ROG-STRIX-Z790-A-GAMING-WIFI-Intel-i9-13900k-RX-6800-XT-OpenCore-1.0.2

Specifications 🛠️

• Processor Compatibility: The Intel Core i9-13900K is a powerful CPU, and with OpenCore 1.0.2, it’s crucial to ensure that all required kexts and configurations are up-to-date and fully compatible with this processor for optimal macOS Sequoia performance.

• ASUS Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4: This motherboard is a solid choice for Hackintosh builds, but it’s essential to verify that the correct kexts and configurations are applied to guarantee stability and full functionality with macOS Sequoia.

• macOS Sequoia: As Sequoia is the latest macOS release, staying on top of compatibility updates for your hardware is key. OpenCore 1.0.2 provides enhanced support, but some adjustments or updates may still be required to ensure a smooth experience.

• Kext Management: Regularly check for updates to your kexts and confirm compatibility with macOS Sequoia, the i9-13900K, and the ASUS Z790-A motherboard. Always download kexts from trusted sources.

• Configuration Backups: Back up your OpenCore configuration frequently. This ensures you can quickly restore a stable state if anything goes wrong during updates or tweaks.

• Community Involvement: Use Hackintosh forums and communities to stay informed about compatibility, troubleshooting, and tips for running macOS Sequoia on your hardware. The collective knowledge can be invaluable.

• Keep OpenCore Updated: OpenCore 1.0.2 is highly optimized, but as new updates roll out, upgrading can bring performance improvements, bug fixes, and better compatibility with macOS Sequoia and future updates.

Using OpenCore 1.0.2 with macOS Sequoia on your Intel i9-13900K and ASUS Z790-A Gaming WiFi D4 motherboard offers a high-performance Hackintosh experience. Staying informed about hardware compatibility, keeping your kexts updated, and engaging with the Hackintosh community are crucial steps to ensure a stable and efficient system.

• r/hackintosh (Reddit): A popular subreddit dedicated to Hackintosh discussions, troubleshooting, and community support.

• tonymacx86: This website offers Hackintosh guides, tools, and a community forum where users share their experiences and solutions.

• InsanelyMac: A longstanding Hackintosh forum with a wealth of resources, guides, and a community of Hackintosh enthusiasts.

• OpenCore Bootloader: The official OpenCore documentation is an essential resource for setting up and configuring your Hackintosh.

• Hackintosh.com: This site offers various Hackintosh guides, downloads, and a forum for discussions and support.

• OSx86 Project: An older community that still provides useful information and resources for Hackintosh users.

• GitHub: Many Hackintosh projects and drivers can be found on GitHub. Search for specific hardware or software-related repositories to find the latest updates and contributions.

• Hackintosh Discord Servers: There are several Discord servers dedicated to Hackintosh enthusiasts. You can search for them on Discord or join the tonymacx86 Discord server, which often has active discussions.

If you need to regenerate a new serial number for your Hackintosh, you can use the GenSMBIOS tool. This is useful when you encounter issues related to duplicate serial numbers or want to ensure your system remains unique. Follow these steps:

1. Download GenSMBIOS: You can download GenSMBIOS from its official GitHub repository here.

2. Extract the Tool: After downloading, extract the GenSMBIOS tool to a convenient location on your system.

3. Open Terminal: Launch the Terminal application on your Hackintosh.

4. Navigate to GenSMBIOS Directory: Use the cd command in Terminal to navigate to the directory where you extracted GenSMBIOS. For example, if you extracted it to your Downloads folder, you would use the following command:

cd ~/Downloads/GenSMBIOS

1. Run GenSMBIOS: Execute the GenSMBIOS script with the following command:

./GenSMBIOS.command

2. Follow the Prompts: GenSMBIOS will guide you through the process of generating a new serial number. It will ask you for your system type, and you should select the appropriate option.

3. Generate Serial: Once you’ve made your selection, GenSMBIOS will generate a new serial number and display it on the screen. Make note of this serial number.

4. Update Your Config.plist: Open your Hackintosh’s config.plist with a text editor and replace the existing serial number with the new one generated by GenSMBIOS.

