Lifehacker Guide with GA-EP45-UD3P Motherboard

[CoHPhasor]

lol sorry bout the non details.

 

anyway im hooked up by dvi to vga conversion to the 19in LCD hyundai L91A monitor. The color has come back and everything seems normal but its prolly a compatibility issue.

 

On another note the ethernet card seems to be working no problem.

 

I have another question as I am new to Macs in general. Is there a way to disable the network card so that my Hac isnt connected to the internet?

 

Thanks Coh, I will try to be more thorough from now on.

 

Peace

 

I thought you might be using VGA, I've had discoloration when I dont use the screws on the sockets.

If the socket is slightly askew it happens easily. (Try it on purpose, you'll see)

 

BTW, it's no problem. Many people come on not realizing that although their mind is fully wrapped

on their sitch that we have no clue. I'm sure we'll be all good from here on out. :-)

[jeffmit]

I am preparing to setup my new system. I have already followed the Lifehacker guide and setup my USB Flash drive. I also ran Stell's UD3P v3 installer on the FLASH drive (I assume this is correct).

 

I have read through this thread and have seen this question asked and partially answered, but I don't see a comprehensive how to guide.

Questions:

1. How do I modify the UD3P v3 installer to allow me to setup a 32bit system instead of 64bit?

2. If I do install 64bit (as Stell's installer enables) are there any stability / compatibility drawbacks to using 64bit instead of 32bit?

3. If I install 64bit originally, I saw comments that it can it be changed to 32bit without a full reinstall, or is that just for app compatibility for a specific application?

4. I already have Windows 7 installed on a single partition NTFS drive, can the Hackintosh share the same drive if I create a new partition on that drive and format it for MAC use? Is it better to have a different physical drive for the hackintosh?

 

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance. I truly appreciate it!

[CoHPhasor]

I'm having the exact same problem with the PCI slots. Only the bottom one is working. In the top PCI slot, the card there, which is a TL-WN851N wireless adapter is seated properly and the proper kext is installed - Mac doesn't detect it. I also tried the network card in the same slot (which is guaranteed working) - Mac doesn't detect it there, only in the bottom slot does it work.

 

I really would like to get this fixed so I can use wireless. Any suggestions?

 

By the way, I'm using the exact build in the Lifehacker guide. The only thing different is I've added a wireless card, the TL-WN851N. I had zero problems with installing Snow Leopard and I'm running 10.6.2.

 

The NIC we use should ONLY work in the lower slot.

That's the idea behind a specific build. I believe the DSDT is setup to let the card function in the lower slot, therefore OSX only recognizes it there.

(This isn't Apple Plug n Play we're workin with here)

 

As SBMac said, there are those here who use a second card.

I can't speak to whether or not they have done anything secondary to the install to accomplish it.

 

I am preparing to setup my new system. I have already followed the Lifehacker guide and setup my USB Flash drive. I also ran Stell's UD3P v3 installer on the FLASH drive (I assume this is correct).

 

I have read through this thread and have seen this question asked and partially answered, but I don't see a comprehensive how to guide.

Questions:

1. How do I modify the UD3P v3 installer to allow me to setup a 32bit system instead of 64bit?

2. If I do install 64bit (as Stell's installer enables) are there any stability / compatibility drawbacks to using 64bit instead of 32bit?

3. If I install 64bit originally, I saw comments that it can it be changed to 32bit without a full reinstall, or is that just for app compatibility for a specific application?

4. I already have Windows 7 installed on a single partition NTFS drive, can the Hackintosh share the same drive if I create a new partition on that drive and format it for MAC use? Is it better to have a different physical drive for the hackintosh?

 

 

Thank you in advance for your assistance. I truly appreciate it!

 

1) Just like any other Mac/build on OSx86, even been said in here. Google.

2) Drawbacks to using 64 are that some graphics cards won't run 64. (Older cards, 7xxx series I think)

3) 32 bit can be used instead, but since all SL installs are Intel and all Mac Intel are 64 bit capable it is natively 64. The install has a 32 and 64 bit kernel, that's the only real change.

