[GUIDE] Dell Studio 1558 ATI 5470 Core i7 - What I've got working so far

[jamieostrich]

@Lifelike

 

Yeah I really didnt take that into consideration... But if you could point me at an installation guide or something that you used to get your quad boot working, thatd be GREAT!

 

UHOH. I just saw this: Dell Studio 15 1557 & 1558 plagued with failures - CNET Laptop buying advice Forums

 

Has anyone experienced overheating issues with the 1558? This could be a major issue for me..

 

well it does get warm and the fans cut in, but it works fine! mac and windows, although when installing lion for the first time make sure has plenty of air!

Then it all cools down a little. Not the quietest laptop, but a quick good one!

[lifelike27]

@Lifelike

 

Yeah I really didn't take that into consideration... But if you could point me at an installation guide or something that you used to get your quad boot working, thatd be GREAT!

 

UHOH. I just saw this: Dell Studio 15 1557 & 1558 plagued with failures - CNET Laptop buying advice Forums

 

Has anyone experienced overheating issues with the 1558? This could be a major issue for me..

 

I did have a heating problem. My laptop used to go from 70 to 100 degs in a second and eventually switch off from overheating. I sent it back to Dell and they told me it was just a dust build up. Since then, I haven't had a problem at all. 50 degs is my norm now.

 

Worst case scenario, if you're warranty runs out and you want to check for dust, use the service manual to figure out how to carefully take it apart. I've done it so far. http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/syst...en/SM/index.htm

Remember to use an aerosol can to clean out any dust.

 

Do you plan on triple booting Ubuntu as well as Windows (triple boot)? If yes, follow this tutorial: http://francisbyrne.net/?p=16

 

When the author of the post talks about using an application called gptsync, DO NOT USE IT, it's outdated and can cause problems. I have a thread on the ubuntuforums.org where I've explained this problem and found help for it. Please read it as well. Basically, instead of using gptsync, you use gdisk to create a hybrid MBR for Windows to work. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1758411

 

Also, to get all OSes boot from the unified linux bootloader GRUB, you can use this tutorial to chainload chameleon to GRUB so that you just have to use one menu for booting Windows, Ubuntu and OS X.

http://jeffhoogland.blogspot.com/2011/04/h...-chameleon.html

 

If you have any problems with it, just ask.

[Username111]

@lifelike

 

Thanks for the info on dual booting, I probably wont get into that for awhile.. But it cant hurt to know

 

Would anybody with lion running be willing to make an installation guide for getting it on the 1558, I know this would be helpful for the noobies like me!

 

Thanks in advance!

[lifelike27]

@lifelike

 

Thanks for the info on dual booting, I probably wont get into that for awhile.. But it cant hurt to know

 

Would anybody with lion running be willing to make an installation guide for getting it on the 1558, I know this would be helpful for the noobies like me!

 

Thanks in advance!

 

There's really no need for a separate thread for a Lion installation. Maldon's installation is universal: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=256729

 

I personally used Still Win Fan's because I didn't have an 8GB usb at the time: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=260594

 

Or try making a bootable DVD: http://www.macworld.com/article/161069/201..._installer.html

 

Follow my tutorial in this thread to get a working installation for temporary use, the use it to install Lion on a USB/DVD/Hard drive partition.

[Username111]

I'm a little confused on using Charlie Sheen's lion package with the Maldon install..

 

I dont know where to put all the files that he has included!

[lifelike27]

I'm a little confused on using Charlie Sheen's lion package with the Maldon install..

 

I dont know where to put all the files that he has included!

 

Use Kext Helper b7 to install them. You can get from [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] or here: http://cheetha.net/

 

Drag and drop all the kexts into the text box, type your password and hit enter.

 

Though personally, I don't use the AppleHDA kext, causes kp's for me. I use VoodooHDA 2.7.2 instead. That can be found in [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url]. Remember to repair permissions after installing kexts.

[lifelike27]

Has anyone been having overheating problems only when using OS X? Doesn't happen with Windows or Ubuntu.

 

Fan controls seem a bit warped too. Sometimes the fan runs silently even when my system goes to 70 degs. Sometimes it's medium at just 60.

[CharlieSheen]

Has anyone been having overheating problems only when using OS X? Doesn't happen with Windows or Ubuntu.

 

Fan controls seem a bit warped too. Sometimes the fan runs silently even when my system goes to 70 degs. Sometimes it's medium at just 60.

 

 

Your CPU's or the HDD? If its HDD its definitely not normal. For the CPU's its fine on mine unless somethings blocking the two vents on the back, anything under 100 is fine though for the 720QM.

