go back in later on and try some other stuff, but that will have to wait until I mow my lawn. :clock:

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: jonnyc
Mostly it's a Plex box,

But I need it to play 3 or 4 games under os x.

I understand the basic idea that most graphics cards are overkill if your not a gamer, 3d designer etc.... what i'm trying to discern is, does the new video card installed as a 9800 GFX rather than a GT perform like it would under windows. Or is it a cripled, hacked up install that just makes it work enough to show the desktop at the proper res.

The card will work appropriately, even if the EFI String isn't technically "correct". The string basically just points to the appropriate library (tells the computer what kind of card it is) and types out a name for you to look at in System Profiler. So you'll still get full power, as long as QE/CI are listed as supported.

As far as overkill goes, it's just a matter of power vs. requirements. And budget, haha. If all you need is to be able to play back 1080p, then the 7300GT works just fine (you need a 2ghz dual-core plus 2 gigs of RAM as well). Check your games for their system requirements. The GTS 250 ($150) is a pretty good for the price, or you could wait for 10.5.7 and see what ends up being supported (GTX260, 4890, etc.).

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: mosslack
Hmmm, well I don't have Plex installed on any of my Hacks so you tell us, does it work well for that? Unless someone else has done this then you may have to play the guinea pig in this situation. I am curious about Plex, what exactly does it do for you? No, I already ate breakfast so I'm not going back there again...

Plex is a media center app, like Front Row. Only way, way better

 

[fyleow]

..

 

[leglez]

Is there anyway to setup a Logitech Harmony with OSX? I have been considering buying one. What would I need? Just an RF adapter or something?

 

[mosslack]

Originally posted by: fyleow

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: mosslack

Originally posted by: fyleow
Kaido do you know if you can dual boot OS X and Windows using Chameleon? I know if I have it on two different drives with an OS installed on each I get to pick one during boot but I've never tried with both OS on the same drive.

I'm getting ready to do another round of testing with the new Chameleon as I have wrapped up work on the Neutrino which BTW works very well now (sound, video, battery, sleep, iCam, card reader, dual boot with Vista, etc.), thanks to using a guide for the Asus EEE PC which I found online. I have the new G31 system setup with dual booting in mind, but I have not installed Vista yet. Once I do, and have a good backup, I will play with Chameleon to see just how well it works with dual operating systems on the same drive. Prior tests have proved inconclusive due to a number of different factors. I will report back once I have a good answer, at least on this particular system. HTH

Okay, I do have it dual booting using the new Chameleon, but it wasn't easy. How I did it:

1. Setup partitions. In this case I used disk utility to make a total of 3 partitions using GUID. First partition for Leopard (MOSJ), second DATA (fat), third Vista (fat).
2. Install Leopard and get it booting using Chameleon. I used the one in the Uinstaller for this.
3. Install Vista
(At this point, Vista is the only thing that will boot as it's bootloader overwrites Chameleon's boot link.)
4. Using boot 132 (CD or USB stick), get back into Leopard and install the new Chameleon.

Here is the tricky part. It took a total of 3 times before it actually worked for me. Each time I would have to use boot 132 to get back into Leopard as the system would not boot into either Leopard or Vista. Each time I reinstalled Chameleon I used customize to add an option until finally on the third try I just checked everything. After the third time the system would boot, but not the GUI screen, just the usual Darwin prompt. If a key was pressed it would allow you to boot into either Leopard or Vista. Once back in Leopard I installed Chameleon one more time just using the standard install (no custom options) and rebooted. This time it actually started as it should with the GUI screen and the familiar chameleon at the top. I may go back in later on and try some other stuff, but that will have to wait until I mow my lawn. :clock:

Interesting results! Maybe it's better to install Vista first then install Leopard? That way the boot loader should end up being Chameleon at the end.

I have done it that way in the past, but at that time I only tried once to install Chameleon and it didn't work, so I used what I knew would work which was EasyBCD. This latest attempt I was bound and determined to get Chameleon to work.

 

[metzler555]

Anyone ever have a problem with the UD3P where the board turns on for a split second, then off? In order to get the board to turn back on I have to flick the PSU switch off then on, then hit the power button on the case again. After that, it comes on for s split second again. I have gotten it to boot up previously, and it seems random, but for the majority of the time the system comes on for a split second and then imediately shuts off. I have tried lots of different ram, unplugging everything, two power supplies. I am thinking my board is bad?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: metzler555
Anyone ever have a problem with the UD3P where the board turns on for a split second, then off? In order to get the board to turn back on I have to flick the PSU switch off then on, then hit the power button on the case again. After that, it comes on for s split second again. I have gotten it to boot up previously, and it seems random, but for the majority of the time the system comes on for a split second and then imediately shuts off. I have tried lots of different ram, unplugging everything, two power supplies. I am thinking my board is bad?

Is this a new thing, or has it done it from Day 1?

Try changing the CMOS battery. Take it down to Radio Shack and have them find you a replacement for five bucks.

Have you tried updating your BIOS?

 

[metzler555]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: metzler555
Anyone ever have a problem with the UD3P where the board turns on for a split second, then off? In order to get the board to turn back on I have to flick the PSU switch off then on, then hit the power button on the case again. After that, it comes on for s split second again. I have gotten it to boot up previously, and it seems random, but for the majority of the time the system comes on for a split second and then imediately shuts off. I have tried lots of different ram, unplugging everything, two power supplies. I am thinking my board is bad?

Is this a new thing, or has it done it from Day 1?

Try changing the CMOS battery. Take it down to Radio Shack and have them find you a replacement for five bucks.

Have you tried updating your BIOS?

Well, my first power supply fried (burning smell and wouldn't work after that), but I did get the board to post and boot into leopard after that. After about 20 minutes the board shut off by itself. Yes this is all day one stuff. I am on bios f8, and have tried new batteries in cmos, and have tried resetting cmos several times. I am RMAing it just in case, but I wanted to know if anyone else had any ideas, or to help someone else if this happens again.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: metzler555

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: metzler555
Anyone ever have a problem with the UD3P where the board turns on for a split second, then off? In order to get the board to turn back on I have to flick the PSU switch off then on, then hit the power button on the case again. After that, it comes on for s split second again. I have gotten it to boot up previously, and it seems random, but for the majority of the time the system comes on for a split second and then imediately shuts off. I have tried lots of different ram, unplugging everything, two power supplies. I am thinking my board is bad?

Is this a new thing, or has it done it from Day 1?

Try changing the CMOS battery. Take it down to Radio Shack and have them find you a replacement for five bucks.

Have you tried updating your BIOS?

Well, my first power supply fried (burning smell and wouldn't work after that), but I did get the board to post and boot into leopard after that. After about 20 minutes the board shut off by itself. Yes this is all day one stuff. I am on bios f8, and have tried new batteries in cmos, and have tried resetting cmos several times. I am RMAing it just in case, but I wanted to know if anyone else had any ideas, or to help someone else if this happens again.

Is your secondary motherboard power jack attached? (the 4/8-pin jack)

If your PSU fried, it may have short-circuited something on the board. Definitely sounds like an RMA is the right answer.

 

[cgates]

I'm expecting my parts to arrive by Wednesday. Should I plan to follow the guide on the wiki for the DS3L, or should I do something different for the G31M-ES2L board? I'm planning to do the install on the HD using my current mac.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: cgates
I'm expecting my parts to arrive by Wednesday. Should I plan to follow the guide on the wiki for the DS3L, or should I do something different for the G31M-ES2L board? I'm planning to do the install on the HD using my current mac.

Working on the guides still, I'm hoping to have them all wrapped up within the next day or two. New thread will be posted when I'm done!