Ride the 64 unless you have an old card that can't hang.

4) You can dual boot, and it has been answered, by me. Google the thread, or dig for it, but it's here.

Basically, when you install OSX it will muck your 7 Boot setup.

You'll have to run the repair for Windows 7 boot after.

Then you'll have to run some commands to make the OSX part "Active".

Then boot off your thumb drive, select the SL setup you made to boot.

Then reinstall v3 on the OSX side. You will then be able to use Chameleon to choose which OS to boot.

Conversely, install SL to a separate drive (With 7 drive UNPLUGGED).

Make the SL drive default boot disk in BIOS and use it to select which OS to boot.

 

DONE.

[jeffmit]

The NIC we use should ONLY work in the lower slot.

That's the idea behind a specific build. I believe the DSDT is setup to let the card function in the lower slot, therefore OSX only recognizes it there.

(This isn't Apple Plug n Play we're workin with here)

 

As SBMac said, there are those here who use a second card.

I can't speak to whether or not they have done anything secondary to the install to accomplish it.

 

 

 

1) Just like any other Mac/build on OSx86, even been said in here. Google.

2) Drawbacks to using 64 are that some graphics cards won't run 64. (Older cards, 7xxx series I think)

3) 32 bit can be used instead, but since all SL installs are Intel and all Mac Intel are 64 bit capable it is natively 64. The install has a 32 and 64 bit kernel, that's the only real change.

Ride the 64 unless you have an old card that can't hang.

4) You can dual boot, and it has been answered, by me. Google the thread, or dig for it, but it's here.

Basically, when you install OSX it will muck your 7 Boot setup.

You'll have to run the repair for Windows 7 boot after.

Then you'll have to run some commands to make the OSX part "Active".

Then boot off your thumb drive, select the SL setup you made to boot.

Then reinstall v3 on the OSX side. You will then be able to use Chameleon to choose which OS to boot.

Conversely, install SL to a separate drive (With 7 drive UNPLUGGED).

Make the SL drive default boot disk in BIOS and use it to select which OS to boot.

 

DONE.

Thank you SOO MUCH for your assistance. I am still learning how to best use this site, I appreciate your help I see the google search at the top of the site, I will try that - hopefully it will pull up good results.

[CoHPhasor]

Thank you SOO MUCH for your assistance. I am still learning how to best use this site, I appreciate your help I see the google search at the top of the site, I will try that - hopefully it will pull up good results.

 

No problem. I like using "site:[site] [search criteria]" on Google.

It gets me pretty far. This thread is just too huge lol!

 

Either dual boot method is up to you. Obviously one is more difficult

and susceptible to sucking up your time. I'm just cheap, so I did it on one drive. ;-)

[jamis2001]

Issues with Quick Time?

 

I installed iMovie (iLife) in my hackintosh and found that neither Quick Time X nor Quick Time 7 works. They hang when I try to open a quick time file.

 

I also have problems with iMovie after importing AVCHD content, but that might or moght not be related to this.

 

Just want to check to see if others have problems with Quick Time on this MB. I am not sure the video card makes a difference.

 

Thanks in advance.

[HAVEC]

Issues with Quick Time?

 

I installed iMovie (iLife) in my hackintosh and found that neither Quick Time X nor Quick Time 7 works. They hang when I try to open a quick time file.

 

I also have problems with iMovie after importing AVCHD content, but that might or moght not be related to this.

 

Just want to check to see if others have problems with Quick Time on this MB. I am not sure the video card makes a difference.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

I have Quicktime Player 10 which I just used to play a MP4 file. It doesn't like M2TS files (grayed out) from my Hauppauge HDPVR though. I used iDVD to create a DVD from a MP4 file. Handbrake rips through M2TS files. Have you tried VLC player? So far I'm having pretty good luck with all the installed software on my machine.

[Olroc]

Hey guys,

 

 

Just wanted to give an update on my hackintosh.

