Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Slugnet's Video Editor
GA-Z77X-UD5H / i7-3770k / 16GB RAM / GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 660 Ti

​

Components

Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R21JK4/

Intel Core i7-3770K Quad-Core Processor 3.5 GHz 6 MB Cache LGA 1155 - BX80637I73770K
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SZ0EOW/

GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 660 Ti WINDFORCE 2X OC Edition 2048MB GDDR5 PCI-Express 3.0 2x DVI / HDMI / DP SLI Ready Graphics Card Graphics Cards GV-N66TOC-2GD
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UG2W20/

Cooler Master GX 750W Power Supply with Active PFC (RS750-ACAAD3-US)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035WTD2Q/

Corsair Vengeance 16 GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz PC3 240 Pin DIMM Memory CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EWUO22

SanDisk Extreme SSD 240 GB SATA 6.0 Gb-s 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive SDSSDX-240G-G25
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EKJ8UI/

Pioneer Electronics USA Blu Ray Computer Drive, BDR-2207B5PK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00834SING/

NZXT Technologies Source 210 Computer Case
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005869A7K


Already Owned

Apple OS X Mountian Lion @ App Store

Apple Keyboard
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Keyboard-Numeric-MB110LL-VERSION/dp/B005DLDTAE

ASUS PA246Q 24-Inch Professional Super-IPS Full-HD LCD Monitor
http://www.amazon.com/PA246Q-24-Inch-Professional-Super-IPS-Full-HD/dp/B005NM8PB6

1 TB Windows 7 Drive - Western Digital 1 TB WD Green SATA II Intellipower 64 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VFJ9MK/

2 TB Mac Scratch Drive (for non SSD apps/files) - Western Digital 2 TB WD Green SATA III Intellipower 64 MB Cache Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VFJ9MK

Firewire 800 Syba Low Profile PCI-Express 1394b/1394a (2B1A) Card, TI Chipset, Extra Regular Bracket SD-PEX30009
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002S53IG8

Comments:

Background
This is my second Hackintosh system. My previous system is about a year old, and has served me very well doing professional video editing work. When my wife's Early 2009 iMac wasn't powerful enough for her to play Guild Wars 2, we decided it was time to upgrade her system. So, she ended up with my "old" editing system I built about a year ago (http://www.tonymacx86.com/user-buil...-ud2h-b3-i7-2600k-evga-geforce-gtx-560-a.html), and I got to have fun building a new hack. I did have a pretty limited budget, so I put the money into components and not cosmetics. So, I didn't end up with a very sexy case, and am using the stock CPU cooling fan (SSD beat out the CPU liquid cooler). These are items that I would like to upgrade in the near future. I haven't tried any overclocking yet, but may in the future as well.

The Install

UEFI BIOS
Update BIOS to latest version F14: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4139#bios

Set BIOS using this guide: http://www.tonymacx86.com/99-quick-guide-configuring-uefi-gigabyte-s-7-series-lga-1155-boards.html
Note that you can't boot from UEFI designations when setting boot devices, only drives labeled SATA or P0

UniBeast
I installed with my monitor attached to the 660 Ti. Works flawlessly, no boot arguments needed.

MultiBeast
Oct. 2, 2013 NOTE: Since writing this originally, system updates have been added that allow the 660 Ti to operate natively. I have not tested these methods as my system is stable, however general consensus suggests that they will potentially work better and more easily than the method I have outlined. If you wish to try these methods, please skip the Multibeast Configuration Steps 2 and 3 below, and refer to http://www.tonymacx86.com/252-10-8-2-brings-complete-native-support-nvidia-gf100-gf110-gk104.html and http://www.tonymacx86.com/257-nvidia-releases-mountain-lion-10-8-2-graphics-drivers.html for more information on these new methods.

You'll need to do three installs. Install the following:

MultiBeast Configuration Part 1
​

You can also install the maolj's AtherosL1cEthernet controller. This will enable the second ethernet port on the board, which helped me solve some USB and network issues.

Reboot, and run MultiBeast again, installing the following:

MultiBeast Configuration Part 2
​

Reboot, and run MultiBeast again, installing the following:

MultiBeast Configuration Part 3
​

Unless you install the 6xx support, OpenCL won't work correctly with this card, even though the card is seen natively by the OS. When I tried it all in one install step, my boot of OSX would freeze on a white screen after the apple logo, but before the login. Installing just the 6xx support also created this same problem. However, installing the Fermi >2GB patch and then the 6xx support fixed all OpenCL errors. I've tested the card extensively, and it runs great, including Final Cut X which a lot of people have reported having issues with. And, don't forget to install CUDA drivers from nVidia if you are doing work that might need them: http://www.nvidia.com/object/mac-driver-archive.html

Enabling the DVD/Bluray Drive
Also, my Bluray/DVD drive disappeared at one point due to my arrangement of the SATA plugs. And, when it did appear in OSX, it did not have DVD playback functionality, and would not open or close with the eject key on the keyboard. To fix this, I deleted the AHCI_3rdParty_SATA.kext from OSXInstallDrive > System > Library > Extensions and downloaded a replacement kext from this thread: http://www.tonymacx86.com/mountain-lion-desktop-support/60793-eject-button-ml-3.html. I've attached the file that worked for me to the bottom of this thread as well. Place the new kext on your desktop, download and run KextBeast from http://www.tonymacx86.com/downloads.php?do=cat&id=3, and reboot your system.

