(SuccesFul) Gigabyte Z170N-WIFI - Customac mini - first timer!

[YoshiMac]

(I upgrade BIOS to F20 on my Mobo and had to do a reinstall but finally I have everything I need working)
See post on second page for successful build on 19/2/17)

(please note that this build was for Sierra 10.12.3,
I haven't upgraded to 10.12.6, and there have been some changes to how intel HD5xx graphics are handled, starting from 10.12.5.
So this step by step example may not work properly now. see general tonymacx86 guide)


****2018 Update*****
I have upgraded to Sierra 10.12.6 no problem
I also in the meantime have created a custom SSDT for USBInjectAll.kext
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...2-6-custom-ssdt-for-usbinjectall-kext.250032/
custom picture in about this MAC information

*************


**********
Update November 2018
I decided to install a second SSD, which I would clone , so that I have a working SSD and and testing SSD.
I cloned my second SSD with Carbon Copy Cloner, and copied the EFI folder to EFI partition
however bios would not recognise my second testing SSD as a boot volume.
Found that I could manually add the second SSD to my bios via the Clover shell
see post below #38 how I did it
***************


Hi everyone!


Started building my very first CustoMac!
This is going to be a a small form factor/macmini like build.
Hope it goes well.

These are the parts I have.
I live in Australia, so here are the links to PCcasegear and ebay.
that i used.
Prices also probably more expensive than US is used to.
We are a bit isolated here in Oz, and with a small market, things do get more expensive.


Gigabyte Z170N-WIFI Motherboard
https://www.pccasegear.com/products/33167

Intel Core i5 6500
https://www.pccasegear.com/products/33192

Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD
https://www.pccasegear.com/products/30448

In Win Chopin Mini-ITX Chassis with 150W 80 Plus Bronze PSU
https://www.pccasegear.com/products/35755

Corsair Vengeance LPX CMK16GX4M2A2133C13R 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 Red
https://www.pccasegear.com/products/32847

ID-COOLING is-40 TDP 95W for ITX and HTPC systems Low-Profile CPU Cooler
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/171060725976?ul_noapp=true

ordered from IDcooling china directly via ebay - waiting for it to arrive - in mean time will use heatsink that came with intel CPU.

Graphics:
i will use the integrated HD 530 ( i wont be using this mac for heavy video use so hoping to get away with the HD530 only)

Bluetooth:
I hope to be able to use the onboard bluetooth of the Z170N motherboard.

but if not I also have a Dell 9350 wifi card spare: BCM94350ZAE
which is not the recommended broadcom: BCM94352Z but hoping that could work

Lastly I also have a mini pcie adapter lying around that i could use and then order a apple wifi/bluetooth BCM94360CD to slot into the adapter and then replace the stock wifi/bt combo


Wifi:
I don’t realy need wifi so not too bothered about it - will hardwire via RJ45 to local network.

will update as I go along.
—————————————

Here is what I have done so far using standard guide

STEP 1: Download macOS Sierra
version 10.12.3
The full operating system is a free download for anyone who has purchased Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Lion, or Mountain Lion or has a Mac preloaded with OS X Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, or macOS Sierra. Download the Application from the Mac App Store using your Apple ID on any Mac or functional computer running OS X 10.7.5 or later.

1. Open Mac App Store
2. Log in with your Apple ID
3. Download macOS Sierra
The Application Install macOS Sierra will appear in /Applications.

