nForce OS X Snow Leopard (10.6) RETAIL INSTALL GUIDE on a Series 6 or 7 nForce chipset / Intel CPU MOBO

[TheDirTchamber]

Hi guys. I'm a total beginner on installing OSX on a PC, but I've managed to install a fully working copy of SL 10.6 in vmware, so I decided to take it to the next step. If there's someone here kind enough to point me in the right direction, depending on the hardware config bellow, I would be extremely grateful.

I only have one dvd with SL, Hazard 10.6.1 (it has the 10.6.2 combo update too, but it doesn't install it by default) - this is the one that works fine in vmware.

My hardware specs are:

Mainboard: Asus P5N-E SLI, chipset nVIDIA 650i SLi

CPU: Intel Core2Duo 6600 2.40Ghz/core, not overclocked

DVDRW: 1 IDE DVD writer

HDD: 3 hard drives, all on SATA, one with 500GB and the other 2 with 320GB each, not in RAID

HDD partitioning: single OS

OS: Windows 7 x64 - I'm hoping to dual-boot this with SL

GPU: nVIDIA GeForce 8600GT 512MB, not in SLI, on PCI-E

No PCI cards

On-board devices: Realtek HD audio (ALC883), nVIDIA Nforce Network card

USB devices: Microsoft InteliMouse Optical, Logitech G11 keyboard and a Canyon webcam that I never use

 

I burned the SL iso on a dvd and tried to boot my PC from it, with the -v flag. I've noticed many messages about "unable to mount disk x", and at one point, right when the setup GUI appeared, one (at least I think it was just one) of my hard drives was turned off. After about 1 minute it started again (I could hear the sounds), but nothing more happened on the screen. Restarting the pc and booting again concluded in the same result, also with one of my drives turning off for a while.

I'll try to post the BIOS settings later, but I've already read the templates, and I've modified whatever settings I had to change. I'll post them just to make sure.

 

So, first of all, is my pc able to run SL? Then, can I find (and where) kexts for my hardware? And last, but not least, I've read some of the tutorial for nForce 6 chipsets, but it's waaay too complicated for what I know about these things so far. What I do know is that I need a boot disk and a SL installation disk (can I use the one that I already have? ). However, I do not have a USB stick and I don't have a working SL except the one in vmware.

Any help is most welcome and I'll try to get it the first time. Thank you.

[verdant]

Hi guys. I'm a total beginner on installing OSX on a PC, but I've managed to install a fully working copy of SL 10.6 in vmware, so I decided to take it to the next step. If there's someone here kind enough to point me in the right direction, depending on the hardware config bellow, I would be extremely grateful.

I only have one dvd with SL, Hazard 10.6.1 (it has the 10.6.2 combo update too, but it doesn't install it by default) - this is the one that works fine in vmware.

My hardware specs are:

Mainboard: Asus P5N-E SLI, chipset nVIDIA 650i SLi

CPU: Intel Core2Duo 6600 2.40Ghz/core, not overclocked

DVDRW: 1 IDE DVD writer

HDD: 3 hard drives, all on SATA, one with 500GB and the other 2 with 320GB each, not in RAID

HDD partitioning: single OS

OS: Windows 7 x64 - I'm hoping to dual-boot this with SL

GPU: nVIDIA GeForce 8600GT 512MB, not in SLI, on PCI-E

No PCI cards

On-board devices: Realtek HD audio (ALC883), nVIDIA Nforce Network card

USB devices: Microsoft InteliMouse Optical, Logitech G11 keyboard and a Canyon webcam that I never use

 

I burned the SL iso on a dvd and tried to boot my PC from it, with the -v flag. I've noticed many messages about "unable to mount disk x", and at one point, right when the setup GUI appeared, one (at least I think it was just one) of my hard drives was turned off. After about 1 minute it started again (I could hear the sounds), but nothing more happened on the screen. Restarting the pc and booting again concluded in the same result, also with one of my drives turning off for a while.

I'll try to post the BIOS settings later, but I've already read the templates, and I've modified whatever settings I had to change. I'll post them just to make sure.

 

So, first of all, is my pc able to run SL? Then, can I find (and where) kexts for my hardware? And last, but not least, I've read some of the tutorial for nForce 6 chipsets, but it's waaay too complicated for what I know about these things so far. What I do know is that I need a boot disk and a SL installation disk (can I use the one that I already have? ). However, I do not have a USB stick and I don't have a working SL except the one in vmware.

Any help is most welcome and I'll try to get it the first time. Thank you.

 

Yes, you should be able to install SL but suggest you first generate a modded DSDT.aml file with the CMOS reset fix (RTC mod) using SL in VMWare if you can using fassl's DSDT Patcher as explained in my SL install guide in post #455 (otherwise, do so from Leopard......)......also see post #2 for links......

