Multibeast 2.0

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Today, Multibeast 2.0 is released.  There are many new features and improvements that will make the new version more efficient and easier to use than ever before.  Some of the many improvements include the 10.3.1 Supported Kernel for most Core i3/i5/i7s, USB 2.0 support for non-DSDT users, and more predefined smbios hardware description options.  In addition, audio compatibility has been greatly improved by adding 10.6.2 AppleHDA Rollback by default for non-889a LegacyHDA options, as well as including the latest VoodooHDA 0.2.61.  Finally, Chameleon installation scripts have been perfected for multiple Operating System booting.

With Gigabyte's many BIOS upgrades and additions, it's been difficult to keep MultiBeast current.  GigaBeast, the all-in-one installation solution for Gigabyte P55 motherboards, has been removed in order to prevent the tool from being constantly outdated.  The good news is that the functionality is still available using UserDSDT, with the added ability to customize your installation to your preferences, not ours.

For a full installation method, check out iBoot + MultiBeast: Install Mac OS X on any Intel-based PC.  Good luck, and let us know how the new version works for you!

-tonymacx86 & MacMan

MultiBeast 2.0 Demonstration Videos

To demonstrate the use of MultiBeast's EasyBeast Supported, EasyBeast Unsupported, and UserDSDT options, we've created a trio of screencasts.  Enjoy!

If this utility has helped you, please consider a contribution to support further MultiBeast development.  Thanks in advance, and enjoy!

For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!

New Minimal DSDT Edits for Gigabyte Socket 1156 Motherboards

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We know that using a DSDT is the best way to create a vanilla Hackintosh build.  The problem is that there have been numerous articles and forum posts on editing that are based on old versions of Gigabyte BIOS extracts. Many of them are retreads of the same information, and are more complex than necessary.  

Since we provide pre-edited DSDT's in our database, MacMan wanted to figure out what was the least amount of edits he can do, while trying to make the edits match a real Mac as much as possible.

To read the full article, and detailed explanations behind each edit, visit MacMan's blog.

For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!

Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update

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Today Apple released Mac OS X 10.6.4, the 4th major update to Mac OS X Snow Leopard.  To update, simply run Software Update or download the 10.6.4 Combo Update from Apple.

Download the Mac OS X 10.6.4 Combo Update

If you're going to test it out, backup any data, and if possible clone your hard drive before testing this update.   Post your results in the forum!

What we know about 10.6.4 so far...

• BREAKING: NVIDIA releases replacement drivers for Mac OS X 10.6.4 - 2010-06-18
• Release 19.5.8f03 - Improved OpenGL performance for Geforce GTX 285 under certain conditions 
• GeForce Mac OS X Driver Release 19.5.8 (2010-06-18)
  http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce-macosx-19.5.8f03-driver.html 
• CUDA 3,0
  http://www.nvidia.com/object/MacOSX-CUDA-3.0.html 

• New 10.4.0 Darwin kernel - all Core i3/i5/i7 now supported- including Core i7 980x!
• USB wake from sleep issues solved. 
• No Integrated Intel GMA HD without NVIDIA 320M.
• No ATI 5xxx support yet.  
• No NVIDIA 4xx 'Fermi' support out of the box.
• UPDATE: New NVIDIA drivers for 4xx are out, and confirmed working, but no OpenCL yet.  Check out this thread for details.  Thanks Daioptych!

• For audio issues with LegacyHDA + DSDT, install 10.6.2 AppleHDA Rollback from MultiBeast.  
• For USB issues without a DSDT, we've put together USBFamilyMOD 9.9.9 installed in /Extra/Extensions.  It's in the latest MultiBeast.  Alternately, you can roll back IOUSBFamily.kext in System/Library/Extensions to 10.6.2 or lower.
• Older solutions for 10.6.3+ at the Mac OS X 10.6.3 Update post.

For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!

