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Asus P6T SE Retail Snow Leopard Installation Guide [FLASHDRIVE] [UPDATED JUN. 28]]

tweak41

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in OSx86 10.6 (Snow Leopard)

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starobrno1
starobrno1
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Thank you very much for the reply starobrno1.

First of all it's very encouraging to know that the P6T SE and i7 930 combination WILL actually work.

 

The only Mac's I've been able to borrow the use of up to now have been a friend's Mac Mini and a Mac ProBook.

I did try putting OS X on a Quicksilver in order to use that but it was hopeless.

 

My first question is how to connect a SATA hard drive via USB ? (Am I missing something here?).

Obviously, I won't be able to do it internally.

All this drive formatting etc. (including the 10.6.4 update) is being done with the SATA drive connected to the Apple OS X machine and then once everything is done this hard drive is then installed to the hack machine. Right ?

As you have your hackmac working well, may I ask you what BIOS settings you've used:

Everything on defaults except AHCI for the SATA devices ?

What about C-State C6 ? Anything else I need to know about ?

 

Couldn't find the smbios that you said you'd uploaded.

 

Your method looks quite complicated starobrno1, but if that's what it's going to take to get this going then so be it!

Thank you so much for taking the time to help out.

 

No problem I know how frustrating it can be fact is I went through the same myself even though I have I think 5 hackmacs here and really thought I knew how to do this. I had the same problems as you with the flashdrive method so I had to go for alternative ways to install osx. The flashdrive method works I´m sure it does it´s just that at least for me I ran in to problems probably cause there was something wrong with my flashdrive. I did´nt want to buy a new one cause I had a couple of harddrives on the shelf so I started to experiment with alternative ways of installing.

 

Why it looks complecated is probably only because of my crappy english hehe cause this is as far as I can see the fastest and easiest way to do it. Basically you install just as you say here to a harddrive upgrade to the latest version osx then put in to your hackmac boot it up finnish the install and your done. When you do it like this from a working osx computer the installation itself can´t go wrong cause that computer is already working like it should.

 

To connect via USB you need an etxternal USB 3,5" harddrive Enclosure, make sure it´s for Sata and for a 3,5 inch drive.

 

Or something like this

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...&CatId=3770

 

 

But the easiest way is probably to borrow it from a friend get permission to open it (just a couple of screws) and replace the harddrive with your harddrive.

 

It is really important though you make sure you install to the right/your harddrive but it´s easy to figure out if you name it and besides I´m pretty sure it´ll show up as an USB device even on a real mac.

 

What´s more is the osx dvd must be a retail osx dvd cause the dvd they ship when you buy a mac will not work at all.

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barclaycon
barclaycon
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I guess formatting the drive on an actual Mac gets round some of the things that the installer needs to see in order to be satisfied that it is a 'legit' machine.

I've discovered that I do actually have a SATA to USB enclosure (forgot I had one) so I'll use that and try to borrow the use of a Macbook.

I'm desperate to get this going!

 

It's disappointing that I haven't yet been able to fathom out why the other methods haven't worked (Flash Disk or Boot CD). I guess that it's not enough to just have the right Motherboard and Processor - there are other criteria.

 

Thanks for the help so far, I'm sure I'll be posting many more times yet.

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starobrno1
starobrno1
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Something I just don´t get is what the heck is so different with this mobo from for example my two GA mobos. I have no problem what so ever to run two videocards on the GA mobos and one of them I run pretty much on the same stuff as my P6T SE and both of them run 10.6.4. With the P6T SE no way it works. Same OS pretty much same kexts and same videocards, same com.apple.Boot.plist (tried to edit that one too) but no go. Just so strange cause besides this prob this mobo works just so good.

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palmmedicine
palmmedicine
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So there's no need to change my settings, because I'm using an older DSDT.aml

 

I still use NullCPUPowerManagement.kext and SleepEnabler.kext. Temperatures are significantly lower and I don't want to change my BIOS settings.

 

 

e1ement

 

PS: My Radeon HD4870 runs just fine without any Kexts, EFI-Strings or anything else.