 

As regards the Hazard distro, check that its booting Extensions.mkext file or Extensions folder includes the needed AppleNForceATA.kext......see my blog entry on .ISO patching......

[nykoinside]

Glad you too have found my SL install guide helpful.......

 

Why were you not able to follow successfully the DSDT.aml RTC fix procedure at the start of my SL install guide, as it is what I use on my P5N32-E SLI Plus.....?

 

Sorry but I cannot offer any advice for setting up dual 8600GT cards as I use only a single 8600GT card.......presume you have seen IM threads for dual cards and posts by aqua-mac etc........?

 

Cheers

verdant

 

well, initially i couldn't use any edition of Mac OS (even Tiger or Leopard) on my pc, so the first time i've followed an "alternative" procedure. instead of using dsdt patcher, i've used iASL utilities for windows to obtain, modify and compile the DSDT. then as you explained i put the compiled DSDT.aml file at the root of the setup partition (the external disk i use has 2 partitions: one with chamaleon, PC_EFI, extra kexts and the installer and one for

the OS).

this didn't solved the reset problem so when i got SL running i've tried to re-create the DSDT file following your method. also this time it seems to do nothing.

i can see it being loaded after booting from the chamaleon's menu in verbose mode, but every time that i shut down i have to clean the CMOS, otherwise the motherboard doesn't even get to POST screen. restart works fine.

as a temporary solution i've saved my bios settings using OC Profile, and i reload and save them before shutting down. i've tried also the appleRTC kext with the same result...

 

for the video cards, i've initially followed a guide to create an efi string for dual cards but when i rebooted all i got was a kernel panic after 30 or 40

seconds. i also tried nvinject for dual cards with the same results... i think that the only solution for this will be removing the secondary card when i'll need leo.

 

since we have the same motherboard, could you try to send me your patched DSDT to see if it works?

 

thanks for the help in advance

 

niko

[nikolaz]

Seems not.....see here....

 

For it to work with your nForce 650i chipset MOBO desktop PC, the patched install DVD would need to boot from an Extensions.mkext file that includes the AppleNForceATA.kext......(or AppleNForceATA_TEST if using a SATA DVDRW).......

 

 

as i said i dont have a SATA drive i have an ATA drive and my chip set is 680i XD

[verdant]

as i said i dont have a SATA drive i have an ATA drive and my chip set is 680i XD

 

What I said stands; you need a AppleNForceATA kext in the Extensions.mkext file that you are using when booting the DVD or HDD.......

 

AppleNForceATA.kext ( MeDevil version for ≤3 GB RAM or with maxmem=3072 for > 3GB RAM, or slashack version for > 3GB) if you have a PATA DVDRW

 

OR

 

Try AppleNForceATA_TEST (by MeDevil) if using a SATA DVDRW and use with maxmem=3072 if you have >3GB RAM but you may still not be able to burn disks with the SATA DVDRW, so a PATA DVDRW is recommended for most nForce chipset MOBOs....

[TheDirTchamber]

Yes, you should be able to install SL but suggest you first generate a modded DSDT.aml file with the CMOS reset fix (RTC mod) using SL in VMWare if you can using fassl's DSDT Patcher as explained in my SL install guide in post #455 (otherwise, do so from Leopard......)......also see post #2 for links......

 

As regards the Hazard distro, check that its booting Extensions.mkext file or Extensions folder includes the needed AppleNForceATA.kext......see my blog entry on .ISO patching......

Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't the patcher in the vmware generate a file for the virtual environment and not for my PC? Anyway, I did exactly what your DSDT tutorial said, and I got to the editing part. Here's what it says:

 

Original Table Header:

* Signature "DSDT"

* Length 0x00007193 (29075)

* Revision 0x01 **** ACPI 1.0, no 64-bit math support

* Checksum 0xA1

* OEM ID "PTLTD "

* OEM Table ID "Custom "

* OEM Revision 0x06040000 (100925440)

* Compiler ID "MSFT"

* Compiler Version 0x03000001 (50331649)

*/

DefinitionBlock ("./dsdt.aml", "DSDT", 1, "PTLTD ", "Custom ", 0x06040000)

 

Edit: never mind, I didn't scrolled to the RTC section. There's already 0x02 there, as you can see:

 

Device (RTC)

{

Name (_HID, EisaId ("PNP0B00"))

Name (_CRS, ResourceTemplate ()

{

IO (Decode16,

0x0070, // Range Minimum

0x0070, // Range Maximum

0x01, // Alignment

0x02, // Length

)

IRQNoFlags ()

{8}

})