 

I tried to update via the software update and it seemed as if everything became unstable again. So I fresh installed and am back at the regular combo update via stells link.

 

I am having weird keyboard issues. Sometimes i just cant type at all. Question, is the usb keyboard supposed to be disabled in the bios? kinda weird cuz i saw from the lifehacker tutorial in that bios page that it was disabled.

 

Oh on a positive note I configured Cubase LE 4 to run with the hac. Initially it had installation issues but I took a trip the steinberg site and followed the installation instructions there. Apparently you must dl the update software first and then start the install with the dled update with the cubase disc in the dvd drive.

 

I also installed Stylus RMX along with cubase and that seems to be working pretty stable as well.

 

I have no other mac software to install as of now but as soon as i get my hands on Logic and FCS I will update.

 

Thanks again for everyones support! Insanely Mac is the best!

[MacWannaBe]

Hey guys,

 

 

Just wanted to give an update on my hackintosh.

 

I tried to update via the software update and it seemed as if everything became unstable again. So I fresh installed and am back at the regular combo update via stells link.

 

I am having weird keyboard issues. Sometimes i just cant type at all. Question, is the usb keyboard supposed to be disabled in the bios? kinda weird cuz i saw from the lifehacker tutorial in that bios page that it was disabled.

 

Oh on a positive note I configured Cubase LE 4 to run with the hac. Initially it had installation issues but I took a trip the steinberg site and followed the installation instructions there. Apparently you must dl the update software first and then start the install with the dled update with the cubase disc in the dvd drive.

 

I also installed Stylus RMX along with cubase and that seems to be working pretty stable as well.

 

I have no other mac software to install as of now but as soon as i get my hands on Logic and FCS I will update.

 

Thanks again for everyones support! Insanely Mac is the best!

 

 

I pretty much run FCS every day. No issues at all. My hack is running awesome.

[jamis2001]

I have Quicktime Player 10 which I just used to play a MP4 file. It doesn't like M2TS files (grayed out) from my Hauppauge HDPVR though. I used iDVD to create a DVD from a MP4 file. Handbrake rips through M2TS files. Have you tried VLC player? So far I'm having pretty good luck with all the installed software on my machine.

 

I used handbrake in Windows and it works fine with M2TS. I was hoping that iMovie will like M2TS files.

 

However, I was having problem with Quicktime just opening up a quick time file that I download from apple website.

[jamis2001]

I used handbrake in Windows and it works fine with M2TS. I was hoping that iMovie will like M2TS files.

 

However, I was having problem with Quicktime just opening up a quick time file that I download from apple website.

 

Well, found the problem. My 4850x2 in Xfire caused Quick Time to not work. After I pulled the second card it works nicely. Time to visit the VGA forum now, and edit out one card from my sig

[CoHPhasor]

Well, found the problem. My 4850x2 in Xfire caused Quick Time to not work. After I pulled the second card it works nicely. Time to visit the VGA forum now, and edit out one card from my sig

 

I noticed the little omission of your rig's card info in the original post.

You mentioned wondering if the mobo has problems with QT though.

I think you might have known the problem in the beginning. ;-)

 

As for iMovie handling the file type, iMovie isn't Apple's front-runner

for video, that title belongs to FCS. Might want to look into whether it handles it, or if

by some chance there's a hack/plugin for iMovie.

(If Handbrake works then why not use it? At least convert to files iMovie likes)

[Macpinhead]

Looking for assistance with my hackintosh...

 

It is the lifehacker build with 2 (I hope) small exceptions

 

1) 2GB of memory

2) No DVD

 

It appears to work well, installation went smoothly, but it panics once or twice a day. Any assistance in figuring this out would be greatly appreciated.

 

Is it required that I have more memory? I noticed that the smbios.plist has info regarding 4 DIMMs. I did remove the entries, but it didn't make any difference. I had read that the smbios.plist really doesn't effect stability.

 

Is it required that I have a DVD drive?

