[GREAT SUCCESS] i5-8400 - ASrock Z370 Fatal1ty Gaming Mini-ITX/ac - Intel UHD 630 - 16GB RAM

[kphs]

kphs’ High Sierra + Coffee Lake Build:​

i5-8400 - ASrock Z370 Fatal1ty Gaming Mini-ITX/ac - Intel UHD 630




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Components

Intel Core i5-8400 Coffee Lake 6-Core 2.8 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo) - Be sure to get the 65w TDP version.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0759FGJ3Q/?tag=tonymacx86com-20
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117824

ASRock Fatal1ty Z370 Gaming-ITX Motherboard
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0763971VK/?tag=tonymacx86com-20
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157794

16GB (2 x 8GB) Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3000 SDRAM
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233852

250GB Samsung 960 EVO M.2 250GB VNMe PCI-Express 3.0 x4 SSD
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147593

Noctua Low-Profile Quiet CPU Cooler for Intel 115x Based Retail Cooling NH-L9I
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VCAJ7W/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

Streacom F1CWS EVO Computer Case
http://www.streacom.com/products/f1cws-evo-chassis/

Mini-Box picoPSU-160-XT High Power 24 Pin Mini-ITX Power Supply
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TWE6B8/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

Mini-Box 12A/144W AC to DC Switching Power Supply 110-240vAC to 12vDC PicoPSU Compatible
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007XVD452/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

Broadcom BCM94352Z NGFF Dual Band 802.11ac 867M Wifi BT 4.0 Lenovo FRU 04X6020
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Broadcom-BCM94352Z-NGFF-Dual-Band-802-11ac-867M-Wifi-BT-4-0-Lenovo-FRU-04X6020/191855727748?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649


Comments

I have been waiting patiently for Apple to refresh the Mac Mini lineup with hardware that resembles the technological advances that have occurred during the past decade. Recently, I got tired of waiting and decided to roll my own. The build/configuration you see here is 100% functional, but my post here will be continually revised and updated with new information as my journey continues. This post is my way of giving back to a great community that is largely responsible for the success you see below.

Making the Build Work
***as of 1/31/2018***​

BIOS
Updated to the latest version (1.4 at the time of this posting.) Most other BIOS settings can be left alone, here are some of the settings I had luck modifying:

Advanced > Chipset Config > Primary Graphics Adapter > Onboard
Advanced > Chipset Config > Vt-d > disabled
Advanced > Chipset Config > Restore on AC Power Loss > Enabled [Not required]
Advanced > USB Configuration > XHCI Handoff > Enabled
H.W. Monitor > Fan Tuning*

*This option seems to work well to throttle the CPU fan based on workload. However, my idle temps are high, at around 50 degrees due to the single fan in the case, so I will likely have to revisit my cooling choices in the near future.

The Installation
I followed the majority of recommendations laid out in @erik’s awesome build (link) based on a similar ASrock board contrasted with a few tips taken from @PK’s equally awesome build (link) which is based on the same Fatal1ty copy of the motherboard which I am currently using.

I used UniBeast to create a bootable High Sierra install on a 16GB USB drive to both format the internal SSD and install macOS the same as you would on any authentic non-hack device. Despite the majority of the recommendations advising me to the contrary, I decided to format with APFS and see what happens. It has been two weeks now, and I am not regretting my decision. Time will tell.

Config.plist
After OSX had installed successfully, I rebooted into the fresh install on the SSD and used Clover & Clover Configurator, my recommendations below reflect that method. Other pathways to success, such as MultiBeast are viable options, but I am unable to recommend configuration/kext parameters if you decide to proceed that route. For ease, I recommend that you use my config.plist if attempting a similar build, which can be found in the attached zip, but here are the essentials:

1. ACPI: HDAS -> HDEF, HECI -> IMEI, GFX0 -> IGPU, Under Generate Options, check PluginType
2. Boot: Arguments: dart=0, -disablegfxfirmware, darkwake=8
3. CPU: Under type, enter "Unknown" and edit the AppleSystemInfo.strings file with the correct CPU information
4. Devices: IntelGFX=0x59128086, Audio=1, Under Properties, check UseIntelHDMI
5. Graphics: Inject Intel, ig-platform-id=0x59120000
6. Kernel and Kext Patches: enter Icon, USB & WiFi/BT patch strings
7. SMBIOS: iMac 18,3