5. Save and Reboot: Save the changes to your config.plist and reboot your Hackintosh.

6. Verify: After rebooting, use the “About This Mac” section to verify that the new serial number is now in use.

[!IMPORTANT] Why Generating a New SMBIOS is Important Regenerating a new serial number with GenSMBIOS is a crucial step in your Hackintosh setup. Here’s why it’s important:

• Avoid Duplicate Serials: Using a unique serial number ensures that your Hackintosh doesn’t share the same serial as another Mac on Apple’s servers. Duplicate serials can lead to various issues, including iMessage and iCloud not working.
• Maintain Privacy: Using a serial number generated by GenSMBIOS helps protect your privacy. It’s important not to use a serial number that belongs to a real Mac, as it can potentially lead to unintended consequences.
• Ensure Stability: A new, unique serial number can contribute to the stability of your Hackintosh system. It reduces the chances of Apple’s servers detecting irregularities and flagging your system.
• Compliance with EULA: Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA) prohibits the installation of macOS on non-Apple hardware. While Hackintoshing is a popular and widely used practice, using a unique serial number helps you stay within the bounds of legality. Generating a new serial number with GenSMBIOS helps you maintain the functionality and stability of your Hackintosh while ensuring your compliance with Apple’s EULA.

1. Lilu Kext [^1]

   • Download Lilu

2. VirtualSMC Kexts [^2]

   • Download VirtualSMC

3. WhateverGreen [^3]

   • Download WhateverGreen

4. AppleALC [^4]

   • Download AppleALC

5. Airportitlwm [^5]

   • Download Airportitlwm

6. AppleIGC [^6]

   • Download AppleIGC

7. CPUFriend Kext [^7]

   • Download CPUFriend

8. CpuTopologyRebuild [^8]

   • Download CpuTopologyRebuild

To enable the Intel I225-V Ethernet Controller and ensure compatibility with 3rd-party WiFi/LAN cards, follow this guide:

• Enabling the Intel I225-V Ethernet Controller

  • Credits: 5T33Z0

Bios Information:

• Bios version: 1303
  • Updating this BIOS will simultaneously update the corresponding Intel ME to version 16.1.27.2176.

Disable:

• Boot > Boot > CSM (Compatibility Support Module) > Launch CSM > Disabled
• Boot > Secure Boot > OS Type > Other OS
• Boot > Secure Boot > Secure Boot Mode > Custom
• Boot Configuration > Fast Boot > Disabled

Enable:

• Advanced > Active Performance Cores > All
• Advanced > Efficient Cores > All
• Advanced > Hyper-Threading > Enabled
• Advanced > System Agent (SA) Configuration > VT-D > Enabled
• Advanced > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Memory Configuration > Memory Remap > Enabled
• Advanced > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration > Primary Display > PCIe
• Advanced > System Agent (SA) Configuration > Graphics Configuration > iGPU Multi-Monitor > Disabled
• Advanced > Trusted Computing > Security Device Support > Enabled
• Advanced > PCI Subsystem Settings > Above 4G Decoding > Enabled
• Advanced > PCI Subsystem Settings > Resize BAR Support > Enabled
• Advanced > USB Configuration > Legacy USB Support > Enabled
• Advanced > USB Configuration > XHCI Hand-off > Enabled
• Ai Tweaker > Ai Overclock Tuner > XMP II
• Ai Overclock > Auto

FileVault is a security feature in macOS that encrypts the contents of your disk, adding an extra layer of protection to your data. Enabling FileVault on your Hackintosh is possible, but it requires some additional considerations and configurations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up FileVault:

1. Ensure Stable Hackintosh Setup: Before proceeding, make sure your Hackintosh is stable and all hardware components are working correctly. FileVault can be sensitive to system changes, so a stable setup is essential.

2. Backup Your Data: It’s crucial to back up all your data before enabling FileVault. In rare cases, issues during the encryption process can lead to data loss.

3. Generate a New SMBIOS: FileVault is tied to your system’s unique identifier. If you haven’t already, generate a new SMBIOS (System Management BIOS) to mimic a real Mac. This helps in ensuring compatibility.

4. Enable FileVault:

   • Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault.
   • Click the lock icon and enter your administrator password.
   • Click the “Turn On FileVault” button.
   • You’ll be asked to create a recovery key. Make sure to save it in a secure place; it can be crucial for data recovery in case you forget your password.

5. Encryption Process: Your Hackintosh will start the encryption process, which may take a while depending on the size of your disk. During this time, you can continue to use your computer, but it might be slower than usual.

6. Reboot and Test: After the encryption is complete, reboot your Hackintosh and test whether FileVault works as expected. You should be prompted to enter your password or use your recovery key to unlock your disk at boot.

7. Backup Your Recovery Key: Keep your recovery key safe. If you lose it, you might lose access to your data. You can also store it securely with Apple if you have an Apple ID.