 

How did you get your video card to work, I am having trouble getting any settings

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palmmedicine
palmmedicine
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Safe to update to 10.6.4: See this post

 

*UPDATE 12/7/2009*

At the bottom you'll find instructions on how to update to 10.6.2 as well as a much improved DSDT.aml file (many thanks to Bchemist).

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

Hello fellow P6T SE users. The goal of this guide is simple---get you up and running with a vanilla (no modifications to the system components essential to OS X like the kernel) installation. It's relatively simple, but can be a bit time consuming for a first time user.

 

First and foremost I literally cannot take credit for anything you find in this guide. All information, patches, and other important stuff came from other users and other places which I will attempt to document to the best of my ability. If anyone sees an error with the information provided please do not hesitate to inform me and I will do my best to correct it as soon as I can.

 

So, having said that let's get on our way!

 

Preparation

 

You're going to need a few things for this installation. They are:

 

Getting Started

 

Note: If you've gone into your BIOS and disabled Hyper Threading and additional cores, you can go back in and enable them. The included DSDT.aml file is already patched for 4 cores + HT.

 

Because the installation is going to be restored to a flash drive, the first thing you need to do is format the flash drive. Open up Disk Utility and format it using the GUID partition scheme and HFS+ file system (this is selected by default usually). Make sure to give it a name (preferably a short one that's easy to type as you'll be using it later). See screenshots below:

 

46568829.png

 

95615821.png

 

After you've formatted your flash drive you'll need to restore the Snow Leopard DVD to it. Insert your Snow Leopard DVD and open up Disk Utility. Here you'll select Mac OS X Install DVD from the list and click the Restore tab. Then click and drag "Mac OS X Install DVD" to the source text box and your formatted flash drive volume (here it's called Installer) to the destination text box. Uncheck Erase Destination then click Restore.

 

29587408.png

 

This process takes a while so if you've got something else to do, you might as well do it. It took about an hour for my MacBook to do.

 

Booting the flash drive

 

By now you should have your Snow Leopard DVD restored to your flash drive. The next step is to make it bootable. That's where the attached essentials come in handy. Open the folder and run "2_Boot Prep." This script installs Chameleon 2 RC3 to the drive, generates the kext cache with all of your essential kexts, and places it, com.apple.Boot.plist, smbios.plist, and DSDT.aml in the necessary places on your flash drive.

 

47504024.png

 

34015832.png

 

14053797.png

 

61288059.png

 

Once that's finished you're ready to boot the Snow Leopard installation!

 

Make sure that you drag a copy of the P6T SE Essentials folder to the thumb drive before removing from your Mac. You'll need to copy this folder to your new Snow Leopard installation in a half hour.

 

Note: If you use one of the newer ATI Radeon HD4xxx cards you may want to replace the boot file on the thumb drive with the EFI 10v3 boot file included in the essential folder. MAKE SURE TO RENAME IT TO "boot" BEFORE REPLACING THE EXISTING boot FILE.

 

Installation

 

I strongly encourage you to set your OS X drive as the first in the boot list in your BIOS. It makes things a lot easier.

 

If you've already installed OS X on any machine you'll be familiar with the setup. Apple makes it easy anyway.

 

Ideally you should completely power down your computer. This guide assumes that you're installing to a SATA hard drive and that you've configured it as either AHCI or RAID in your BIOS (yes, you can use RAID but not a drive or drives in an array). Turn your computer on and press the F8 key until you get a message about BBS popup. This will let you select your boot device. You want to choose the thumb drive that you prepared in the earlier steps. You should now see the Chameleon boot loader screen. Select your thumb drive (here it's Installer) and type -v and press enter. Now you'll see a wall of text and if something goes wrong it can help us pinpoint the problem. If everything goes smoothly you'll see the first of several installation screens for OS X. Make sure that you use Disk Utility to format your destination HD as HFS+ and use the GUID partition scheme! Select any languages you may want, printer drivers, etc and install. It should take about 30 minutes.

