[Guide] Install High Sierra or Mojave on the Dell Optiplex 7010 / 9010 Desktop PC - Revision II.
Comments This guide for the Dell Optiplex 7010/9010 is a complete description of 7 steps necessary to get your system working with macOS High Sierra or Mojave. These business desktops are Ivy Bridge based and have the Intel Q77 Express chipset. Dell Optiplex PCs* are a very good choice for your first hackintosh or as an additional, secondary one if you already have a newer system. They have BIOS and UEFI which allows for either legacy or UEFI booting. UEFI is the preferred method and will be described here. This guide may appear to be excessively long, only because I've described each step in great detail. I've done this so beginners will know exactly what they must do to succeed without having to find the information elsewhere.
* The Dell Optiplex 3010 models use the older Intel H61 chipset. You might get macOS installed with this guide but they won't work reliably. Avoid using this guide for the Optiplex 3010. Read about the reasons why here . Do not use this guide's custom SSDTs and config.plist with the Dell 9010 AIO or the Dell 3020, 7020 or 9020 models. They have been created specifically for the 7010/9010 desktops and nothing else. They don't work with the other Dell models mentioned previously.
If you have not purchased your Dell Optiplex yet, take a look at the 7020 and 9020 SFF and MT models. The prices are slightly higher than these Ivy Bridge based systems but they offer some unique advantages as well. If you will need an AMD RX 570/580 in your build they fit best in the 7020/9020 Mini-tower. Only graphics cards under 10" in length will fit.
Mojave Guide for the Dell Optiplex 7020/9020 Desktops.
The 4K Dell OptiMac - 9020 MT - Core i7-4790 - Radeon RX 570 - LG 4K IPS Monitor.
The Dell Optiplex 9020 and LG 4K IPS Monitor ____ Components Dell Optiplex 7020/9020 Mini-Tower (MT) Amazon - Newegg Dell Optiplex 7020/9020 Small Form Factor (SFF) Amazon - Newegg Dell Optiplex 9020 Ultra Small Form Factor (USFF) Amazon - Newegg Dell Optiplex 9020 Motherboard.
If you want to start with a clean install of Catalina, click the link below to see the full guide. 10.15.3 appears to be stable enough for everyone's use. It also provides more security features than Mojave does.
Catalina Guide for the Dell Optiplex 7010/9010 Desktops.
[Guide] Install Catalina on the Dell Optiplex 7010 and 9010 Desktop PC.
Catalina on the Dell Optiplex 7010/9010 Introduction These are currently some of the most affordable and easy to Hackintosh PCs that are widely available for purchase. The guide for High Sierra and Mojave that I posted previously has been immensely popular, currently at over 362,000 views.
HDMI/DisplayPort audio Headphone and Mic Jacks USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports Sleep and Wake Intel 1 GigE wired Ethernet Updates via the Mac App Store Messages/Facetime HD4000 Integrated Graphics Dedicated Graphics SFF/DT/MT Airplay Mirroring Night Shift Dual monitors via onboard graphics Compatible with macOS Mojave Continuity and Handoff *
Fenvi Natively Supported Wifi and Bluetooth Card.
Fenvi FV-HB1200 Broadcom 94360CS2 Wifi/BT Adapter Low Profile or Full height.
Half mini: BCM94360 HMB / AzureWave AW-CB160H - native WiFi/ac and BT4LE (3 antennas) Half mini: BCM94352 HMB / AzureWave AW-CE123H - supports WiFi/ac and BT4LE.
The 4K Dell OptiMac - 9020 MT - Core i7-4790 - Radeon RX 570 - LG 4K IPS Monitor.
The Dell Optiplex 9020 and LG 4K IPS Monitor ____ Components Dell Optiplex 7020/9020 Mini-Tower (MT) Amazon - Newegg Dell Optiplex 7020/9020 Small Form Factor (SFF) Amazon - Newegg Dell Optiplex 9020 Ultra Small Form Factor (USFF) Amazon - Newegg Dell Optiplex 9020 Motherboard.