STEP 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive with UniBeast

1. Insert the USB drive - 16GB
2. Open /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility
3. Highlight the USB drive in left column
4. Click Erase button
5. For Name: type USB (You can rename it later)
6. For Format: choose OS X Extended (Journaled)
7. For Scheme: choose GUID Partition Map
8. Click Erase then Done
9. Download and run UniBeast 7.0.1
10. Click Continue, Continue, Continue, Continue, Agree
11. At Destination Select, choose USB and click Continue
12. At Select OS Installation screen choose Sierra and click Continue
13. At Bootloader Options screen choose UEFI Boot Mode
14. (Optional) At Graphics Configuration screen choose the appropriate graphics option for your system and click Continue. (did not click any)

Got following error
“ Make sure neither 'OS X Install ESD' or 'OS X Base System' are mounted on your drive.”

fixed it with going to
finder
go to
/volumes
and ejected ‘OS X install ESD’ to unmount

Long USB install wait
starting installing but install seemed to hang around 20%
reformatted, and tried again, seem to hang again.
changed everyone read and write permissions on USB drive
reformatted and tried again (3rd time lucky?)
looked at logfile
~/Library/Logs/Unibeast.log

02/06/17 20:40:42 - Starting UniBeast 7.0.1-20160926
02/06/17 20:41:02 - Mounting Volumes...
02/06/17 20:41:04 - Copying Files...

20:48:.. - OS X base system coming up as drive - and showing empty
few seconds later folders come up

02/06/17 21:15:29 - Detaching Volumes...
02/06/17 21:15:30 - Installing Bootloader...
02/06/17 21:18:36 - Cleaning Up...
02/06/17 21:20:28 - Install Successful
YAY!

The moral of the story with the USB install is to be patient. It can take some time even when progress bar seems stuck/keep waiting.
I was installing from a late 2009 2.66GZh quadcore i5 27” iMac - running sierra 10.12.3 and it took almost 40 minutes to complete

15. Downloaded Multibeast 9.0.1 Sierra version
16. copied to USB drive

That’s it so far.


Will assemble Mobo and components next time and start booting with USB.

So far so good.



================

 

[Boblee0910]

Hello,

Did you have any upgrade? I have the same MotherBoard and I5-6600K CPU, but I have some Graphics issue, like as It will be trip Startup blurred with HD530.

Can you give me some solution to solve it, thanks.

 

[YoshiMac]

Continuing the build.

PC Hardware assembly.
installed the mobo in the Chopin chassis.
Pretty tight squeeze to fit mobo in the chassis.
I manage to connect the fronthead panel header cables into the wrong location.
There is a 10 pin location on the mobo very similar to the F_panel next to the CPU fan.
It meant that when pushing the powerbutton, nothing happens.

The fronthead panel 10 pin is located next to ATX main power connector. DUH!
connected and voila, we have lift off.
It is booting up and can get into BIOS setup. Yay!

So far pretty happy with the hardware, it all fits nicely. It is a very quiet build.
Slightly challenging to tiddy up the cabling, but no major hassles.

On to bios settings ….

STEP 3: Recommended BIOS Settings

1. To access BIOS/UEFI Setup, press and hold Delete on a USB Keyboard while the system is booting up
2. Load Optimized Defaults - I had to press F7 for optimised defaults.
3. If your CPU supports VT-d, disable it. - Yes was already disabled
4. If your system has CFG-Lock, disable it - could not find
5. If your system has Secure Boot Mode, disable it - yes was disabled
6. Set OS Type to Other OS - yes was selected
7. If your system has IO SerialPort, disable it - could not find
8. Set XHCI Handoff to Enabled - was disabled had to enable (in peripherals menu)
9. If you have a 6 series or x58 system with AWARD BIOS, disable USB 3.0 - could not find
10. Save and exit.​

STEP 4: Install macOS Sierra

I put the install flashdrive in USB port next to power button.
1. Turn on the computer
2. Press the hotkey to choose boot device (usually F12, F11, F10, or F8)
3. Choose USB
4. At Clover boot screen, choose Boot Mac OS X from USB
5. When you arrive at the Installer, choose language.
6. For a new installation of macOS, you MUST erase and format the destination drive according to the following steps before continuing.