 

The Fun Part

 

So you should have OS X installed now. You're not quite finished though. When you reach the screen that asks you to reboot, do so. However you will need to make sure that you boot from your flash drive again. The retail installation does not have the necessary kexts or proper boot loader to allow you to boot straight into OS X. Using the F8 trick, boot to your flash drive but this time select your Snow Leopard installation. I recommend using the -v flag again in case there is an error or kernel panic. Knowing this information will help us troubleshoot if something goes wrong. The initial boot may take a bit longer than you'll normally see. Within a few minutes (it shouldn't take more than 5) you'll be welcomed with the introductory video. If everything worked correctly you'll also get sound! Continue setting up your user account and filling in the necessary information.

 

Once you have reached the desktop you'll want to copy over the P6T SE Essentials folder to the desktop.

 

Right now you have a choice to make regarding how your computer boots from now on. They are:

  1. Boot from system partition
  2. Boot from EFI partition
  3. Boot from external medium (i.e. USB, CF, SD, etc)

 

System Partition

If you would like to install the Chameleon RC3 boot loader to the system partition (the main one that you see active when running your computer), open the Essentials folder and run "3_Loader." Follow the on screen prompts, making sure to type "N" when asked if you want to install to the EFI Partition.

 
87956180.png

 

EFI Partition

If you would like to install the Chameleon RC3 boot loader to the EFI partition (something used on real macs, but not hackintoshes), open the Essentials folder and run "3_Loader." Follow the on screen prompts, making sure to type "Y" when asked if you want to install to the EFI Partition.

 

89998027.png

 

80212109.png

 

 

Boot from external medium (i.e. USB, CF, SD, etc)

This is the method I prefer because of the way my system is setup. Since I have a RAID0 array that I run Windows from, I can't conveniently dual boot operating systems if my boot loader is run from a hard drive. I simply can't run it on my array, and I get errors trying to do so from the OS X hard drive. Since I had a spare CF card lying around I decided to install the boot loader to that. Doing so allowed me to set Windows as my default OS and still easily boot to OS X when I need to.

 

Step 1)
Format your boot medium GUID Partition Scheme. Format it as HFS+.

Step 2)
Run "External Medium Booter" from the P6T SE Essentials folder.

 

26397485.png

 

Step 3)
Configure your BIOS to boot this medium first. The P6T SE BIOS can boot from pretty much any external medium.

 

After you've prepared your system to boot, you're done! Enjoy OS X.

 

10.6.2 Update Guide

 

Updating to 10.6.2 is very easy and can be done in a few short steps. Please follow them carefully. Failure to do so may require you to reinstall everything.

 

1) Download the 10.6.2 Update Package.

2) There are a few included files you need to modify before applying the update. They are: com.apple.Boot.plist and smbios.plist. Instructions on what to modify are in the Boot.plist.rtf and smbios.plist.rtf files (respectively).

 

bootc.png

 

smbios.png

 

To find your UUID for the boot.plist file and build your mkext cache, use Kext Utility (kills two birds with one stone!). Drag the Extensions folder and drop it on the Kext Utility app:

 

kextutil.png

 

Near the top you'll see the information you need to copy and paste into your boot.plist file:

 

kextutility.png

 

NOW ASSUMING YOU'VE DONE ALL OF THAT CORRECTLY...

  • Click the Apple menu in the upper left hand corner and choose Software Update...
  • Show Details when it tells you updates are available.
  • Uncheck everything but the 10.6.2 update.
  • Click Install.

  • When it's ready to install it will inform you that you need to restart the computer. DO NOT RESTART YET
  • Replace your existing boot files with the ones from the 10.6.2 Update Package. This is what your new boot device/drive should have:


    • /boot

    • /Extra/dsdt.aml

    • /Extra/com.apple.boot.plist

    • /Extra/smbios.plist

    • /Extra/Extensions/AppleHDA.kext

    • /Extra/Extensions/EvOreboot.kext

    • /Extra/Extensions/fakesmc.kext

    • /Extra/Extensions/HDAEnabler.kext

    • /Extra/Extensions/IOAHCIBlockStorageInjector.kext

    • /Extra/Extensions/JMicronATA.kext (optional)

