[SOLVED] Can I build a X99S-SLI-PLUS Hackintosh (no on-board graphics)?

[Razva]

Hey,

At this point I have this build:

• X99S-SLI-PLUS
  
• Intel i7-6850K
  
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080

Unfortunately, as everybody knows, GTX 1080 has no web drivers so...bad luck. I don't want to return the 1080 because it has great performance on Windows + Steam, so I was thinking to add a secondary video card.

Here are my questions:

1. Is there any video card that "just works" with macOS, without the need to install other kexts? I have a Radeon HD 7850 but found it nearly impossible to install, so I had my fair share of "experiences".
   
2. I'll spend most of my time with macOS but, when I want to play, can I just un/plug de monitors from the "Mac video card" to the 1080? Do I need to make any "special settings" in order for this to work, or will macOS just ignore the 1080?
3. If I'll add another nVidia card, will it "conflict" with the 1080 or be a pain in the arse to install?
4. What is the cheapest (nVidia?) card that supports 3 monitors in macOS? I won't do any gaming, just a lot of Terminals (and maybe a little bit of Photoshop).
5. The X99S-SLI-PLUS doesn't have an integrated/Intel card. Will I be able to boot&install with the "Mac card" directly, without requiring to install via the Intel card then install the nVidia drivers?

Thank you,
Razva

 

[Adrian B]

A GTX 760 should be inexpensive to find on eBay/Craigslist and will work with the native nvidia drivers within macOS. You will be able to use 3 1080P monitors without issue.

Standard display connections: One Dual Link DVI-I, One Dual Link DVI-D, One HDMI, One DisplayPort
A GTX 760 uses 2x6 pin power connections and provides a maximum power draw of 170W

 

[Razva]

I'm located in EU and eBay shipping is so slow. :\

Unfortunately the GTX 760 is out of my budget, I'm looking for something around $100.

 

[Adrian B]

A GTX650, GTX 660 or GTX 670 would also work but going to some lower spec models will not provide you with three working monitors. Avoid AMD card with X99 as they require and additional helper working card or integrated graphics for macOS (need to avoid using the UEFI on the GPU as this prevents booting.

If you can find a cheap GT 710 then the two digital connections will allow two monitors with macOS - avoid the GT 720 and GT730 versions of this series.

 

[Razva]

Avoid AMD card with X99 as they require and additional helper working card or integrated graphics for macOS (need to avoid using the UEFI on the GPU as this prevents booting.

I was thinking at this, as being advised here. Is it a bad choice?

 

[Adrian B]

Avoid AMD with X99

EDIT:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/macos-sierra-pb-need-testers-for-new-amd-radeon-drivers.197273/

try setting iGPU = Primary in your BIOS. In case your CPU doesn't have integrated graphics, a 2nd dGPU might also do the trick.

Or a third GPU if you also have a 1080 on the motherboard.

 

[Razva]

Avoid AMD with X99

Ok, I'll trust your experience. Can you please let me know what's the best choice from here? I really appreciate your effort!

Later edit: will this do the trick?

Later edit 2: do you think that it's best to just change the motherboard and get an RX 460 in order to be "future proof"?

 

[Adrian B]

Basic level GT710 card for simple office level use (2 monitors using HDMI and DVI-D connections only):
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video...t-710-1gb-ddr3-64bit-low-profile-hdmi-110322/
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video...710-silent-1gb-ddr3-64bit-low-profile-111124/
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video/asus/nvidia-geforce-gt-710-1gb-ddr3-64bit-low-profile-110321/
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video/zotac/geforce-gt-710-1gb-ddr3-64bit-117586/


GT 740 Three monitor support using DVI and HDMI - Could require additional NVIDIA drivers for macOS:
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video/gigabyte/nvidia-geforce-gt-740-1gb-ddr5-128bit-70489/
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video/gigabyte/nvidia-geforce-gt-740-2gb-ddr5-128bit-69826/
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video/gigabyte/nvidia-geforce-gt-740-oc-2gb-ddr5-128bit-v2-101612/


GTX750Ti Three monitor support using digital connections - Must use additional nvidia drivers:
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video/gigabyte/nvidia-geforce-gtx-750-ti-1gb-ddr5-128bit-104960/
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video/gigabyte/nvidia-geforce-gtx-750-ti-oc-2gb-ddr5-128bit-79457/

GTX950 Thre monitor support using digital connections - Must Use additional NVIDIA drivers:
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video...-strix-directcu-ii-oc-2gb-ddr5-128bit-101498/
https://www.itgalaxy.ro/placi-video/zotac/nvidia-geforce-gtx-950-amp-edition-2gb-ddr5-128bit-100203/

I have probably busted the $100 with some of these options. I have tried to provide you with a comprehensive list of hardware that will work with your requirements. Photoshop will always work better (faster) with the more powerful cards. I wouldn't worry about the nvidia drivers as you can install macOS and just add them to get proper acceleration.

You can get an idea of the relative performance of these cards with the following link:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...-2017-hierarchy-chart-by-toms-hardware.81325/

When you install macOS remove all windows drives from the motherboard and disconnect the 1080. Use a single monitor during for the install process. The fewer complexities the easier it is likely to be to install macOS smoothly.

For booting windows and macOS:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/forums/multi-booting.153/

 

[Razva]

I have probably busted the $100 with some of these options. I have tried to provide you with a comprehensive list of hardware that will work with your requirements. Photoshop will always work better (faster) with the more powerful cards. I wouldn't worry about the nvidia drivers as you can install macOS and just add them to get proper acceleration.

YOU. ARE. AWESOME!!! Thank you so, so much!!!

Last question would be this: do you think that it's best to just change the motherboard and get an RX 460 in order to be "future proof"?

 

[Adrian B]

AMD 'support' is really still at 2012/2013 levels with the HD7970 and R9 280X. El Capitan introduced obstacles in booting AMD cards that has continued with Sierra.
Apple are likely to use AMD in upcoming models released over the next few months. I would not recommend using AMD at this point in time (with El Capitan and Sierra) as there are a number of issues with the newer RX 460, 470 and 480 cards. AMD will release RX500 in a few months - will Apple renew the MacPro and what graphics will the top end iMac use?

AMD cards are running better in genuine Apple hardware than on PC hardware. There are problems using FCPX with newer cards in PC hardware - they are crashing the computer which you do not need in a production environment (the reason many are testing with AMD cards).

If you want stability use nvidia. if you have a second build and are willing to experiment with RX GPU cards then you are welcome to do so.

If you want Z170 or Z270 hardware then it is easier to use than X99 - You may need a new board, CPU and possibly RAM too.