Attachments - Download Kexts and SSDTs Step #1 - Flash and Configure the BIOS Step #3 - Install macOS Step #5 - Install Essential Kexts Step #7 - Implement the iMessage Guide Hardware - Choices and Upgrades.
Why use the Mac mini 6,1/6,2 System Definition ? The Late 2012 Mac mini and Mac mini server were two of the best Macs that Apple ever produced. They were affordable, offered quad core CPUs and had easily upgradeable ram and storage. These used minis still demand high prices in the used/refurbished market today. The Dell Optiplex PCs featured in this guide are the best match for a hackintosh based on the 2012 Mac mini. Here is a comparison of Geekbench scores for the quad core i7 Mac mini and the Dell Optiplex i7-3770 CustoMac mini. Click on each image to see a larger view with more detail.
Once I've got macOS installed on this PC, what can I use one of these Dell Desktops for ?
Run the latest version of Xcode and develop software Edit video in iMovie or FCP X or Davinci Resolve Use any app that you can download from the Mac App Store Use as a media center to stream and play content Everyday tasks like email and social media The Dell Optiplex 7010 or 9010 is the perfect "starter" hackintosh It's also a nearly perfect fit for macOS High Sierra or Mojave It has all that you need for a system that performs as well as many newer CustoMacs do It's much better for the environment to buy used/refurbished.
Graphics Options If you buy an Optiplex with HD4000 graphics you can then use any form factor via the integrated Intel graphics. For the USFF model it's mandatory. An i3-3225/45 is ideal for general use, surfing the net and viewing video. An i5 with HD4000 is better for more demanding tasks. You'll need to connect your monitor via one of the two onboard DisplayPort outputs.
There are six Ivy Bridge CPUs you can use in your Dell Optiplex desktop that have the HD4000 graphics built in to the CPU. i3-3225 - i3-3245 - i5-3335 S - i5-3475 S - i7-3770 S - i7-3770. The best performer is the i7-3770. The best value is the i5-3475S. If you want to game and/or edit video get the i7-3770. The 3570K and 3770K are potential upgrades but cannot be overclocked due to lack of any options for that in the Dell BIOS. If your CPU has HD2500 (i5-3470) then you must install a compatible dedicated graphics card. The GT 710 is a popular choice.
To Have Working macOS HS/Mojave Graphics, do not use the VGA Output to your Monitor.
Always Connect To A DisplayPort Output when using your Onboard HD4000 Graphics.
Note: The one exception to this rule is that you may need to use VGA to set up your BIOS when you get your Dell. Some have reported that they were not able to access the BIOS when connected via DisplayPort to a 4K monitor. ​
Apple has dropped all support for analog VGA connections. They also dropped support for HD2500 about five years ago. Most 7010/9010s shipped with the i5-3470 or the i7-3770. The 3470 has only the unsupported HD2500 graphics. It is easy to swap that out for an HD4000 CPU if you'd like to. The USFF model has no PCIe x16 slot. Therefore your CPU must have HD4000 graphics if you want working video. You'll need to purchase a Displayport to HDMI cable or get an adapter if your monitor only has HDMI inputs. You can use a DP to VGA or DP to DVI adapter for older monitors.
Using a Full Height Graphics Card The Mini-Tower version allows you to use a replacement standard ATX power supply with a 24 pin power connector. This gives you the option to use more powerful PSUs that have supplemental 6 and 8 pin power connectors. You can easily use a mini-itx sized RX 570 with the right power supply upgrade to a 450W or higher model. Your graphics card length can be up to about 7.5 inches (19cm). If longer it will run into sata connector ports. It is probably best to go with 7 inch Mini-ITX versions of the RX 570 or GTX 1060 if you want more graphics power for gaming in Windows. This MT version is the only one of the four Optiplex form factors that gives you the option to use a full height dedicated graphics card. Click Here to view some of your best choices from a list of High Sierra and Mojave compatible graphics cards.
