[Guide] HP 6300 Pro / HP 8300 Elite - A 100 percent Working and Easily Affordable CustoMac

[trs96]

I'm looking between two 6300 TW models. One has an Intel Core i3 -3220, and the other a Intel Core i5-3470. I'm going to be upgrading later to an i7 processor. But I wanted to see if both these i3 and i5 CPU's can work when initially hacking this up? I'd rather save money and get the cheaper i3, and then test the hack and then upgrade to an i7 CPU if all working.

Either one will work. Both will need a dedicated graphics card. See the buying options at the beginning of the guide.
The i7-3770 chip has HD4000 which is supported. You could save money by buying that and using integrated graphics. Saves the cost of a 50-100 dollar graphics card. HD4000 graphics will also have support throughout Mojave later this year and next. It already works in the betas.

I have no doubt that any i3, i5 or i7 Ivy bridge desktop CPU will work. 1000s of people have these working without issues.

 

[soundbase]

Either one will work. Both will need a dedicated graphics card. See the buying options at the beginning of the guide.
The i7-3770 chip has HD4000 which is supported. You could save money by buying that and using integrated graphics. Saves the cost of a 50-100 dollar graphics card. HD4000 graphics will also have support throughout Mojave later this year and next. It already works in the betas.

I have no doubt that any i3, i5 or i7 Ivy bridge desktop CPU will work. 1000s of people have these working without issues.

Oh! Awesome didn't know the i7-3770 chip gives it HD4000 support. Thats awesome, and also saves on getting an extra card. Thanks so much for the info.

So basically if I get a 6300, replace the CPU, then I can carry on with the Hackintosh install?

And also does that mean it uses the the available ram for the video graphics. So if I have 32GB Installed it will use vram from that?

 

[trs96]

So basically if I get a 6300, replace the CPU, then I can carry on with the Hackintosh install?

And also does that mean it uses the the available ram for the video graphics. So if I have 32GB Installed it will use vram from that?

Yes, you need a Displayport cable or a DP to HDMI cable/adapter if your monitor only has HDMI.
Yes, igfx always use some of the system ram to function.

From the guide in post #1

If you have a CPU with HD4000 graphics you can use your HP's onboard DisplayPort output. If your LCD monitor only has VGA input then use a DP to VGA adapter. That is the best option until you can get a newer digital input monitor. Onboard Intel HD2500 graphics have limited support in macOS Sierra so don't plan on using an I3-3220, I5-3470 or other HD2500 CPU without a dedicated graphics card.

​

 

[soundbase]

Yes, you need a Displayport cable or a DP to HDMI cable/adapter if your monitor only has HDMI.
Yes, igfx always use some of the system ram to function.

From the guide in post #1

If you have a CPU with HD4000 graphics you can use your HP's onboard DisplayPort output. If your LCD monitor only has VGA input then use a DP to VGA adapter. That is the best option until you can get a newer digital input monitor. Onboard Intel HD2500 graphics have limited support in macOS Sierra so don't plan on using an I3-3220, I5-3470 or other HD2500 CPU without a dedicated graphics card.

​

Another thing, if you're using the onboard graphics with an i7 3770, how far up can the graphics ram go up. I think I saw somewhere on the HP site that it can go up to 1.7GB for the 8300/6300? Is this correct? Or can it go higher if you have more RAM?

 

[trs96]

Another thing, if you're using the onboard graphics with an i7 3770, how far up can the graphics ram go up. I think I saw somewhere on the HP site that it can go up to 1.7GB for the 8300/6300? Is this correct? Or can it go higher if you have more RAM?

Max shared memory HD4000 can use is 1720mb. Having more ram won't make it go any higher. Some have tried hacks to change this but there is really no point in trying that. For a single 1080p or 1440p monitor it is much more than adequate.

 

[soundbase]

Max shared memory HD4000 can use is 1720mb. Having more ram won't make it go any higher. Some have tried hacks to change this but there is really no point in trying that. For a single 1080p or 1440p monitor it is much more than adequate.

Thanks @trs96. Awesome. For now I'm using one 1080p display. So should be fine now. Will look at a dedicated graphics card later after the initial build.

 

[DomFree]

@trs96 thanks man, for your dedication on this HP configs.

I still have the same issue, with gtx 1050 2GB with 2 monitors, one on DP and the other on DVI-d

Black screen for about 2-3 seconds (only on the DP monitor) frequently when i'm using Photoshop or lightroom.