a. In the top menu bar choose Utilities, and open Disk Utility
b. Highlight your target drive for the Sierra installation in left column.
c. Click Erase button
d. For Name: type Sierra (You can rename it later)
e. For Format: choose OS X Extended (Journaled)
f. For Scheme: choose GUID Partition Map
g. Click Erase
h. Close Disk Utility​

7. When the installer asks you where to install, choose Sierra, or your existing install.
8. Upon completion, the system will automatically restart.
all good!​

STEP 5: Post Installation with MultiBeast
MultiBeast is an all-in-one post-installation tool designed to enable boot from hard drive, and install support for Audio, Network, and Graphics. The installation is complete, but the drive isn't bootable yet. Boot from the USB again, this time choosing Sierra.

1. Turn on the computer
2. Press the hotkey to choose boot device
3. Choose USB
4. At the Boot Screen, choose your new Sierra installation. choose HFS icon
5. Complete macOS Sierra setup

choose language
choose keyboard
skip the network setting for the moment or it will crash and reboot.​

6. Open and run MultiBeast ( I copied multibeast to desktop for easy access)

I choose
audio: ALC1150 (see below for update on correct sound settings)
disk: third party SATA
network: intelmausethernet v2.2.0
USB: 7/8/9 Series USB support
Customize
graphics: HD530
system: 17,1
saved
build
install succeeded​

HD530 graphic problem/ Glitches/Artifacts problem in top left corner

used: http://hackintoshguide.com/fix-hd-530-glitchesartifacts-mac-os-sierra/
downloaded clover configurator
mounted EFI volume
open clover config.plist
go to devices
add properties

device: IntelGFX
Key: AAPL,GfxYTile
Value: 01000000
Value type: data

solved the problem for me.

​

​

Other things to still resolve

• Bluetooth
• Sound
• I might try Sierra Server - to see it that works on this build

Update 10/2/17 Fixed audio problem

ONBOARD AUDIO
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/audio-realtek-alc-applehda-guide.143757/#post886744

Unsupported/Non-working Realtek ALC AppleHDA
100 Series/Intel High Definition Audio (Workaround requires 1, 2, 3 and 4)

1. Rename dsdt/HDAS to HDEF (Select one method)
   1. MultiBeast 8.2 and newer
      1. Drivers > Audio > RealtekALCxxx > 100 Series Audio
      2. Disables HDEF/HDMI audio ssdts
2. Restart
3. Install Realtek ALC Audio (see Realtek ALC Installation Methods)
   1. MultiBeast/Drivers > Audio > Realtek ALCxxx > √ ALC1150
4. Restart

HDMI AUDIO
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/audio-hdmi-audio-applehda-guide.143760/

made HDMI work with

1. Removed config.plist/ACPI/DSDT/Patches/Item 0 (Rename HDAS to HDEF) used Plist Edit Pro
2. Downloaded audio.cloverHDMI-120 Command.zip
3. Doubleclick audio-cloverHDMI-120.command
4. answer y/n questions
5. password
6. restart

 

[YoshiMac]

Hello,

Did you have any upgrade? I have the same MotherBoard and I5-6600K CPU, but I have some Graphics issue, like as It will be trip Startup blurred with HD530.

Can you give me some solution to solve it, thanks.

Hi there,

I just posted an update.
Did you specify the right settings in Multibeast? i.e. HD530, also system 17,1 is good to choose because it is a Mac with Skylake processor (but not sure if that would effect graphics)

Did you do the fix for HD530 graphic problem/ Glitches/Artifacts problem in top left corner, with clover configurator or straight editing the config.plist (in EFI/Clover)

 

[Boblee0910]

Hi there,

I just posted an update.
Did you specify the right settings in Multibeast? i.e. HD530, also system 17,1 is good to choose because it is a Mac with Skylake processor (but not sure if that would effect graphics)

Did you do the fix for HD530 graphic problem/ Glitches/Artifacts problem in top left corner, with clover configurator or straight editing the config.plist (in EFI/Clover)

Hi Bro,

I had selected the right settings in Multibeast and fixed the HD530 graphic glitches in top left corner.