1. Replace the Existing Thermal Paste on the CPU IHS ( I ntegrated H eat S preader) Even if you bought your Dell from a professional refurbisher, it's highly unlikely that they took the time to replace the thermal compound between the CPU and heatsink. After five or six years, it needs to have the old compound removed and a fresh coat applied. Use 99% isopropyl alcohol and some guaze pads to remove it. Then apply some new paste like the Arctic MX4 which is available on Amazon or Newegg. If you don't have experience doing this look for some online video tutorials that show you how. Especially important if you buy the i7-3770 CPU version of the Optiplex. A new coat of thermal paste will help keep temps much lower when you are pushing your CPU during gaming or video/photo editing.
2. Replace the CMOS Battery The CMOS battery in these is likely to have lost it's ability to hold a charge. These Dells are at least 5 years old so it's a good idea to replace it. My USFF and SFF model both had a battery like this. I kept getting a black screen at boot up on my 7010, was not able to even access the BIOS until I removed the battery for a minute and reseated it. Replace it altogether with a fresh new one before you make the BIOS changes in step 1. Once you remove it from your board, all BIOS setting changes will be lost and you'll have to reapply them. See the following post for more on this topic. CMOS battery failure If you buy the USFF form factor, replace the thermal compound at the same time. You'll have to completely remove the CPU heatsink anyway just to get access to the CMOS battery in the 7010 or 9010 USFF Dell Optiplex.
Available at Amazon.com 2 Pack or 5 Pack.
3. Password Protect MEBx This is something you've likely never heard of before. It's included on all Dell business desktops. It stands for the Intel M anagement E ngine B IOS E x tension. You can access this by pressing the Control and P keys together at boot up. If those keys don't do anything, then it may have been disabled at the factory on your Optiplex. To confirm, open up the side panel and look at the white sticker on the underside. If you see the number 3 and ME Disabled or 6 & ME Lockout it has been factory disabled. These will not work well if you want to use HD4000 graphics. It will cause problems with graphics acceleration that are not fixable without some very complicated BIOS hacks. Return or exchange it immediately. If you see AMT_DASH_VPRO and the number 1, then use the key combo mentioned and set your password.
When you do get in, sign in with "admin" no quotes, as your password. Then you'll want to create a secure, 8 character minimum password. Why do this ? When this is left set to the default admin password it leaves your Dell wide open to remote access over the internet. Even if your Dell is completely powered down with an ethernet cable connected, it enables remote access. There is no easy way of disabling the IME. Leaving it enabled with a secure password is best.
In Summary: For those buying a complete Dell PC it may be best to ask the seller to look at the sticker on the inside of the side cover. If it has the DEFAULT set to 1 that's perfect. If it's got a 3 or 6 , ask them to send a different one. Then you'll know for certain whether or not you'd have to jump through all these hoops just to get integrated Intel graphics to work. For those buying a Dell Optiplex board and not the whole Dell PC, you really have no way of knowing the status until you get it and test. What if your sticker on the side panel says 1 and ME is still disabled ? It is possible that the seller didn't put the same side panel back on that it came with, i.e. they refurbished many of these at the same time and mixed them up.
Installation Tips If your Dell has any kind of wireless adapter installed (USB, PCIe or Mini PCIe) remove it before attempting the installation of macOS. Use Ethernet until after you've got everything else working properly. Then you can work on Wifi function after that. If you are unfamiliar with any of the terminology used here, please consult the tonymacx86 CustoMac Glossary for a clear and concise definition of the various acronyms and hardware components mentioned in this guide. You can also find the Dell 7010/9010 technical manuals attached below. Refer to those for specs and hardware upgrades.
This guide is complete in and of itself. Don't mix parts of or techniques from other guides. Even from ones for this same hardware. The only other guide you'll need to look at is the tonymacx86.com Unibeast creation guide if that is new to you.
Most Important Tip: If you have previously attempted a macOS install on your Dell, using other guides or techniques or even the previous version of this guide, perform a clean install (format your hard drive). That's the only way to be certain to have success with this guide. You will see the instructions to do that in step #3 below. Read and follow carefully.