[lifelike27]

Your CPU's or the HDD? If its HDD its definitely not normal. For the CPU's its fine on mine unless somethings blocking the two vents on the back, anything under 100 is fine though for the 720QM.

 

No, it's not the HDD just the CPU. Nothing is blocking it, but 75+ isn't what I consider normal. Goes up to 80s if I'm watching a flash video. That's a whole ten degs more than other operating systems.

[CharlieSheen]

Can you post your DSDT? My fan seems to kick in at around 68-69 degrees. 75 degrees is somewhat normal if something in the background like spotlight indexing the HDD while the flash movie is going. And 80s if playing a graphically intensive game. Also depends on how hot the room is you are in as well.

[lifelike27]

Can you post your DSDT? My fan seems to kick in at around 68-69 degrees. 75 degrees is somewhat normal if something in the background like spotlight indexing the HDD while the flash movie is going. And 80s if playing a graphically intensive game. Also depends on how hot the room is you are in as well.

 

 

Well, I'm not sure if I am using a DSDT. I use the Chameleon prefpane to make changes to my com.apple.boot.plist and other changes. In that, there isn't any DSDT used in that. However, I do have the DSDT file that you provided in my Extra folder. I'm just not sure if it's being used. Here: dsdt.aml.zip

 

I'm also using Zonalis as my ATI personality. I'm getting kp's with Hoolock because of some audio kexts. Still have to figure out which ones. HDMI video doesn't work with Zonalis. HDMI audio doesn't work at all but it's the only audio driver that appears in my VoodooHDA prefpane.

[CharlieSheen]

Well, I'm not sure if I am using a DSDT. I use the Chameleon prefpane to make changes to my com.apple.boot.plist and other changes. In that, there isn't any DSDT used in that. However, I do have the DSDT file that you provided in my Extra folder. I'm just not sure if it's being used. Here: dsdt.aml.zip

 

I'm also using Zonalis as my ATI personality. I'm getting kp's with Hoolock because of some audio kexts. Still have to figure out which ones. HDMI video doesn't work with Zonalis. HDMI audio doesn't work at all but it's the only audio driver that appears in my VoodooHDA prefpane.

 

 

Use Langur, it seems to work better for me than anything.

 

and thats my DSDT. is C-states and P-states enabled in com.apple.boot.plist?

[lifelike27]

Use Langur, it seems to work better for me than anything.

 

and thats my DSDT. is C-states and P-states enabled in com.apple.boot.plist?

 

Yes.

 

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>AtiConfig</key>
<string>Zonalis</string>
<key>GenerateCStates</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>GeneratePStates</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>Graphics Mode</key>
<string>1366x768x32</string>
<key>GraphicsEnabler</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>Instant Menu</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>Kernel</key>
<string>mach_kernel</string>
<key>Kernel Flags</key>
<string></string>
<key>Wake</key>
<string>No</string>
</dict>
</plist>

 

UPDATE: I tried Langur, and when I plug in my system to my HDTV I can see the second display on my TV but my laptop screen goes weird.

Here's a picture:

 

My TV works fine though:

[CharlieSheen]

That's odd, that's what happens when I try Eulemur. Baboon may also work, try that.

 

For the fan speed, see if you can get Mald0n to make you a dsdt in his thread. The issue is most likely related to the DSDT.

[ploop]

hey guys, great work on this laptop i just had a quick question!

 

I am very noob and have only done one hackintosh build on a desktop and now I am looking to purchase a laptop that is going to work well as a dual boot hackintosh.

 

Ive looked on the forum, and from what i can see the dell 1558 is a good candidate.

 

So should I invest the money in this laptop or go with something that has better compatibility?

[CharlieSheen]

hey guys, great work on this laptop i just had a quick question!

 

I am very noob and have only done one hackintosh build on a desktop and now I am looking to purchase a laptop that is going to work well as a dual boot hackintosh.

 

Ive looked on the forum, and from what i can see the dell 1558 is a good candidate.

 

So should I invest the money in this laptop or go with something that has better compatibility?

 

 

Its a good machine, however if I was going out to buy a new notebook today for the purpose of installing Mac OS X, I would get a new Sandy Bridge machine with a wifi card that would work OOB.

[ploop]

Its a good machine, however if I was going out to buy a new notebook today for the purpose of installing Mac OS X, I would get a new Sandy Bridge machine with a wifi card that would work OOB.

 

Do you know of any specific models? One of the reasons why I like the 1558 is that there are a few people who are more knowledgeable than me who are working with it. My budget is 1000.

 

Also, which is going to be easier to install for a noob on this laptop? Lion or Snow leopard? From my experience with PCs its not a good to invest time/money in things that were just released, so Im just wondering if its worth the extra effort to get lion.