8. Ongoing Use: FileVault should now be enabled and protecting your data. Continue to use your Hackintosh as usual, and FileVault will automatically encrypt and decrypt your files in the background.

Please note that while enabling FileVault adds an extra layer of security, it may also introduce some complexities and potential issues. Make sure to have a good understanding of Hackintoshing and macOS security before enabling FileVault. Always keep your system and data backed up, and proceed with caution.

Understanding OpenCore Vault for Added Security

The OpenCore Vault is a security feature designed to enhance the protection of your Hackintosh system’s EFI configuration. It consists of two key components: vault.plist and vault.sig:

• vault.plist: This file acts as a “snapshot” of your EFI configuration.
• vault.sig: It’s a validation file that verifies the integrity of vault.plist.

Think of the OpenCore Vault as a secure boot mechanism for OpenCore, ensuring that no unauthorized modifications can be made to your EFI configuration without your permission.

How Vaulting Works🔐

The specifics of vaulting involve the creation of a 256-byte RSA-2048 signature of the vault.plist. This signature is then incorporated into your OpenCore.efi bootloader. You can insert this key either into OpenCoreVault.c before compiling or use the sign.command tool if you already have OpenCore.efi compiled.

Please note that nvram.plist won’t be vaulted. Therefore, users with emulated NVRAM may still face risks related to unauthorized changes to specific NVRAM variables.

Configuring Vault in Your config.plist

To set up the OpenCore Vault, you need to configure it in your config.plist. Here’s how:

• Misc -> Security -> Vault:
  • • Basic: Requires only vault.plist to be present, mainly used for filesystem integrity verification.
  • • Secure: Requires both vault.plist and vault.sig, providing the highest level of security as changes to vault.plist necessitate a new signature.
• Booter -> ProtectSecureBoot: Set this option to YES.
  • • This setting is essential, especially for systems with Insyde firmware, as it helps fix secure boot keys and reports violations.

Setting Up the OpenCore Vault

To set up the OpenCore Vault, you’ll need to access the OpenCorePkg repository and navigate to the CreateVault folder. Inside this folder, you’ll find several files, but the one we’re interested in is sign.command.

Here’s how to configure your OpenCore Vault:

1. Run the sign.command script.
2. It will search for the EFI folder located next to the Utilities folder. Ensure that you have either placed your personal EFI configuration inside the OpenCorePkg folder or moved the Utilities folder into your EFI directory.

By following these steps, you enable the OpenCore Vault feature, adding an extra layer of security to your Hackintosh system, safeguarding your EFI configuration from unauthorized modifications.

• Credits: Dortania | Vault

1. OpenCore Booting

   • Correct OS choices shown in OpenCore Menu/GUI
   • Keyboard shortcuts working (see details below)
     • CMD+V — verbose mode.
   • NVRAM working (Verifying if you have working NVRAM)
     • Apple -> System Preferences -> Startup Disk (uses NVRAM).
   • Security (especially SIP) use Menu Bar SIP Detector
   • FileVault
   • Multibooting

2. Display

   • Display via HDMI
   • Display via HDMI
   • Display via DisplayPort
   • Display via DVI
   • Resolution
   • Refresh rates
   • Multimonitor displays

3. Graphics Acceleration

   • dGPU dedicated GPU
     • In Terminal: gfxutil -f GFX0 or check in IORegistryExplorer
   • QE/CI (full acceleration requires both Quartz Extreme and Core Image)
     • Check for transparent menu bar and fast smooth UI.
   • VDA (Video Decode Acceleration framework)
     • Hackintool -> System -> System -> VDA Decoder (should show ‘fully supported’)
   • Metal
     • System Information -> Graphics/Displays -> Metal: Supported
     • GLView
     • Geekbench -> Compute -> Metal

4. Audio

   • Audio out (Audio MIDI Setup)
   • Audio in
   • Front panel audio connectors
   • Audio over HDMI
   • Audio quality

5. Sleep & Power

   • Manual Sleep (Apple menu -> Sleep)
   • Auto Sleep (System preferences -> Energy Saver)
   • Wake by keyboard
   • Wake by mouse/trackpad
   • Sleep by Press and hold power button for 1.5 seconds
   • Shutdown (from Apple menu)
   • Restart (from Apple menu)

6. CPU

   • CPU Power Management (Optimizing Power Management)
     • Check with IORegistryExplorer
   • Temperatures and stability with 100% CPU
     • Use Prime95 Torture Test