    • /Extra/Extensions.mkext

    [*] Once you've replaced the original files with these new ones, you can restart and let the 10.6.2 Update finish. Your computer should reboot running 10.6.2

 

Credits

This guide was my starting point. The files in the attachment have been customized from those originally in his post for a P6T SE specific install. Link: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=183751

 

Other useful forum links:

http://lb.redirectingat.com/?id=292X457&am...Fview%3Ddetails

 

 

Credits for the ICH10R support: http://digitaldj.net/2009/09/03/ich10r-in-...d-snow-leopard/

 

 

I am having the hardest time getting the update to work and getting the audio and graphics to work properly. Where should I find the smbios and the plist files to modify (on the snow leopard drive or in the 10.6.2 folder) and how did you get the audio to work and graphics to display properly? Bear with me as this is my first attempt at a hackintosh.

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akhenamenra
akhenamenra
Posted
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@palmedicine

 

read from start to finish ( i know this snit going to help on the outset)

this way u will evolve with us and gain insight if you want a faster result search

 

google and look for hda audio kext for the p6tse no doubt it will send u back here also look for the kext for your video card or netkas

 

all is here its just a matter of searching …..move fast as well as the 10.6.5 will be on us soon and we may not be able to back peddle for those still on 10.6.0 notice the owner of the thread is no longer here, his probably on a vanilla p6tse chillin as its all working…i mean i only frequent here just to see if anything new is happening good luck if u need a hand pm me

 

put your signature correct as well so we can see what your working with dude

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  • 3 weeks later...
barclaycon
barclaycon
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Thanks Tweak 41 for updating this thread.

 

Unfortunately your new procedure is all now based on having a 10.6.3 install DVD which I don't have.

 

Also, I'm having issues with the fact that I have an ATI HD4350 video card - which seems to upset the boot up.

In your previous guide you mentioned replacing the boot file with the EFI 10v3 boot file:

 

Note: If you use one of the newer ATI Radeon HD4xxx cards you may want to replace the boot file on the thumb drive with the EFI 10v3 boot file included in the essential folder. MAKE SURE TO RENAME IT TO "boot" BEFORE REPLACING THE EXISTING boot FILE.

 

How can this be done in your new scheme ?

 

I read also that modifying the com.apple.boot.plist might also solve this problem (graphicsenabler=yes ?)

Any clues ?

 

Thanks for your continuing support for the OS X on P6T SE project.

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barclaycon
barclaycon
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Incidentally, is anyone else having a problem with the right amount of RAM showing up when the computer boots.

 

I'm using the latest BIOS (0808) for the P6T SE.

What happens is that I switch on the first time, only 4 GB of RAM shows.

But if I switch off and start again the correct amount (6GB) is shown.

Apparently I'm not the only one encountering this.

 

Of course Asus technical help is worse than useless. ('Have you put the RAM in correctly' etc.)

 

I'm thinking that this might be down to the fact that the BIOS RAM voltage is set to Auto, whereas entering a specific number might be a more definite way of setting it up.

The Corsair RAM I'm using is capable of 1600Mhz but at the moment it's only showing as 1066Mhz.

 

Any advice ?

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tweak41
tweak41
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Thanks Tweak 41 for updating this thread.

 

Unfortunately your new procedure is all now based on having a 10.6.3 install DVD which I don't have.

 

Also, I'm having issues with the fact that I have an ATI HD4350 video card - which seems to upset the boot up.

In your previous guide you mentioned replacing the boot file with the EFI 10v3 boot file:

 

Note: If you use one of the newer ATI Radeon HD4xxx cards you may want to replace the boot file on the thumb drive with the EFI 10v3 boot file included in the essential folder. MAKE SURE TO RENAME IT TO "boot" BEFORE REPLACING THE EXISTING boot FILE.

 

How can this be done in your new scheme ?

 

I read also that modifying the com.apple.boot.plist might also solve this problem (graphicsenabler=yes ?)

Any clues ?

 

Thanks for your continuing support for the OS X on P6T SE project.

 

I've got some time this afternoon. Maybe I can restore my 10.6.0 disc and see what kexts work with it to boot. Heck, maybe just the two kexts included will work, but I'm not sure. It shouldn't take long to figure out.