I said the graphic problem is that it will be appear 8 no. blurred apple logo when upload the progress bar is above 80%, after glitch it will be enter the login screen.

I used the 4K monitor(LG 27UD68), and enable the Hidpi Retina effect. I don't know if it is related with this.

Now I am stay in Office, tonight I will upload the photo about the issue.

Look forward to you reply, thanks!

 

[YoshiMac]

Hi Bro,


Look forward to you reply, thanks!

Ah sorry, I got you.
Yeah the same blurry lines/graphic glitches appear at loading screen around 80% with me.

Once at login screen, all is good.
So I am not too bothered about it.


I actually have briefly a blurry line on my genuine iMac 27" with Sierra on bootup, until login screen.
But again once the operating system is fully loaded I have no problem.
(I did replace a faulty graphics card in this late 2009 iMac 27" and replaced it with a more powerful video card. A card not technically supported on my model by apple, so maybe this is part of not using the standard equipment the OS is expecting for this model)

Not sure what reasons may be for these. Maybe the video memory being filled during setup.

 

[Boblee0910]

Ah sorry, I got you.
Yeah the same blurry lines/graphic glitches appear at loading screen around 80% with me.

Once at login screen, all is good.
So I am not too bothered about it.


I actually have briefly a blurry line on my genuine iMac 27" with Sierra on bootup, until login screen.
But again once the operating system is fully loaded I have no problem.
(I did replace a faulty graphics card in this late 2009 iMac 27" and replaced it with a more powerful video card. A card not technically supported on my model by apple, so maybe this is part of not using the standard equipment the OS is expecting for this model)

Not sure what reasons may be for these. Maybe the video memory being filled during setup.

Thank you very much.
Maybe I should don't care this little flaw.

By the way, did you change the built-in wifi card and did you use the iMessage?

I used the built-in Bluetooth module in Motherboard, But I found sometimes it will be no available, sometimes it is OK. I don't know why will be appear this, did you meet this problem?

Thanks!

 

[YoshiMac]

Thank you very much.
I used the built-in Bluetooth module in Motherboard, But I found sometimes it will be no available, sometimes it is OK. I don't know why will be appear this, did you meet this problem?
Thanks!

You're welcome. I do think you are right this little flaw is not so important compared to wifi/bluetooth/audio


No I haven't tackled wifi/bluetooth - iMessage yet.
Bluetooth is not working for me.
I have a spare dell card lying around hoping it will work
otherwise will buy the Broadcom BCM94352Z
iMessage looks like quite challenge...good luck .

I am first tackling the audio issues, and having to spend a lot of time on it without much success.
I will probable post a request for help in the no audio device guide soon. (Toleda is the person how knows much better about this issue, so hoping he can help).
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/no-audio-devices-realtek-alc-applehda-guide.143752/

 

[Boblee0910]

You're welcome. I do think you are right this little flaw is not so important compared to wifi/bluetooth/audio


No I haven't tackled wifi/bluetooth - iMessage yet.
Bluetooth is not working for me.
I have a spare dell card lying around hoping it will work
otherwise will buy the Broadcom BCM94352Z
iMessage looks like quite challenge...good luck .

I am first tackling the audio issues, and having to spend a lot of time on it without much success.
I will probable post a request for help in the no audio device guide soon. (Toleda is the person how knows much better about this issue, so hoping he can help).
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/no-audio-devices-realtek-alc-applehda-guide.143752/

Did you used the HDMI audio? I referred to Toleda Guide, but the HDMI audio still no sound. Now I used the Speaker to replace.

 

[YoshiMac]

Did you used the HDMI audio? I referred to Toleda Guide, but the HDMI audio still no sound. Now I used the Speaker to replace.

I am not getting any sound, no speaker and no hdmi. , there is no audio device for me to choose, I have been trying a lot of things but nothing so far.