Updating to 10.8.2
Updating to 10.8.2 from 10.8.1 was very painless. I downloaded the Combo Update (http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1581) and installed. As expected, upon rebooting audio had stopped working. A quick reinstall of the ALC898 kext from Multibeast and a reboot fixed this. No other changes were necessary for the system to be fully functioning.

Remaining Issues
At this point, you should have a fully functioning system, with fully enable OpenCL, full audio (mine is playing fine from the green jack), full dvd and disc burning support, and pretty much everything else. My minor issues left are:

Issue 1 - USB 3 (SOLVED):
At this point, I cannot get the USB 3.0 ports on the board to work as 3.0 ports. As per this post: http://www.tonymacx86.com/lion-desk...te-uefi-motherboards-xhci-mode-explained.html, when xHCI is disabled, the ports work fine as USB 2.0. When set in any of the three other modes, the ports cease functioning completely in OSX.

SOLUTION: While testing for this, I managed to get myself into a kernel panic situation that I couldn't recover from. So, I booted into Windows 7 with MacDrive enabled, deleted the Extra folder and my System>Library>Extensions folder, then rebooted and reinstalled ML over the old install. I followed my original Multibeast install process, updated to 10.8.1, deleted the original AHCI_3rdParty_SATA.kext installed in System>Library>Extras (it is very important to delete the old kext first, as I initially tried to just install over the old which did not work), and installed the replacement AHCI_3rdParty_SATA.kext with Kextbeast. I hooked up a 3TB Western Digital MyBook drive, plus a USB Microphone and USB hub with a webcam plugged in, and restarted the computer with xHCI set to Auto. I now have full USB 3.0 support with Blackmagic Disk Speed Test results of 104.5MB/s in both write and read categories. I've added images at the end of this post.

I should also note that, after getting everything working, I also connected the USB 3.0 3.5" Front Panel that came with the motherboard to the F_USB30_1 on the motherboard (which I had seen other people report as not working in their build). I have full USB 3.0 support through it, with speeds very similar to my other Blackmagic Speed Tests. That gives me 6 fully functioning USB 3.0 ports on this system. However, USB 2 does not seem to be working through these plugs.

Issue 2 - Network Issues (SOLVED):
After sleep, or occasionally on reboot, my network connection disappears. The Network Preference dialogue says that there is no cable plugged in, however it still shows as connected with an IP that in no way matches my actual network settings.

SOLUTION: I installed the maolj's AtherosL1cEthernet controller from Multibeast and switched my ethernet cable to the second plug on the motherboard. Since doing so, Ethernet 2 in my Network Preferences has been working perfectly, although Ethernet 1 still is showing as connected and pulling a strange IP address.

Issue 3 - USB Drives Disconnect with Sleep:
After sleep, any USB drives that I have connected give an improper disconnect notice and are no longer mounted. Once the computer wakes up, the drives remount. For now, I've disabled auto-sleep for the system, as I often have render projects and a couple of USB network accessible drives that I need not to go offline. I can still put the system to sleep manually if I am not needing to render or access these drives.

Issue 4 - iMessage:
Sometime in late 2012, iMessage stopped working for most people. I can confirm that updating Chimera to version 2.0 fixes this issue, and does not seem to introduce any other problems to the system. More information can be found here: http://www.tonymacx86.com/336-chimera-2-0-now-available-imessage-login-fix.html To install, simply download the installer, and install on your boot drive. Please note, newer versions of Multibeast will contain this (or a newer) version of Chimera, so if you are doing a new build with a release of Multibeast newer than February 19, 2013, you probably already have this or a higher version of Chimera installed. Check your iMessage functionality before applying this fix.


Summary and Notes

Fully Working

• OSX Mountain Lion 10.8.2
• GeForce 660 Ti with OpenCL and Final Cut Pro X
• Green Audio Jack
• Ethernet 2 Connection
• DVD playback/burning
• Windows 7 secondary boot drive
• Firewire 800 through expansion card
• USB 3.0 support
• USB 3.0 function of front 3.5" panel plugged into F_USB30_1 on motherboard
• iMessage

Not Working

• USB disconnects after sleep
• USB 2.0 function of front 3.5" panel plugged into F_USB30_1 on motherboard

Untested

• eSata
• On-board Firewire 400
• HD4000 on-board graphics capabilities

Reference 1: Enabling CUDA in Adobe Premiere and After Effects:
I've added this section because people keep asking how to enable CUDA acceleration in Adobe products. It is a very simple process, and was answered very early on in the the thread. So, I am now providing a link to that answer: http://www.tonymacx86.com/golden-bu...gigabyte-geforce-gtx-660-ti-3.html#post447744

