MultiBeast 3.8 Update


Today MultiBeast was updated to version 3.8. The latest version is now available at tonymacx86.com/downloads.

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

Full list of changes:
  • Added to Customization -> Boot Options -> Generate CPU States. Adds GenerateCStates=Yes and GeneratePStates=Yes to /Extra/com.apple.boot.plist.
  • Added ATI 48xx Patch for 10.6.8 from netkas
  • Added to Drivers & Bootloaders -> Kexts & Enablers -> Miscellaneous -> IOPCIFamily Fix
  • Changed Drivers & Bootloaders -> Kexts & Enablers -> Miscellaneous -> FakeSMC Plugins to a menu choice.
  • Added to FakeSMC Plugins -> Motherboard Plugins which only installs the motherboard plugins.
  • Added to FakeSMC Plugins -> AMD RADEON Plugin which only installs the AMD RADEON GPU plugin.
  • Added to FakeSMC Plugins -> NVIDIA Plugin which only installs the NVIDIA GPU plugin.
  • Removed Chameleon 2.0 RC5 - Prerelease; superseded by Chimera
  • Removed NVEnabler; superseded by Chimera
  • Updated FakeSMC to 3.1.0 Revision 493
  • Updated FakeSMC Plugins to 3.1.0 Revision 493
  • Added IOPCIFamily Fix to EasyBeast
  • Added IOPCIFamily Fix to UserDSDT
If this utility has helped you, please consider a contribution to support further MultiBeast development. Thanks in advance, and enjoy!

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

Get Ready for OS X Lion

It's July, and OS X Lion is almost here! We thought we'd run down a preparation list of recommended tasks so you can be ready once it's available. 
Necessary for Lion Update
Apple has provided a concise rundown of how to update to Lion on Day 1 here. The requirements are the same for CustoMacs. To proceed with a retail installation, you absolutely need the following.
  • Intel Core 2 or above, 64 bit CPU
  • A computer running the latest version of Mac OS X Snow Leopard (10.6.8)
  • iTunes Account + $29.99
  • Internet Access to download 4 GB Lion Install App through iTunes
  • 4 GB hard drive space available in /Applications
Recommended Best Practices
When performing any full operating system upgrade, unexpected things can occur. To avoid data loss, these best practices should be adhered to. This upgrade should be a breeze, but if things do go wrong, you can always go back to your working Snow Leopard installation.
  • Buy a Second Hard Drive
  • Clone your Snow Leopard Hard Drive
  • Back Up Your Data
Stay tuned for our full OS X Lion retail installation guide- coming Day 1!

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

iBoot 3.1 Update


iBoot has been updated to 3.1. Pick up the latest version at tonymacx86.com/downloads. 
  • Added 10.8.0 Kernel from Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update
  • Universal 1155/1156/1366 CPU support for 10.6.x
  • Updated bootloader to Chimera v1.4.1 r877
    Please do not upload or redistribute iBoot to any other sites.  


    If this utility has helped you, please consider a contribution to support further iBoot development.  Thanks in advance, and enjoy!

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

    Building a Sandy Bridge CustoMac: Recommended Builds for OS X

    Last week Mac OS X was updated to version 10.6.8, with native kernel support for Sandy Bridge. It's now a snap to get these systems up and running with a retail Mac OS X Snow Leopard installation. At long last here are recommendations for fully compatible Socket 1155 builds running Mac OS X as the primary operating system.

    All builds are fully compatible with the default iBoot + MultiBeast method. Each configuration has a pre-edited DSDT available in our DSDT Database. And best of all, upon the release of OS X Lion, all will be fully updateable. 

    All Builds Include:
    • Gigabyte LGA 1155 Motherboard
    • 2011 Intel Core i-series "Sandy Bridge" Dual-Core or Quad-Core CPU 
    • 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM
    • 1 TB Hard Drive
    • Optical Drive
    • Case
    • Power Supply
    • Mac OS X Snow Leopard Retail DVD
    Not Included:
    • Monitor 
    • USB Keyboard and Mouse
    • Wifi / Bluetooth
    We've included all components besides monitor, keyboard and mouse, as any standard ones will do. You can use these recommendations as a jumping off point for further customization, or as a shopping list. Prices reflect lowest totals available on Amazon.com as of June 2011, and do not include shipping, tax, or rebates.