You can do this from right within Windows by double clicking on the .exe file. This will initiate the flashing process. Make sure you have IE or Edge set as your default browser. If you don't have access to a Windows drive simply create a DOS bootable USB on a PC and boot from that and flash the BIOS. Rufus works well to make a DOS USB. If you do not have access to a Windows machine then try the Etcher App and FreeDOS LITE to create the USB on a macOS 10.9+ Mac or CustoMac.
Copy the downloaded BIOS file to a bootable DOS USB key. Power on the system, then Press F12 key and Select "USB Storage Device" and Boot to DOS prompt. Run the file by typing the copied file name where the executable is located. DOS System will auto restart and update the BIOS. After BIOS update finishes, the system will auto reboot for it to take effect.
Setting up the Dell BIOS (Tap on the F2 key at boot up to access)
Load Optimized Defaults after you've flashed the BIOS and before you make any other changes to it. There is a "Load Defaults" tab in the lower central part of the window. Click on that and then click Apply. Go to Boot Sequence and set the Boot List Option to UEFI . Under Advanced Boot Options leave the Legacy Option ROMs box unchecked unless you have an older graphics card without UEFI capability. For example a GTX 650 by Nvidia which is only Legacy capable. The GT 710 and all 10 series Pascal cards have UEFI capability. Also leave Legacy Option ROMs unchecked if you are using built in HD4000 graphics. Under System Configuration disable the Serial Port . Secure Boot is disabled by default. SATA Operation should be set to AHCI by default. Check both of these and if they are set to anything else, change them. If you don't plan on ever booting your Dell remotely, change Integrated NIC to Enabled instead of Enabled w/PXE. If your CPU has HD4000 and you have no dedicated graphics, leave the Primary Display set to Auto. If you have installed an AMD or Nvidia card select that under Video -> Primary Display.
Summary of BIOS Setting Changes.
BIOS Settings Screenshots: Click here to view the the Suggested BIOS settings changes.
Download Mojave from the Mac App Store on a 2012 or newer iMac or Mac mini running Mountain Lion or newer versions of macOS. A Mac Pro should be 2010 or newer and the eligible Macbooks that can be seen below, should be 2012 or newer models. A hackintosh must also be running Mountain Lion or newer and use one of the following minimum system definitions or newer. Then the CustoMac will appear as Mojave eligible at the Mac App Store and you'll be able to download it easily.
MacBook 8,1 / Early 2015 MacBook Pro 9,1 or 9,2 / Mid 2012 MacBook Air 5,1 or 5,2 / Late 2012 Mac mini 6,1 or 6,2 / Late 2012 iMac 13,1 or 13,2 / Late 2012 Mac Pro 5,1 / Mid 2010/2012 Mac Pro 6,1 / Late 2013.
The 2010/2012 Mac Pro would need a Metal 2 capable graphics card. See: Mojave compatible graphics card choices.
If you don't see Mojave 10.14.6 in the Mac App Store you can still download it with gibMacOS. See the video guide.
gibMacOS Tutorial ~ How to Download macOS Directly from Apple.
When your Mac is ineligible to download Catalina or Newer macOS versions If your Intel Mac is from approximately 2011/12 or older (see post #2) you won't be able to download Catalina from the Mac App Store. Follow the instructions in these videos to enable the download of Catalina or newer.
Leave the macOS installer in Applications. Create your Unibeast installer by f ollowing the standard tonymacx86 guide. Use an 8, 16 or 32GB USB flash drive. Anything larger than 32GB in size must be partitioned to less than 32GB. There is one critical step to remember when formatting your USB or other drives in Disk Utility. Always click View ( 1 ) and then Show All Devices ( 2 ) instead of leaving it at "Show If you have any questions pertaining to where and серверы под эмуляторы memu how you can use серверы под эмуляторы, серверы под эмуляторы Nox you could contact us at our own web site. Only Volumes."
After you "show all devices" you'll see your USB's name ( 3 ) click on it then erase it in Disk Utility ( 4 ) Once creation of the Unibeast installer has completed, you will need to replace the Unibeast created config.plist with a Custom one attached below. Do this before ejecting the Unibeast installer or you'll have to mount the EFI manually later.