 

I just recently read that I can do "debug=0x100" at the boot prompt (press tab a chamelon) and that should display more info about the kernel panic (instead of the "you must restart your computer" screen). Is this a good approach to learn more about the panic?

 

Also, I've seen the kernel panic in both 32 and 64 bit kernel mode. I moved it to 32 bit after seeing panics with 64 bit (arch=386 or something like that, I forgot the specific syntax)

 

I do not think it is a HW problem. I ran the memtest86 tool and it passed the complete cycle.

 

Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated.

 

Macpinhead

[CoHPhasor]

Looking for assistance with my hackintosh...

 

It is the lifehacker build with 2 (I hope) small exceptions

 

1) 2GB of memory

2) No DVD

 

It appears to work well, installation went smoothly, but it panics once or twice a day. Any assistance in figuring this out would be greatly appreciated.

 

Is it required that I have more memory? I noticed that the smbios.plist has info regarding 4 DIMMs. I did remove the entries, but it didn't make any difference. I had read that the smbios.plist really doesn't effect stability.

 

Is it required that I have a HDD?

 

I just recently read that I can do "debug=0x100" at the boot prompt (press tab a chamelon) and that should display more info about the kernel panic (instead of the "you must restart your computer" screen). Is this a good approach to learn more about the panic?

 

Also, I've seen the kernel panic in both 32 and 64 bit kernel mode. I moved it to 32 bit after seeing panics with 64 bit (arch=386 or something like that, I forgot the specific syntax)

 

I do not think it is a HW problem. I ran the memtest86 tool and it passed the complete cycle.

 

Any thoughts or comments are greatly appreciated.

 

Macpinhead

 

OK, first I'll address the exceptions.

1) It works with any type the board accepts. I only run 4GB as do others. (in 2 slots)

2) No DVD? Fine by me. (I don't run one either)

 

Now, are you sure those are the only deviations?

Are you running 10.6.2 using the v3 installer? (remembering to DELETE the /Extra folder from your HD before upgrading from an old v?)

 

If so, is there any similarity to what you're doing before each crash?

Is it when it would sleep, when you are taxing the proc really heavily, etc?

 

ps, give us the spec on the RAM.

[Macpinhead]

Thanks for your assistance. Good to know the memory should not make a difference.

 

I am using 10.6.2. I will need to double check if I downloaded v3 of the installer. I got it early January for what it is worth. [uPDATE: Definitely not using v3 ... or v2 for that matter. Would this explain the 10.6.2 instability?]

 

The memory is patriot extreme 2gb pc2 6400 (2 x 1gb).

 

The panics really seem random. I left chess playing on hard for a while with WoW playing and maple story in the vm and it did not panic. But then sometimes it panics in safari or plain WoW. Strange.

 

How do I check the motherboard bios ver? I spent only 5 mins last night and it was not obvious where the version is displayed. I have read I want Fb.

 

Thanks!

[dtalamo]

Can someone tell me if you can add a Blu-Ray Burner to this build, and would it be as simple as plug & play? Or would I need some special kexts to install for the specific Blu-Ray to work?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Macpinhead]

Ok... I decided to start over with Stella's v3. Everything went smoothly.

 

1) Created USB drive with SL (10.6)

2) Ran Stella V3 on USB drive

3) Booted from USB drive on hacktinosh

4) Formatted HDD as 1 partition, guid, etc.

5) Installed 6.2

6) bootted again from USB drive, selected new hackintosh drive

7) booted fine, went through install...

8) Looking good

 

Now I want the Hard drive to boot and not need the USB drive.

 

I ran Stella V3 on the hacktinosh drive.

 

Rebooted, set bios to boot from hard drive... but it doesn't boot.

 

Went back to USB drive. After booting from the USB drive, I noticed that Stella V3 wasn't installing the /Extra folder. I ran disk util and did fix permissions, then ran Stella again, but it didn't make any difference.

 

I followed the above procedure with Stella v1 and it worked... what am I doign wrong with v3?