Kexts
Googlescape the Interblock and grab the latest versions available from their respective peddlers. For the record, I used:

1. FakeSMC.kext
2. FakeSMC_ACPISensors.kext
3. FakeSMC_CPUSensors.kext
4. FakeSMC_GPUSensors.kext
5. FakeSMC_LPCSensors.kext
6. IntelGraphicsFixup.kext
7. IntelMausiEthernet.kext
8. USBInjectAll.kext
   
9. FakePCIID.kext
   
10. FakePCIID_Broadcom_Wifi.kext
    
11. BcrmFirmwareRepo.kext
    
12. BcrmPatchRAM2.kext
13. Lilu.kext
14. AppleALC.kext

I used KextBeast to install the kexts in /System/Library/Extensions, but you could manually place them in /Clover/kexts/Other.

SSDTs
I followed Rehabman's directions to create an SSDT to inject only the rear USB ports on the I/O panel and the one for the WiFi/BT on the motherboard. Everything works perfectly. The SSDT I created can be pilfered in the attachment section below. Place the SSDT file in /Clover/ACPI/patched.

Graphics
Intel graphics work great. I have 3D acceleration while running a 4K resolution @60Hz over DisplayPort using SwitchResX. There are other ways (read free) to achieve 4K@60Hz, but I had already purchased SwitchResX before those became prominent so I cannot comment on their merit. For those that are interested, I am using an Accell active DisplayPort>HDMI adapter connected to a 4K Sony Bravia LCD TV.

Sound
HDMI/DisplayPort audio works perfectly. All the available audio options (HDMI/DP, optical, & analog) work and are selectable in the Control Panel.

Networking
Ethernet works perfectly with IntelMausiEthernet. Wifi and Bluetooth work after swapping the stock Intel card for the Broadcom and the patches mentioned above.

Audio/Sleep
LILU + AppleALC + ACPI options above work great. Audio is reliable and continues to work after the machine wakes from sleep.

USB
See above SSDT section. Custom SSDT injects the correct ports and I have no issues. USB 2.0 & 3.0 work as expected. I have not tested the USB C port because I have no compatible devices.

Power/Thermals
The PicoPSU is more than adequate given the hardware selection.

Thermals are not currently that great, due to the tiny case with poor airflow. Idles in the low to mid-50s and I have seen it peak as high as 78 while under full load/torture testing with yes. I currently only have the CPU/HSF fan, but will most likely add another fan in future.

Continuity/Hand Off/AirDrop/iMessage/Facetime/App Store/System Updates
They all work without a hitch.

Performance
Geekbench: https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/6399243

 

[giacomoleopardo]

This is a very interesting build. A couple of questions:
Did you try multi monitor?
What about the thunderbolt 3 rear port? Does it work?

 

[kphs]

To answer both of your questions: I have not.

 

[giacomoleopardo]

Does system report show something under Thunderbolt? (If not, that doesn't necessary mean thunderbolt doesn't work).
Any chance in the near future you (or anybody else) can try dual (or triple) monitor?

 

[Macbooky]

how did you yet to make the 'Intel Core i5' to show up? I only get 'unknown' ..

 

[kphs]

Edit AppleSystemInfo.strings.

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2017/01/13/how-to-modify-about-this-mac-hackintosh/

how did you yet to make the 'Intel Core i5' to show up? I only get 'unknown' ..

View attachment 310741

 

[AN125]

Do you use it for Photoshop?

 

[kphs]

I have not.

Do you use it for Photoshop?

 

[Rhys_Pieces]

I built a setup using the same parts, but my biggest issue is that I cannot seem to get Thunderbolt working as I use the machine in my home studio and have an Apollo twin. I have used your setup fils to get it stable for the most part but drowning trying to get Thunderbolt working. Any guidance o direction would be totally appreciated.

 

[kphs]

I wish I could help but I do not currently have any Thunderbolt devices to test.