I change the DP cable for HDMi to try with other port, first work well...but after a few time "black screens" again.

I make the SSDT script, firts time works well without issues, but the black screens on the DP monitor continues..

Maybe you can help me Checkin my config list. thanks

I'm considering to return to my old FX 1800



<?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>ACPI</key>
<dict>
<key>DSDT</key>
<dict>
<key>Debug</key>
<false/>
<key>DropOEM_DSM</key>
<false/>
<key>Name</key>
<string>DSDT.aml</string>
<key>Patches</key>
<array>
<dict>
<key>Comment</key>
<string>change EHC1 to EH01</string>
<key>Disabled</key>
<false/>
<key>Find</key>
<data>
RUhDMQ==
</data>
<key>Replace</key>
<data>
RUgwMQ==
</data>
</dict>
<dict>
<key>Comment</key>
<string>change EHC2 to EH02</string>
<key>Disabled</key>
<false/>
<key>Find</key>
<data>
RUhDMg==
</data>
<key>Replace</key>
<data>
RUgwMg==
</data>
</dict>
</array>
<key>ReuseFFFF</key>
<false/>
</dict>
<key>DropTables</key>
<array>
<dict>
<key>Signature</key>
<string>SSDT</string>
<key>TableId</key>
<string>Cpu0Ist</string>
</dict>
<dict>
<key>Signature</key>
<string>SSDT</string>
<key>TableId</key>
<string>CpuPm</string>
</dict>
</array>
<key>SSDT</key>
<dict>
<key>DropOem</key>
<false/>
<key>Generate</key>
<dict>
<key>CStates</key>
<false/>
<key>PStates</key>
<false/>
</dict>
</dict>
</dict>
<key>Boot</key>
<dict>
<key>Arguments</key>
<string>dart=0</string>
<key>DefaultVolume</key>
<string>MacOS</string>
<key>Legacy</key>
<string>PBR</string>
<key>Log</key>
<true/>
<key>Secure</key>
<false/>
<key>Timeout</key>
<integer>3</integer>
<key>XMPDetection</key>
<false/>
</dict>
<key>Devices</key>
<dict>
<key>Audio</key>
<dict>
<key>Inject</key>
<string>1</string>
</dict>
<key>FakeID</key>
<dict>
<key>ATI</key>
<string>0x0</string>
<key>IMEI</key>
<string>0x0</string>
<key>IntelGFX</key>
<string>0x0</string>
<key>LAN</key>
<string>0x0</string>
<key>NVidia</key>
<string>0x0</string>
<key>SATA</key>
<string>0x0</string>
<key>WIFI</key>
<string>0x0</string>
<key>XHCI</key>
<string>0x0</string>
</dict>
<key>USB</key>
<dict>
<key>FixOwnership</key>
<false/>
<key>Inject</key>
<false/>
</dict>
</dict>
<key>DisableDrivers</key>
<array>
<string>Nothing</string>
</array>
<key>GUI</key>
<dict>
<key>Hide</key>
<array>
<string>Windows</string>
<string>\EFI\BOOT\BOOTX64.EFI</string>
</array>
<key>Language</key>
<string>en:0</string>
<key>Mouse</key>
<dict>
<key>Enabled</key>
<true/>
<key>Speed</key>
<integer>8</integer>
</dict>
<key>Scan</key>
<dict>
<key>Entries</key>
<true/>
<key>Legacy</key>
<string>First</string>
<key>Tool</key>
<true/>
</dict>
<key>ScreenResolution</key>
<string>1920x1080</string>
<key>Theme</key>
<string>tonymacx86</string>
</dict>
<key>Graphics</key>
<dict>
<key>BootDisplay</key>
<integer>2</integer>
<key>DualLink</key>
<integer>1</integer>
<key>Inject</key>
<dict>
<key>ATI</key>
<false/>
<key>Intel</key>
<false/>
<key>NVidia</key>
<false/>
</dict>
<key>VRAM</key>
<integer>2047</integer>
<key>VideoPorts</key>
<integer>2</integer>
</dict>
<key>KernelAndKextPatches</key>
<dict>
<key>#FakeCPUID</key>
<string>0x010676</string>
<key>AppleIntelCPUPM</key>
<true/>
<key>AppleRTC</key>
<true/>
<key>KernelCpu</key>
<false/>
<key>KernelLapic</key>
<false/>
<key>KernelPm</key>
<true/>
<key>KernelXCPM</key>
<false/>
<key>KextsToPatch</key>
<array>
<dict>
<key>Comment</key>
<string>External icons patch</string>
<key>Disabled</key>
<false/>
<key>Find</key>
<data>
RXh0ZXJuYWw=
</data>
<key>Name</key>
<string>AppleAHCIPort</string>
<key>Replace</key>
<data>
SW50ZXJuYWw=
</data>
</dict>
</array>
</dict>
<key>RtVariables</key>
<dict>
<key>BooterConfig</key>
<string>0x28</string>
<key>CsrActiveConfig</key>
<string>0x67</string>
</dict>
<key>SMBIOS</key>
<dict>
<key>BiosReleaseDate</key>
<string>10/12/2012</string>
<key>BiosVendor</key>
<string>Apple Inc.</string>
<key>BiosVersion</key>
<string>IM131.88Z.010A.B05.1210121459</string>
<key>Board-ID</key>
<string>Mac-FC02E91DDD3FA6A4</string>
<key>BoardManufacturer</key>
<string>Apple Inc.</string>
<key>BoardType</key>
<integer>10</integer>
<key>ChassisAssetTag</key>
<string>iMac-Aluminum</string>
<key>ChassisManufacturer</key>
<string>Apple Inc.</string>
<key>ChassisType</key>
<string>13</string>
<key>Family</key>
<string>iMac</string>
<key>Manufacturer</key>
<string>Apple Inc.</string>
<key>Mobile</key>
<false/>
<key>ProductName</key>
<string>iMac13,2</string>
<key>SerialNumber</key>
<string></string>
<key>Trust</key>
<false/>
<key>Version</key>
<string>1.0</string>
</dict>
<key>SystemParameters</key>
<dict>
<key>InjectKexts</key>
<string>Detect</string>
<key>InjectSystemID</key>
<true/>
<key>NvidiaWeb</key>
<true/>
</dict>
</dict>
</plist>

