Bios Setting Explained

Table of Contents

Complete BIOS Settings for Hackintosh

BIOS (or UEFI) settings are crucial for configuring a Hackintosh because macOS has specific hardware requirements and dependencies that must be accommodated for proper functioning. Adjusting these settings helps ensure compatibility between your PC’s hardware and macOS. Here’s why understanding and tweaking BIOS settings is essential:

Why Need BIOS Settings Explained ?

For Building a Hackintosh (a PC running macOS) requires BIOS Settings Explained and  meticulous attention to detail, especially when configuring your motherboard BIOS settings. Here is a comprehensive explanation of the settings you need to adjust for a successful Hackintosh setup.

Bootloader Compatibility
Hackintosh setups rely on a bootloader like OpenCore or Clover to load macOS. Proper BIOS configuration ensures that the bootloader can interact correctly with the hardware and macOS kernel.

Entering BIOS Setup

Restart your computer and press the designated key (often Delete, F2, or Esc) to enter the BIOS during boot.

Ensure your BIOS is updated to the latest version for your motherboard.

Bios Key

  • Asus 
    • Desktop : F9
    • Laptop : F9 or DEL
    • Notbook : F2
  • Asrock
    • Desktop : F2
  • Gigabyte
    • Desktop : F8 or DEL
  • MSI
    • Desktop : F2 or DEL

Primary Settings

Load Optimized Defaults

Locate the “Load Optimized Defaults” or equivalent option in your BIOS and apply it. This resets all settings to their baseline, minimizing conflicts.

CPU Settings

  •  Intel VT-d (Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O)
    • Disable unless you plan to enable specific kernel patches for VT-d in OpenCore or Clover.
  • CFG-Lock (MSR 0xE2 Register)
    • Disable. If your BIOS does not offer this option, you may need to unlock it using tools like CFGLock.efi.
  • Intel Virtualization Technology (VT-x)
    • Enable for better compatibility with macOS virtual machine or Docker.
  • Execute Disable Bit
    • Enable. Necessary for macOS kernel stability.
  • Hyper-Threading
    • Enable unless your CPU does not support it or you have specific requirements.
  • Power Management
    • Set to Auto unless you are tweaking custom performance options.

Boot Settings

  • Fast Boot
    • Disable to allow the operating system to initialize all devices during startup.
  • Secure Boot
    • Disable. macOS will not boot if Secure Boot is enabled.
  • CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
    • Disable unless you use legacy bootloaders. UEFI mode is preferred.
  • Boot Mode
    • Set to UEFI Only.
  • Boot Drive
    • Ensure the drive containing macOS is set as the primary boot device.

SATA Configuration

  •  SATA Mode
    • Set to AHCI. macOS does not support RAID or Intel Optane directly.
  • Hot Plug
    • Disable for all drives unless you need to swap them frequently.

Graphics Configuration

  • Integrated Graphics (iGPU)
    • Enable if using Intel integrated graphics.
    • Set the DVMT Pre-Allocated Memory to 64MB or higher.
  • Primary Graphics Adapter
    • If you have a dedicated GPU, set it to PEG (PCI Express Graphics).

USB Configuration

    • XHCI Hand-off
      • Enable. Ensures macOS properly recognizes USB 3.0 ports.
    • EHCI Hand-off
      • Enable for better USB 2.0 compatibility.

Network Settings

  • Intel LAN Controller
    • Enable if using an Intel Ethernet adapter supported by macOS.
  • Wake on LAN
    • Disable unless required.

Thunderbolt Settings (if applicable)

  • Thunderbolt Boot Support
    • Enable if your motherboard has Thunderbolt ports and you plan to use them.

Miscellaneous Settings

  • Above 4G Decoding
    • Enable for systems with GPUs requiring large memory maps (especially for AMD RX or Nvidia cards in macOS).
  • HPET (High Precision Event Timer)
    • Enable. Also, set to 64-bit if the option exists.
  • Serial Port
    • Disable. Unused ports can interfere with macOS.
  • Parallel Port
    • Disable if not used.

Power Settings

  • ERP (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
    • Disable for better stability.
  • Wake on USB
    • Enable only if required to wake the system with USB devices.
  • Power Loading
    • Enable for low-power CPUs or systems.
  • Resume by RTC
    • Disable unless required.

Save and Exit

After configuring the BIOS, save your settings and reboot. Typically, this option appears as Save & Exit or F10 on most BIOS screens.

 Troubleshooting Tips

Double-Check Your BIOS Version: If something doesn’t work, an outdated BIOS might be the cause.

Cross-Reference with Your Motherboard: BIOS settings can vary between manufacturers.

Keep OpenCore/Config.plist in Sync: Your BIOS settings should complement your Hackintosh bootloader configuration.

By following these steps and tailoring specific settings for your hardware, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth Hackintosh experience. Let me know if you need further clarification or assistance!

CHAT