Reference 2: How to Multiboot Windows and OSX
I've added this section because people keep asking how to multiboot. It is a very simple process, and was answered very early on in the the thread. So, I am now providing a link to that answer:
http://www.tonymacx86.com/golden-builds/70530-slugnets-video-editor-ga-z77x-ud5h-i7-3770k-gigabyte-geforce-gtx-660-ti-5.html#post450917

Conclusion
All in all, I am very happy with this build. While not lightyears beyond my previous build (see http://www.tonymacx86.com/user-buil...-ud2h-b3-i7-2600k-evga-geforce-gtx-560-a.html) I am getting better performance and have a stable working environment. Especially exciting for me are the upgrade to the SSD drive, which has revolutionized my functional OS speeds, and upgrading the video card to the 660 Ti, which is especially notable as an improvement when I boot into the Windows side for gaming.

Here are some screenshots/benchmarks (please note screenshots are pre 10.8.2 install):

10.8.2 Benchmarks

Geekbench: 14681 (updated for 10.8.2 . . . gained over 200 since my benchmark from when I first tested the system 10.8.1, as you can see in the screenshot below)

Luxmark GPU: 1034

Luxmark CPU + GPU: 1133

Unigine Engine Heavn Benchmark

• Default Settings (Shaders medium, 4x Anisotropy, Anti-aliasing Off, 1920x1200 resolution): Score 1519, 60.3 FPS average, 25.4 FPS low, 146.1 FPS high
  
• High Settings (Shaders high, 16x Anisotropy, 8x Anti-aliasing, 1920x1200 resolution): Score 835, 33.2 FPS average, 19.9 FPS low, 90.2 FPS high

About this Mac




GeekBench Score


USB 3.0 and DVD/BD Fully Working




​

EDITS

Feb. 19, 2013
- Added information on Chimera update to fix iMessage
- Fixed date issues in the Edits list

Oct. 9, 2012
- Added information/link to full explanation on enabling CUDA in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere
- Added information/link to brief explanation on how to Multiboot Windows and OSX

Oct. 2, 2012
- Added benchmark information for 10.8.2
- Added note about video card compatibility and install methods in 10.8.2

Sep. 21, 2012
- Added information about updating from 10.8.1 to 10.8.2

Sep. 5, 2012
- Added information about additional front USB 3.0 panel
- Fixed typos and adjusted some formatting

Sep. 4, 2012
- Added USB disconnect after sleep issue

Sep. 3, 2012
- Moved USB 3.0 Support to Working section
- Updated information about USB 3.0/Network in Remaining Issues
- Added a Summary of what is working and what isn't
- Added a conclusion of my experiences with the setup

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Do you know what you did to enable the green jack for sound and if so which output setting are you using in sound preferences?

Great Build very similar to mine.

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

bump, I have the same question as above^^^^

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Other than running Multibeast with the settings above, no changes were needed to get sound working. I've attached a screenshot of my sound output settings.

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Have you tested/used HD4000?

Awesome build BTW.

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Thanks! At this point the system is rock steady and I'm loving using it.

I haven't played much with the HD4000 other than once booting with it (via DVI) rather than my 660 Ti while doing some troubleshooting. So, I know it works, but I haven't done any benchmarks or fully tested for OpenCL , HDMI audio, or tried multiple monitors. From my understanding, the HD4000 should be fully supported in ML, but aside from that I can't really comment. If I get some time, this might be something I'll play with in the future, but for now I don't have much more I can add.

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Thanks for getting FCPX working! Just a quick question.....do you need windows to update the BIOS?
Thanks!

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

No, not at all. The Bios update can be done via the boot tool Q-Flash (I believe you hit the END key on your keyboard to launch it instead of DEL to launch the Bios . . . it should say on the splash screen when you turn on your computer) rather then from the Windows or Dos update programs.

All you need is to download the latest Bios version (F14 for me at the time of this writing, available from http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4139#bios) and, even though it is an EXE file, you can extract it using your favorite un-archive program. I personally have Keka installed (a free open source program available at http://www.kekaosx.com/en/), but there are many such as Stuffit Expander (also free, from http://www.stuffit.com/mac-expander.html). Once you've extracted the archive, you need a USB thumb drive formatted to FAT (which you can do in Disk Utility), copy the files from the archive you extracted, reboot and then run the Q-Flash Bios update tool, using the files off the USB thumb drive to update the Bios.

Please be very careful doing this, as you can seriously screw up the board if you mess up. Full directions on Bios updating from Gigabyte can be found here: http://www.gigabyte.com/webpage/20/HowToReflashBIOS.html

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Followed a different guide and got kernal panics on boot screen, re-installed and followed yours - works a charm! Can't thank you enough!

 

[Success]: Slugnet's Video Editor - GA-Z77X-UD5H, i7-3770k, Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti

Glad to be of help! Enjoy your new rig!