 

[trs96]

@trs96 thanks man, for your dedication on this HP configs.

I still have the same issue, with gtx 1050 2GB with 2 monitors, one on DP and the other on DVI-d

Black screen for about 2-3 seconds (only on the DP monitor) frequently when i'm using Photoshop or lightroom.

I change the DP cable for HDMi to try with other port, first work well...but after a few time "black screens" again.

I make the SSDT script, firts time works well without issues, but the black screens on the DP monitor continues..

Maybe you can help me Checkin my config list. thanks

I'm considering to return to my old FX 1800

You could try setting legacy support to enabled in your BIOS and see if that makes a difference.
Leave Secure Boot disabled of course.

 

[phrozenpenguin]

Having done a CMT and USDT version of these I'm now working on a SFF version. Just seen the details on replacing the front (CPU) fan which is great and will work on obtaining one of those. Has anybody replaced the PSU fan as well with something quiet? Yes I'm aware opening PSUs can be dangerous...but happy to be careful

 

[trs96]

Having done a CMT and USDT version of these I'm now working on a SFF version. Just seen the details on replacing the front (CPU) fan which is great and will work on obtaining one of those. Has anybody replaced the PSU fan as well with something quiet? Yes I'm aware opening PSUs can be dangerous...but happy to be careful

Sounds like you watched the Phil's Computer Lab video. I've never really been bothered by the stock fans in my HP 6300 MT as I have them spin down to a lower RPM (500) by lowering the fan idle mode. As a test I unplugged both the front and rear case fans and found that I could barely hear the PSU fan. So I really have no reason to replace that. If you test this way and the PSU fan is not too loud, just replace the front 92mm fan with the Arctic. Another option is to just buy a replacement HP SFF PSU that has a fan in better condition. They are dirt cheap on Ebay and you'll always have a backup PSU on hand if you ever need it.

So the first step is to just replace the front CPU cooler fan and see if you can live with the noise level after that swap. If you do change the PSU fan to make the noise levels lower, avoid touching the rectifier, capacitors etc. In the video Phil says the process is the same as replacing the front case/cpu fan. Take out 4 screws, install the fan and connect the 4 pin connector. He didn't mention any need to cut cables and do any soldering of wires. So it should be straight forward. Of course, this must all be done while the PSU is removed from the case and the power cord completely removed. Be aware of the risk of electrical shock when doing this and take all precautions to prevent that. I don't recommend that anyone do this procedure still, I know that some will want to try and get a quieter PSU.