iBoot 2.6 Update

Today, iBoot is updated to 2.6.  Grab the latest version at tonymacx86.com/downloads.

• GraphicsEnabler=Yes only.  We've removed all kext based graphics enablers. 
• Chameleon 2.0 RC5 r700 - ATI Experimental by Kabyl (branch) with support for both NVIDIA 4xx and ATI 5xxx cards.  If you can't get to installation, type -x PCIRootUID=1.
• tonymacx86 Classic theme optimized for standard or widescreen displays.
• iBoot-GE has been retired.  iBoot now contains all of the same functionality.

Please do not upload or redistribute iBoot to any other sites.  

iBoot Legacy and BridgeHelper have also been updated and now use the 10.6.0 Legacy Kernel by Nawcom, AnV, and Azimutz.  This modified kernel adds experimental support for Intel's new LGA1155 Sandy Bridge CPUs.  PLEASE NOTE: Sandy Bridge CPUs and chipsets are not currently supported natively by Mac OS X Snow Leopard.  We are providing this to assist early adopters only- use at your own risk.

-tonymacx86 & MacMan

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

Mac OS X 10.6.6 Update

Today Apple released Mac OS X 10.6.6 the 6th major update to Mac OS X Snow Leopard. To update for any supported CPU, simply run Software Update, or download the standalone installer from Apple.

Download the Mac OS X 10.6.6 Combo Update

Be sure to back up any important data, and if possible clone your hard drive before applying the update.  Testing is underway.  Report your results in the forum here. 

What we know about 10.6.6 so far...

• The Mac App Store is included!  This application shows up in the dock after reboot.
• 10.6.0 Darwin kernel
• Replacement NVIDIA drivers - not Fermi capable.

Most supported systems will not need to make post-installation fixes, but here are a few points to be aware of.  

• Graphics - If you're using a NVIDIA 4xx "Fermi" card, you will have to re-run the NVIDIA Update to regain full acceleration.  Make sure you have a Mac Pro System Definition installed from MultiBeast, or it will not let you install.  You may also use the tonymacx86 NVIDIA Update.

• Audio - The Combo update will replace your AppleHDA.kext.  If you aren't using the ALC889a codec, you will have to reinstall AppleHDA Rollback using MultiBeast.  If you're using VoodooHDA, you will not need to make any modifications.

• USB -  The Combo update will replace your IOUSBFamily,kext.  To restore full USB functionality on a non-DSDT or EasyBeast system install USB Rollback using MultiBeast before reboot.  Download MultiBeast. 

• Sleep enabler kexts are version specific.  Remove before installing the update.  

Related Posts: Mac OS X 10.6.5 Update, Mac OS X 10.6.4 Update, Mac OS X 10.6.3 Update

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

Sandy Bridge Overclocked on Mac OS X

NOTE: These results may be affected by unsupported CPU and chipset. 

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

Intel's New Sandy Bridge and Mac OS X

UPDATE: Mac OS X 10.6.7 Update for early 2011 MacBook Pros delivers native support for Sandy Bridge CPUs.

Today Intel lifted the Non-Disclosure Agreement on it's new Sandy Bridge LGA 1155 next generation performance chipset and CPUs.  The good news is, we've already successfully installed Mac OS X Snow Leopard!

The bad news is, until Apple uses these CPUs, it's a bit of a science experiment, as you'll need to use a "patched" non-standard Darwin kernel in order to boot the system.  For those of you buying new systems anyway, we're opening a special section of the forum dedicated to Sandy Bridge.

PLEASE NOTE:  Sandy Bridge CPUs and chipsets are not currently supported natively by Mac OS X Snow Leopard. We can't recommend Sandy Bridge systems yet, as there is no official support.  Hence, please don't view this as buying advice.  We're providing this as a service for early Sandy Bridge adopters- and don't recommend using a patched kernel for the long-term. The vanilla kernel is a much more desirable solution for a stable system.

The patched kernel used for these experiments is based on the Mac OS X 10.0.0 kernel that has been altered to run on unsupported CPUs by Qoopz and the ProjectOSX team.

How to Install Mac OS X on Intel's Sandy Bridge

1. Download iBoot Legacy

2. Follow iBoot + MultiBeast

3. Install Combo Update - DON'T REBOOT

5. Download and install BridgeHelper

4. Run MultiBeast, checking EasyBeast

6. Reboot

-Legacy kernel by Nawcom, AnV, and Azimutz
Kernel used: Darwin Kernel Version 10.6.0: Sun Jan  9 16:40:36 EST 2011; legacy kernel v6 :xnu-1504.9.26/BUILD/obj/RELEASE_X86_640nawcom10.6.0

It's gonna be an exciting year!  Stay tuned for updates.  Good luck, and have fun!

-tonymacx86 & MacMan

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

New Unified Realtek Onboard Audio Solution: ALC8xxHDA

Introducing MacMan's ALC8xxHDA.kext, a single combined LegacyHDA replacement for Realtek ALC888, ALC887/888b, ALC889, ALC885/889a, and ALC892 high-definition audio codecs.  In order to initiate audio, this driver must be combined with a DSDT from the DSDT Database or HDAEnabler.  For any codecs other than the native ALC885/889a, AppleHDA Rollback must also be used.  All options now available in the latest MultiBeast.

To update from an existing MultiBeast LegacyHDA + AppleHDA rollback:

1. Delete LegacyHDA from /Extra/Extenisons
2. Open MultiBeast
3. Select ALC8xxHDA + AppleHDA Rollback + System Utilities
4. Reboot

To update from an existing MultiBeast VoodooHDA:

1. Delete VoodooHDA from System/Library/Extensions.
2. Open MultiBeast
3. Select ALC8xxHDA + AppleHDA Rollback + System Utilities
4. Reboot

Realtek ALC888, ALC887/888b, ALC889, ALC885/889a support:

OUTPUTS: Analog Front Headphone/Green Line-out, Orange Line-out, Grey Line-out, Digital SPDIF-OUT
INPUTS: Analog Pink Microphone, Blue Line-in, Digital SPDIF-IN

Realtek ALC892 support:
OUTPUTS: Analog Front Headphone/Green Line-out, Digital SPDIF-OUT

INPUTS: Analog Pink Microphone, Blue Line-in, Digital SPDIF-IN

Please report your results with this new method in the forum.  Special thanks to complx for the ALC8xxHDA logo.  Enjoy!

-tonymacx86 & MacMan

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