}

[juanmacrack93]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but won't the patcher in the vmware generate a file for the virtual environment and not for my PC? Anyway, I did exactly what your DSDT tutorial said, and I got to the editing part. Here's what it says:

 

Original Table Header:

* Signature "DSDT"

* Length 0x00007193 (29075)

* Revision 0x01 **** ACPI 1.0, no 64-bit math support

* Checksum 0xA1

* OEM ID "PTLTD "

* OEM Table ID "Custom "

* OEM Revision 0x06040000 (100925440)

* Compiler ID "MSFT"

* Compiler Version 0x03000001 (50331649)

*/

DefinitionBlock ("./dsdt.aml", "DSDT", 1, "PTLTD ", "Custom ", 0x06040000)

 

Edit: never mind, I didn't scrolled to the RTC section. There's already 0x02 there, as you can see:

 

Device (RTC)

{

Name (_HID, EisaId ("PNP0B00"))

Name (_CRS, ResourceTemplate ()

{

IO (Decode16,

0x0070, // Range Minimum

0x0070, // Range Maximum

0x01, // Alignment

0x02, // Length

)

IRQNoFlags ()

{8}

})

}

 

That's right, you're generating a DSDT patch file for your virtual machine, which won't work on your actual hardware.

[verdant]

@ dirtchamber

 

Re VM DSDT - Not using VMWare myself, I was not sure if the VMWare software collects and uses the actual BIOS DSDT as the basis for generating a virtual DSDT that would nonetheless work for you, as some have used a VM environment to try out DSDT mods for their MOBO....I was thinking that if it worked for you it would conveniently save you from getting the DSDT.aml file via Leopard or Windows......

 

@ juanmacrack93

 

Thanks for putting me straight on the VMWare DSDT front for future reference....

[bbenson04]

@ verdant

 

Is it required that I have Leopard installed in order to install Snow Leopard?

 

If its not, it seems like you lost a lot in the guide that says what to do with the files you provided. I have a Snow Leopard DVD, but I'm not quite sure what to do now because from what I've read I need to do something with a USB drive.

 

I want to use your nForceSLBoot132DVD file, but not having much experience using a retail version of OS X, I'm not sure how to set up the file and get all the Extras I need. The main thing is I don't see an "A." or "B.", unless its titled "How much of a "64bit" OS is Snow Leopard?" and "Generating and modifying the DSDT.aml file specifically for your MOBO:".

 

I'm not criticizing because I know you lost a lot of your post, but I'm just trying to piece it together and I don't know if I'm doing anything right.

[TheDirTchamber]

From what I understand, you need Leo installed on your machine, in order to generate that file for your hardware. Not sure if it's absolutely 100% needed, maybe you can install SL without a custom dsdt file, I don't know.

 

@verdant: that would've been too easy. Much easier to install Leo in vmware than on your pc, but unfortunately it doesn't work that way...

 

P.S. Can this file be generated from a live dvd of Leo? I read somewhere that there's a live dvd out for some time, I'll try to find it and try...

[bbenson04]

Well that stinks because I can't seem to get any distro to install. I have a copy of Leopard and Snow Leopard, but can't get either to get to the installer because of a kernel panic. I'm kinda getting sick of wasting dvd's on these distros.

[verdant]

@bbenson04

 

I have checked the guide at post #455 and all the parts of my Snow Leopard Install Guide are present, labelled from A. to K., so I am not sure what you think is missing.....?

 

I recommend that you initially install Leopard and get it running 100% because you do not need a DSDT.aml file for Leopard as you do for Snow Leopard to fix the CMOS reset, as well as perhaps audio etc.....

 

What Leopard distros do you have.....?

[mmm11105]

How am I supposed to patch my DSDT if I don't already have OS X installed.

[verdant]

How am I supposed to patch my DSDT if I don't already have OS X installed.

 

You can try Koalala's DSDT Patcher if you have Windows and .NET Framework installed........see here......

[nykoinside]

Hi verdant!

i've replaced my dsdt file with your one, but i'm still stuck with the cmos reset

i'll try to create a new usb boot disk with chamaleon RC4 and a new DSDT created with ACPI Patcher for Windows..

 

i've also noticed that chamaleon loads more than one DSDT.aml files...i don't know if it's normal...

it says

 

Loading HFS+ file [/DSDT.aml]

 

it loads other stuff, then

 

Loading HFS+ file [/Extra/DSDT.aml]

Loading HFS+ file [/Extra/DSDT.aml]

 

{yes, it says that two times}

 

i've looked for that files and folders with show hidden files enabled, but i can't find any other DSDT file except for the one i placed in root.