    Sandy Bridge CustoMac Build #1
    $442.35
    CPU: Intel Core i3-2105 with Intel HD 3000 Graphics - Amazon  Newegg 
    Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H67M-D2 - Amazon / Newegg
    RAM: Corsair XMS3 4 GB 1333mhz DDR3 (4GB) - Amazon / Newegg 
    Case: Cooler Master Elite 341  - Amazon / Newegg
    Power Supply: Corsair CX430 - Am44.99azon / Newegg
    Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc - Amazon / Newegg  
    Hard Drive: Seagate 1 TB 7200RPM - Amazon / Newegg
    Installation DVD: Mac OS X Snow Leopard
      


    Sandy Bridge CustoMac Build #2
    $730.33
    CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 - Amazon / Newegg  
    Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H67MA-UD2H-B3 - Amazon / Newegg
    Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 5770 - Amazon / Newegg
    RAM: Corsair XMS3 4 GB 1333mhz DDR3 (4GB) - Amazon / Newegg 
    Case: Cooler Master Elite 341  - Amazon / Newegg
    Power Supply:  OCZ 500 watt ModXStream Pro - Amazon / Newegg
    Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc - Amazon / Newegg  
    Hard Drive: Seagate 1 TB 7200RPM - Amazon / Newegg  
    Installation DVD: Mac OS X Snow Leopard





    Sandy Bridge CustoMac Build #3
    $850.52
    CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K - Amazon / Newegg  
    Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 - Amazon / Newegg
    Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6850 - Amazon / Newegg
    RAM: Corsair Vengence Blu 1600Mhz DDR3 (8GB) - Amazon / Newegg 
    Case: Cooler Master Elite 341 - Amazon / Newegg
    Power Supply: OCZ 500watt ModXStream Pro - Amazon / Newegg
    Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc - Amazon / Newegg
    Hard Drive: Seagate 1 TB 7200RPM - Amazon / Newegg  
    Installation DVD: Mac OS X Snow Leopard
     


    Sandy Bridge CustoMac Build #4
    $1232.79
    CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K - Amazon / Newegg
    Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD5-B3 - Amazon / Newegg

    Can't find this particular board? Check out Updated Compatible Z68 Motherboards

    Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 6870 - Amazon / Newegg 
    RAM: Corsair Vengence Blu 1600Mhz DDR3 (16GB) - Amazon / Newegg 
    Case: Cooler Master Elite 370 - Amazon / Newegg
    Power Supply: OCZ 600watt ModXStream Pro - Amazon / Newegg
    Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc - Amazon / Newegg    
    Hard Drive: Seagate 1 TB 7200RPM - Amazon / Newegg    
    Installation DVD: Mac OS X Snow Leopard



    Optional Accessories




    Optional Upgrades


    Remember, when building your own rig, it's easy to get frustrated- don't give up! There are users with similar specs in the tonymacx86 Forum to help you out if you get stuck. 

    Oh, and don't forget, if you end up buying anything, click through one of the links above or in the sidebar. That way, you'll be supporting the site, as well as getting the best prices. Thanks in advance! 

    Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

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

    Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update

    Today Apple released Mac OS X 10.6.8 the 8th (and final?) major update to Mac OS X Snow Leopard. To update for any supported CPU, we recommend that you download the entire standalone Combo installer here.


    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. 


    All updated information will be posted here.

    What we know about 10.6.8 so far...
    • 10.8.0 Darwin kernel with native Sandy Bridge support. This means that going forward, all Sandy Bridge systems can use default iBoot + MultiBeast method. 
    • SATA3 6gbps now recognized and functional on Sandy Bridge.
    • Includes drivers for Sandy Bridge Intel HD 2000/3000 Integrated Graphics (No Injector Yet)
    • Includes drivers for AMD 6xxx Graphics cards
    • Identifies and removes Mac Defender malware
    • App Store Update to "Get Ready for Lion"
    • Still no NVIDIA 4xx Fermi support by default
    IMPORTANT: For Socket 1155 Sandy Bridge users, installing the 10.6.8 update is causing crashes, or kernel panics. Use UpdateHelper before applying the update to solve this issue. Details here.
    • Graphics - The update will replace your NVIDIA drivers.
      •  If you're using a NVIDIA 4xx "Fermi" card, you will have to update to the latest official drivers BEFORE rebooting. Download here: http://www.nvidia.com/object/quadro-macosx-256.02.25f01-driver.html
      • If your system is stalling in verbose mode on [ PCI configuration begin ], install the IOPCIFamily FIX available in MultiBeast 3.8.0.
    • Audio - The update will replace your AppleHDA.kext. 
      • If you use ALC8xxHDA for audio, you will have to reinstall AppleHDA Rollback using MultiBeast. If you're using VoodooHDA, you will not need to make any modifications.
    • USB -  The update will replace your IOUSBFamily.kext. 
      • To restore full USB functionality on a Non-DSDT or EasyBeast system you may need to install USB Rollback using MultiBeast before reboot. Download MultiBeast. 
      For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!