 

As far as your RAM issue goes, that change can be made in your BIOS in the same area the overclocking stuff is done. Look up some tutorials on P6T SE Core i7 (920 or whatever processor you have)

and they almost always will mention RAM stuff too. I can post a screen shot of my overclock settings for you if you'd like. Keep in mind they're for the i7 920.

 

I've confirmed that these steps work the same for any Snow Leopard installation disc. It doesn't matter if it's 10.6.0 or 10.6.3...

 

I also attached my BIOS settings in the first post for you to see in case you'd like your RAM to run at the proper speed. You should double check the manufacturer's specifications before tinkering though. You don't want to set the wrong voltage or anything.

 

Also, GraphicsEnabler=y is set by default in the included boot.plist. I don't know if it will work with your card or not.

 

Good luck!

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barclaycon
barclaycon
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Many thanks for your time and trouble Tweak 41.

Excellent work and very much appreciated.

 

Just a couple of queries.

 

Is it neccessary to use the IOAHCIBlockStorageInjector.kext

Apparently someone was saying that this sorts out some USB issues (Icons etc.)

 

Thanks for your BIOS settings.

Again, asking around it was suggested that all that is needed to run the RAM at 1600MHz is to go into Ai Tweaker and change the DRAM Frequency setting to 1600Mhz. Leaving the rest on Auto.

I currently have issues with the Corsair RAM that I'm using and I initially thought it might be because I hadn't entered any voltages, but it's looking more likely that I have a faulty module.

 

I did try GraphicsEnabler=yes in the boot.plist but it didn't help.

I'm coming to the conclusion that Apple prefer NVIDIA cards in general, and whilst it is possible to run ATI video cards on a Hackintosh, it looks like an enormous faff. I've just bought a NVIDIA card to try.

 

Thanks again.

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starobrno1
starobrno1
Posted
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I´ve asked this before but ......

 

Why on earth can´t I get two videocards to work with this mobo the same way I can with my other mobos. Is it an Asus thing or a chipset thing or what the heck´s so different with this mobo. I know there´s this plist stuff you can do finding out your cards id and paste it but that seems to be only for two different cards and my cards are two of the same. The case is you don´t get better performance with the plist way compared to the way I always do it, with an NVinject.kext I fixed up a bit. So I don´t really see no advantages with the other methods in the first place.

 

Yes I have tried all that other stuff graphics=yes, various chameleons, other injectors etc etc you name it.

 

One good news though is I found an USB to DVI Video adapter that works pretty ok, Deltaco USB-DVI1 which gives up to 1600*1200 at 60 Hz. They even have SL drivers for it if you go to the place they say in the PDF. The drivers they ship with the card is 10.5 only

 

It´s not good enough for HD DVDs but it works really good for watching youtube clips and the normal stuff you do. It even could handle playing back a youtube clip and my mixer window from Logic at the same time without lagging. So it seems to be the best solution for now if you want more than two displays, with this mobo anyway. I even popped out the window from my JTV cast and it showed even if I blow up the window 50% I still got no lag and the resolution is good.

 

http://www.deltaco.eu/Details.aspx?PID=USB-DVI1&lang=eng

 

You still need a real videocard though, just to make it clear this is not a replacement for a real card!

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paravorheim
paravorheim
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When I followed the updated instructions, Chameleon did not create an Extra/Extensions, folder. I just made them on my own and didn't think about it. When I booted into the flash drive, I selected to boot from the flash drive in chameleon, and -v showed me that it was waiting for DSMOS, and not progressing.

 

Any help? Should I just run the Chameleon installer on the flash drive again?

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tweak41
tweak41
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When I followed the updated instructions, Chameleon did not create an Extra/Extensions, folder. I just made them on my own and didn't think about it. When I booted into the flash drive, I selected to boot from the flash drive in chameleon, and -v showed me that it was waiting for DSMOS, and not progressing.

 

Any help? Should I just run the Chameleon installer on the flash drive again?

 

Read it again and look at the picture carefully. I told you that you have to create the Extensions folder and place the kexts inside that.

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