7. Disk

   • Test with Blackmagic Disk Speedtest
   • NVMe SSD
     • Write: 878.3 MB/s
     • Read: 1388.5 MB/s
   • SATA SSD
     • Write: 103.4 MB/s
     • Read: 454.1 MB/s
   • TRIM support (System Information -> SATA -> SSD drive)

[!NOTE] Quick Tip: Enabling TRIM support on your Hackintosh: To enable trim support, simply open up a Terminal and type in the following command: sudo trimforce enable

8. Keyboard

   • Option/Command correctly mapped in macOS
     • For PC Keyboards swap in: System preferences -> Keyboard -> Modifier Keys
   • Fn keys working

9. USB

   • Use USBMap
   • Test external drives with Blackmagic Disk Speedtest
   • USB 2 ports
   • USB 2 on USB 3 ports
   • USB 3 and 3.1 ports (check transfer speed during copy)
   • USB C ports
   • Camera (Photo Booth, Facetime, Zoom)

10. Ethernet

    • Gigabit LAN (System preferences -> Network -> Ethernet -> Advanced -> Hardware -> Speed should be 1000baseT)

11. Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

    • Wi-Fi transmission speed (Option Click -> Wifi menu bar icon -> check Tx Rate)
    • Bluetooth devices (trackpad, mouse, keyboard, headset)
    • AirDrop (test with iDevices)
    • AirPlay to Mac (macOS Monterey or later, test with iOS 14 or later devices)
      • Tap the AirPlay icon on your Apple device to share videos to your Hackintosh
    • Handoff (System requirements for Continuity and Use Continuity which requires macOS Catalina & iOS 13+)
    • Sidecar requires macOS Catalina or later and a compatible iPad using iPadOS 13 or later.

12. OS Features
    • iMessage, FaceTime, App Store, iTunes Store
    • DRM support (iTunes Movies, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and others)

USB Preparation for OpenCore Installation

This guide outlines the steps to prepare a USB drive for OpenCore installation using the terminal.

Steps:

1. Determine USB Device Block:

   lsblk
   

   Identify your USB device block from the output.

2. Run gdisk on the USB Block:

   sudo gdisk /dev/<your USB block>
   

   • If prompted for a partition table, select GPT.
   • Use p to print the block’s partitions and verify the correct device.
   • Use o to clear the partition table and create a new GPT table (confirm with y).

3. Create Partitions:

   • Create the first partition:

     n
     

     • Partition number: Keep blank for default
     • First sector: Keep blank for default
     • Last sector: +200M (to create a 200MB partition)
     • Hex code or GUID: 0700 (Microsoft basic data partition type)

   • Create the second partition:

     n
     

     • Partition number: Keep blank for default
     • First sector: Keep blank for default
     • Last sector: Keep blank for default (or +3G to partition the rest of the USB)
     • Hex code or GUID: af00 (Apple HFS/HFS+ partition type)

4. Write Changes and Quit:

   w
   

   Confirm with y.

5. Optional: Reboot or Re-plug USB: In some cases, a reboot might be needed, but rarely. Re-plugging the USB key can also suffice.

6. Determine Partition Blocks:

   lsblk
   

   Identify the 200MB drive and the other partition.

7. Format the 200MB Partition to FAT32:

   sudo mkfs.vfat -F 32 -n "OPENCORE" /dev/<your 200MB partition block>
   

8. Prepare macOS Recovery Files:

   • Change directory to macrecovery utilities:

     cd /OpenCore/Utilities/macrecovery/
     

   • Mount the USB partition:

     udisksctl mount -b /dev/<your 200MB partition block> # No sudo required in most cases
     # or
     sudo mount /dev/<your 200MB partition block> /where/your/mount/stuff # sudo required
     

   • Create necessary directories on USB:

     cd /path/to/your/mounted/USB
     mkdir com.apple.recovery.boot
     

9. Download and Use dmg2img:

   • Install dmg2img (available on most distros):

     sudo apt-get install dmg2img # For Debian-based distros
     sudo yum install dmg2img # For RHEL-based distros
     

   • Determine partition with disk image property:

     dmg2img -l BaseSystem.dmg
     

   • Extract and write recovery image:

     sudo dmg2img -p <the partition number> BaseSystem.dmg /dev/<your 3GB+ partition block>
     

Notes:

• The extraction process can take several minutes, especially on slower USB drives.
• Ensure to replace placeholders (<your USB block>, <your 200MB partition block>, etc.) with actual values from your setup.

Follow these steps carefully to prepare your USB drive for OpenCore installation.