 

i'll let you know if the new disk works fine

 

niko

[mmm11105]

Does anyone know where I can find decent instructions for patching DSDT.aml from Windows

[verdant]

Hi verdant!

i've replaced my dsdt file with your one, but i'm still stuck with the cmos reset

i'll try to create a new usb boot disk with chamaleon RC4 and a new DSDT created with ACPI Patcher for Windows..

 

i've also noticed that chamaleon loads more than one DSDT.aml files...i don't know if it's normal...

it says

 

Loading HFS+ file [/DSDT.aml]

 

it loads other stuff, then

 

Loading HFS+ file [/Extra/DSDT.aml]

Loading HFS+ file [/Extra/DSDT.aml]

 

{yes, it says that two times}

 

If you have the SAME DSDT.aml file in / and in /Extra, it should not matter and either way the DSDT.aml file will be loaded.......like an insurance policy......

 

i've looked for that files and folders with show hidden files enabled, but i can't find any other DSDT file except for the one i placed in root.

 

i'll let you know if the new disk works fine

 

niko

 

ONLY if you have the SAME DSDT.aml in / and in /Extra, then it should not matter and either way the DSDT.aml file will be loaded.......like an insurance policy......so put my DSDT.aml file in both / and in /Extra.....otherwise just use a single DSDT.aml file in / or in /Extra.....

[nykoinside]

ONLY if you have the SAME DSDT.aml in / and in /Extra, then it should not matter and either way the DSDT.aml file will be loaded.......like an insurance policy......so put my DSDT.aml file in both / and in /Extra.....otherwise just use a single DSDT.aml file in / or in /Extra.....

 

well, i checked and in the /Extra folder there was only the /Extensions folder and smbios.plist

anyway, it's no longer a problem. i've built a new boot disk using your DSDT and Chamaleon RC4 and it works like a charm!!

 

thanks for the help!!

 

P.S. keep going on with your incredible work!!

 

Niko

[verdant]

well, i checked and in the /Extra folder there was only the /Extensions folder and smbios.plist

anyway, it's no longer a problem. i've built a new boot disk using your DSDT and Chamaleon RC4 and it works like a charm!!

 

thanks for the help!!

 

P.S. keep going on with your incredible work!!

 

Niko

 

Glad you got it sorted and glad to be of help......

[nikolaz]

What I said stands; you need a AppleNForceATA kext in the Extensions.mkext file that you are using when booting the DVD or HDD.......

 

AppleNForceATA.kext ( MeDevil version for ≤3 GB RAM or with maxmem=3072 for > 3GB RAM, or slashack version for > 3GB) if you have a PATA DVDRW

 

OR

 

Try AppleNForceATA_TEST (by MeDevil) if using a SATA DVDRW and use with maxmem=3072 if you have >3GB RAM but you may still not be able to burn disks with the SATA DVDRW, so a PATA DVDRW is recommended for most nForce chipset MOBOs....

 

so what exacly am i supposed to do? have bios setting to what you sent me, i do the maxmem=3072 and then what? i know i need the applenforce.kext but would that be in the dvd? or do i have to edit the ISO and add that in it? how do i make that work?

[verdant]

so what exacly am i supposed to do? have bios setting to what you sent me, i do the maxmem=3072 and then what? i know i need the applenforce.kext but would that be in the dvd? or do i have to edit the ISO and add that in it? how do i make that work?

 

You can either use a Retail OS X DVD or its image file and follow my SL install guide step by step, using a 8GB USB flash drive or my Boot132DVD to install Snow Leopard, including fixing RTC in your DSDT.aml file........

 

OR

 

You can look at the contents of the SL distro DVD (both hidden and unhidden files) via Leopard (or TransMac etc. on Windows) to see if any AppleNForce kext(s) are present in any Extensions folders.......f they are present, then try booting the distro DVD with -v -f.....to try to get it to boot by loading kexts directly from /Extensions rather than Extensions.mkext

 

BUT if this does not work OR they are not present, then you will need to edit the ,distro .iso file to add the AppleNForce kext.......see my blog entry for doing this on a JaS 10.5.4 .iso file, which you can follow as a general example of .iso patching to add kexts..........

[nikolaz]

But i can't even get to the stupid apple logo >.>

[verdant]

But i can't even get to the stupid apple logo >.>

 

Boot with -v debug=0x100.......then post a screenshot of the error messages.....are you currently running Leopard 100% OK?

[nikolaz]

Boot with -v debug=0x100.......then post a screenshot of the error messages.....are you currently running Leopard 100% OK?

 

k thanks here you go hope it helps

[verdant]

k thanks here you go hope it helps

 

Boot with -v -f and/or remove Extensions.mkext......and report what happens......

 

I note from the screen shot you are running OS X in VMware rather than directly.......?