 

Thanks!

[Macpinhead]

Not sure why Stella v3 wouldn't install on my 6.2 hard drive... but...

 

I did it manually (fdisk and dd as well as copy the Extra folder) and it's working great now...

 

Hope this helps someone.

 

Macpinhead

 

Ok... I decided to start over with Stella's v3. Everything went smoothly.

 

1) Created USB drive with SL (10.6)

2) Ran Stella V3 on USB drive

3) Booted from USB drive on hacktinosh

4) Formatted HDD as 1 partition, guid, etc.

5) Installed 6.2

6) bootted again from USB drive, selected new hackintosh drive

7) booted fine, went through install...

8) Looking good

 

Now I want the Hard drive to boot and not need the USB drive.

 

I ran Stella V3 on the hacktinosh drive.

 

Rebooted, set bios to boot from hard drive... but it doesn't boot.

 

Went back to USB drive. After booting from the USB drive, I noticed that Stella V3 wasn't installing the /Extra folder. I ran disk util and did fix permissions, then ran Stella again, but it didn't make any difference.

 

I followed the above procedure with Stella v1 and it worked... what am I doign wrong with v3?

 

Thanks!

[flace]

Hi All, i'm having some trouble using the Stella v3. It all works well, but there is no Extensions folder in my Extra folder. The thing is I need some extensions for using my PS2 keyboard.

Whenever I create an Extensions folder and boot or boot using the -f option, the OS initialization just freezes. It doesn't show any errors messages! At least not that I can see... I also looked on system.log, but found nothing.

 

It also happens if I move the Extensions.mkext file from the Extra folder, so I thought I just had to rebuild it. I did it using some methods I found around the forum, but it still didn't work.

 

For now, I deleted the Extensions folder and I'm using a PS2 to USB adapter (which doesn't fix it because some keys just don't work) so I can use Snow Leopard.

 

I know I can buy a USB keyboard, but the thing is if I ever need a kext for something to be fixed I'll not be able to use it, because it seems not to be loading, even if I use KextHelper to install it.

 

Any thoughts about this?

[jamis2001]

I noticed the little omission of your rig's card info in the original post.

You mentioned wondering if the mobo has problems with QT though.

I think you might have known the problem in the beginning. ;-)

 

As for iMovie handling the file type, iMovie isn't Apple's front-runner

for video, that title belongs to FCS. Might want to look into whether it handles it, or if

by some chance there's a hack/plugin for iMovie.

(If Handbrake works then why not use it? At least convert to files iMovie likes)

 

Yeah... I guess it is difficult to give up Xfire I am looking for solution to make it compatible. So far, iMovie is useful for my purpose. Don't want to shell out cash for FCS.

[soroushk]

I've had this build for about 3 months now and it works perfectly except for Bluetooth. I bought an Asus USB-BT21 Bluetooth adaptor.

 

Newegg

 

It works fine, until I put the computer to sleep. Once I wake it up, I have to turn the adaptor on and off for it to start working again. I can't tell if this is the adaptor or the motherboard or what. Does anyone have a Bluetooth dongle that works flawlessly with this setup?

[Firestorm88]

Does anyone else have their time reset every time they boot into Windows after booting into OSX? x.x

[Buckeyes1995]

I'm running the Lifehacker right with two exceptions:

 

a. The PCI Ethernet card is NOT needed. The onboard ethernet works just fine.

b. I'm running with an ATI HD4870x2. Easy install, but had to go back to 10.6.1 as the QE/CI drivers cause 10.6.2 to panic.

 

Runs like a dream.

[Meatwagon]

My rig is running smooth, ram speed is correct, i do get the panics, I try to boot in verbose mode so that when i get the KP, i can at least see why. But i always forget.

[Macpinhead]

Regarding the 9800 GTX video...

 

The fan on mine is running like crazy. I don't think it could blow more air if it tried.

 

Is this normal?

 

It does this even when sitting idle... (nothing going on, just with the Finder and desktop)

 

Macpinhead