Building a CustoMac: Three Complete PC Builds for OS X

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Building a desktop computer from parts for Windows or Linux is easy, as most drivers are out there, and perhaps even built into the operating system itself.  Piecing together a Hackintosh, or "CustoMac" is quite a different beast altogether.  In addition to determining if your prospective components work together, you also need to know whether the hardware is even supported by Apple's standard drivers.

With help and guidance from Jimx86, Lnx2Mac, and MacMan, here are 3 CustoMac builds that have our seal of approval.  This means that if we were buying stuff today, we'd not hesitate to purchase any of these parts for a CustoMac build running Mac OS X as the primary operating system.

All three builds include:

• Gigabyte P55 Motherboard
• Intel Core i-series Quad-Core CPU
• 4GB or 8GB of RAM, expandable up to 16GB
• 1 TB Hard Drive
• CD/DVD Burner
• Case and Power Supply

We've included all components besides monitor, as any standard monitor will do.  You can use these recommendations as a jumping off point for further customization, or as a shopping list.  Prices reflect those as of June 2010, and do not include shipping or tax.

Budget Power Build 1

Core i5 750 - Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD4 Micro-ATX - NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB - 4GB G.SKILL DDR3

$807.74

Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD4  $148.32
NOTE: Any Gigabyte H55 mATX Motherboard can be substituted

Graphics: Gigabyte 9800 GT 1GB Silent Cell Edition $129.99

CPU: Intel Core i5-750 2.66 GHz $194.99

RAM: OCZ DDR3 PC3-12800 Gold Low Voltage Dual Channel (2x2GB) $110.99

Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint 1 TB $69.99

CD/DVD Burner: Sony Optiarc Black $29.49

Case: COOLER MASTER Elite 341 $39.99

Power Supply: Antec 550W Continuous Power $59.99

Operating System: Mac OS X Snow Leopard $28.49

  

Budget Power Build 2

Core i7 860 - Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD4 Micro-ATX - NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB - 4GB G.SKILL DDR3

$1091.73

Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-P55M-UD4  $148.32
NOTE: Any Gigabyte H55 mATX Motherboard can be substituted

Graphics: EVGA GTX 260 Core 216 $204.99

CPU: Intel Core i7-860 2.8 GHz $279.99

RAM: OCZ DDR3 PC3-12800 Gold Low Voltage Dual Channel (2x2GB) $110.99

Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint 1 TB $69.99

CD/DVD Burner: Sony Optiarc Black $29.49

CPU Cooler: Scythe Mugen 2 $34.99

Case: COOLER MASTER II ATX Mid Tower: $89.99

Power Supply: Corsair 650HX Modular 650W $99.99

 

Operating System: Mac OS X Snow Leopard $28.49

Budget Power Build 3

Core i7 860 - Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4P ATX - NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB - 8GB G.SKILL DDR3

 $1348.35

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD4P $159.99
NOTE: Any Gigabyte P55 ATX Motherboard can be substituted

NOTE: Unfortunately for ATX users, Gigabyte has transitioned away from the ALC 889a codec, that Apple uses.  If you can get your hands on a discontinued GA-P55-UD4P or GA-P55-UD5, the onboard audio chip will work natively.  We still recommend any Gigabyte P55 board, but ALC 889a is preferable.

Graphics: Gigabyte GTX 285 $349.99

CPU: Intel Core i7-860 2.8 GHz $279.99

RAM: OCZ DDR3 PC3-12800 Gold Low Voltage Dual Channel (2x2GB) x 2 (8GB) $221.99

Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint 1 TB $69.99

CD/DVD Burner: Sony Optiarc Black $29.49

CPU Cooler: Scythe Mugen 2 $34.99

Case: Antec 900 $79.95

Power Supply: Corsair 650HX Modular 650W $99.99

Operating System: Mac OS X Snow Leopard $28.49

As Mac OS X Snow Leopard was never meant to be installed on this hardware, any drivers that work now, may need workarounds later.  There are absolutely no guarantees when it comes to this stuff- but that's what makes it fun. 

Oh, and don't forget, if you end up buying anything, click through one of the links above, or in the sidebar.  That way, you'll be supporting the site, as well as getting the best prices.  Thanks in advance! 

For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!