[CharlieSheen]

Do you know of any specific models? One of the reasons why I like the 1558 is that there are a few people who are more knowledgeable than me who are working with it. My budget is 1000.

 

Also, which is going to be easier to install for a noob on this laptop? Lion or Snow leopard? From my experience with PCs its not a good to invest time/money in things that were just released, so Im just wondering if its worth the extra effort to get lion.

 

Once you get your hands on an installation USB in Mald0n's thread in the Lion installation forum, Lion is by far, at least for the 1558.

 

Take a look at the Dell Inspiron 15R N5110, it seems like a solid laptop with a sandy bridge i7.

 

the thread for it is here:

 

http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=262430

[ploop]

Once you get your hands on an installation USB in Mald0n's thread in the Lion installation forum, Lion is by far, at least for the 1558.

 

Take a look at the Dell Inspiron 15R N5110, it seems like a solid laptop with a sandy bridge i7.

 

the thread for it is here:

 

http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=262430

 

Thanks for the response! Unfortunately I looked for that model before and the only models I could find were the i3 or i5 models. I want a laptop with an i7.

 

As far as the lion install goes, I read that you needed an existing mac os computer to setup a flash drive. I do not have this, is there any work around? Would this mean I would have to install Snow leopard first?

[CharlieSheen]

Thanks for the response! Unfortunately I looked for that model before and the only models I could find were the i3 or i5 models. I want a laptop with an i7.

 

As far as the lion install goes, I read that you needed an existing mac os computer to setup a flash drive. I do not have this, is there any work around? Would this mean I would have to install Snow leopard first?

 

 

That laptop has an i7, or at least just the guy who started that thread does haha. But some Sandy Bridge i5's are actually better than the Clarksfield i7's.

 

And yeah you would need snow leopard, but nothing fancy is required for it, like wifi or QE/CI or the like. And Lion is the future anyway, so I would recommend you upgrading.

[lifelike27]

Do you know of any specific models? One of the reasons why I like the 1558 is that there are a few people who are more knowledgeable than me who are working with it. My budget is 1000.

 

Also, which is going to be easier to install for a noob on this laptop? Lion or Snow leopard? From my experience with PCs its not a good to invest time/money in things that were just released, so Im just wondering if its worth the extra effort to get lion.

 

Have you seen this XPS 15? http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-l502x/fs

 

The $999 one. It's pretty good for the price. That's how much I paid for my system when it first came out. I'm thinking of selling this one and buying a new one.

 

 

EDIT: I just realized that OS X doesn't recognize the second headset output. =\

[lifelike27]

TIP: A valuable lesson I just learned, when installing new hardware (a DW1510 wireless card for example) and you get a kp saying 'Mac OS version not set', open up your system, remove the CMOS battery and replace it back after a few seconds. This removes your previous CMOS settings back to default.

 

Windows 7 also caused blue screens of death and restarted during start up.

 

Just wanted to share this since I learned it the hard way through trial and error.

[ploop]

Well somehow I was able to get snow leopard installed on this, and instead of using chameleon like you posted I used [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] and installed snow leopard right after. I didnt get any errors or anything and I can boot into snow leopard through [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] with no problems. I also installed it while having 8gb and I know everyone says to use no more than 4gb.

 

I wanted to ask, was QE/CI working in SL or does it only work in lion? It was not clear in the original post. Basically I would like to keep SL if it can be fully functional or close to it.

[CharlieSheen]

Well somehow I was able to get snow leopard installed on this, and instead of using chameleon like you posted I used [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] and installed snow leopard right after. I didnt get any errors or anything and I can boot into snow leopard through [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] with no problems. I also installed it while having 8gb and I know everyone says to use no more than 4gb.

 

I wanted to ask, was QE/CI working in SL or does it only work in lion? It was not clear in the original post. Basically I would like to keep SL if it can be fully functional or close to it.

 

In SL QE/CI works, but its very buggy, with dashboard widgets not having ripple effect, and a white menubar being the most notable glitches. all of this is fixed with Lion. And I never had a problem with the full 8GB, i don't know why some people did.

[ploop]

In SL QE/CI works, but its very buggy, with dashboard widgets not having ripple effect, and a white menubar being the most notable glitches. all of this is fixed with Lion. And I never had a problem with the full 8GB, i don't know why some people did.

 

ok i have lion up and running however I am having trouble post install. I am not sure what information from the original post to use, as it is for snow leopard. What steps do I take to install the files in charliesheens file package for lion? I am going to try to install the kexts through a guide or something and ill take it from there.

 

For lion, do i still do the same things in [url="http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/279450-why-insanelymac-does-not-support-tonymacx86/"]#####[/url] that were done in sl? I wish there were a step by step guide for lion :/