I am thrilled to share my successful Hackintosh project on my Dell OptiPlex 9020! Running MacOS Sonoma without a hitch, this machine has been revitalized and is performing exceptionally well. Below are the specs and details of the setup:
🚨 Important: Remember to add your own SN info in the config.plist file to ensure proper functionality of services like iMessage and FaceTime.
- 💻 CPU Type: Intel Core i5-4590, 3.30 GHz (4 cores, 4 threads)
- 🔧 Motherboard Chipset: Intel Q87 Express Chipset
- 🎨 Video Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 4600 (2048 MB)
🔊 Audio Adapter:
- Realtek ALC3220 @ Intel Lynx Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
🌐 Network Adapter:
- Intel I217-LM Gigabit Network Connection
🔌 USB Device:
- Dell USB 3.0 ports
Despite its age, the Dell OptiPlex 9020 runs MacOS Sonoma seamlessly. Here are some highlights of the performance:
- Graphics: The Intel HD Graphics 4600 handles the macOS interface smoothly, providing a good user experience without any graphical glitches.
- Audio: The Realtek audio adapter works perfectly, ensuring crisp and clear sound whether using the built-in speakers or external devices.
- Network: Wired connections are stable and reliable, courtesy of the Intel network adapter.
- USB: The USB 3.0 ports function without issues, ensuring full peripheral compatibility.
The installation was straightforward, thanks to the robust EFI configuration and available guides. Key steps included:
- 💾 Creating a Bootable USB Installer: Used a Mac or another Hackintosh to create a bootable USB with MacOS Sonoma.
- 🔧 Configuring the BIOS: Ensured BIOS settings were optimized for macOS compatibility (e.g., disabling Secure Boot, enabling AHCI).
- 📁 EFI Folder Configuration: Placed the necessary kexts, drivers, and configuration files in the EFI folder.
- 💻 Installing MacOS: Booted from the USB installer, formatted the drive to APFS, and installed MacOS Sonoma.
- 🛠️ Post-Installation Tweaks: Applied post-installation tweaks to ensure all hardware components were recognized and functional.
I am excited to announce that I will be providing nightly builds for the EFI folders, ensuring they are up-to-date and optimized for the best performance. Additionally, I will be offering support to assist with any issues or questions you may have.
Bootloader: OpenCore (version 1.0.3)
Essential Kexts:
- Lilu.kext
- WhateverGreen.kext
- AppleALC.kext
- IntelMausi.kext
- AirportBrcmFixup.kext
- USBInjectAll.kext
- VirtualSMC.kext
Drivers:
- OpenRuntime.efi
- HfsPlus.efi
Configuration File: A meticulously edited config.plist to match the system specifications and optimize performance.
- 🛜 Wi-Fi (with compatible Wi-Fi card)
- 📶 Bluetooth (with compatible Bluetooth adapter)
- 📤 Airdrop (with compatible Wi-Fi/Bluetooth adapter)
- 🎥 HDMI (HDMI Audio also)
- 🎵 AUDIO
- 🌐 Ethernet
- 🔌 USB2.0
- 🔋 USB3.0
- 🔋 Battery? (for UPS devices, should be working properly)
- 🌙 Hibernation? (Sometimes, please test and report)
- None so far, you tell me!?
This project wouldn't have been possible without the incredible work of the Hackintosh community. Special thanks to the developers and contributors of the tools and kexts used in this project:
- OpenCore: For the powerful bootloader.
- Lilu.kext: Essential for patching macOS.
- WhateverGreen.kext: For fixing graphics issues.
- AppleALC.kext: For enabling audio support.
- IntelMausi.kext: For network compatibility.
- AirportBrcmFixup.kext: For Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality.
- USBInjectAll.kext: For USB support.
- VirtualSMC.kext: For hardware monitoring.
Your dedication and hard work have made it possible to bring macOS to non-Apple hardware. Thank you!
iMessage working
Springboard/Launchpad
Intel HD 4600 Driver working
About Mac
If you find this project helpful and would like to support its ongoing development, consider making a donation. Your contributions will help cover the costs of maintaining and improving the EFI configurations, as well as providing support. Every little bit helps and is greatly appreciated.