[SUCCESS] Gigabyte Designare Z390 (Thunderbolt 3) + i7-9700K + AMD RX 580

[Mightymouseuk007]

If you are not a Thunderbolt user then you aren't missing anything. However, if you are then you are missing quite a bit.

I use a Promise Pegasus R4 Tb3 storage array and a UAD quad audio interface (TB2 to TB3 adapter) and I have not had any problems. Don't really do and hot plugging

 

[CaseySJ]

Thanks Casey. Attached is my config.plist

I've attached the one using the framebuffer patch from this guide as that was my last working config before updating to Catalina.

Further to my testing: if I remove device properties (i.e. framebuffer patch), enable Graphics->Inject Intel, and (as iGPU is fully supported) leave Fake ID IntelGFX blank - then the system works fine with TB-DP monitor, however if I hot plug the HDMI cable the whole system crashes and reboots instantly. With this config the system won't boot at all either. At least if I used the framebuffer hotpluging the HDMI didn't cause a reboot!

In case it matters I'm using WEG 1.3.6 + Lilu 1.4.1

Please try the attached config.plist -- just copy serial numbers back into SMBIOS/RtVariables. Not much is different in this version, so if the problem continues, we can try adding other options such at DVMT Pre-Alloc.

• What is the make/model of your monitor?
• Are you using any video adapters or straight HDMI-to-HDMI connection?

 

[CaseySJ]

WOW! I've found the solution!
Just change the shikigva=32 to shikivga=80.
and done!

P E R F E C T!

now everything works like a charm.
Thanks guys, im very happy!

Thanks, my airplay and sidecar never worked. Changing to that value worked!!

I've added the following note to Catalina Mini-Guide:

---

 

[CaseySJ]

@CaseySJ, I’m thinking on implementing a way to remote start and login to my hackintosh (used this build guide with same mobo) and I saw you mentioned IPMI somewhere. Is this a possibility? The problem is I usually turn off the computer when I go to class but when I need to access it, it’s always off. I switched to Ethernet recently instead of my spotty WiFi card. I know I can’t use wake for network access too. Not sure a way to get around that besides Raspberry Pi to send keystrokes to wake it up... thoughts?

IPMI is generally implemented on servers and provides a really effective means of remote control and diagnostics. It is not, however, available on consumer boards like the Designer Z390. However, you should be able to use Wake for Network Access. Because you've removed the WiFi card, it means you won't suffer from degraded WiFi speeds after the system wakes -- you will have exactly 0 Mbps WiFi all the time!

Have you already tried Wake for Network Access?

 

[CaseySJ]

I've completed my first ever PC build - a Hackintosh! Many thanks to everyone who's contributed to this extensive build guide. My build seems to work perfectly except I'm not sure the Thunderbolt is working. I purchased a USB-C to Lightning cable to connect my iPad/iPhones, but none of those devices show up using the cable in any of the three available USB-C ports. I read through a lot of threads re: Thunderbolt problems, but most were unrelated to my issue, many not even using the Designare board like I'm using. It sounds like it should be working natively according to everyone here. I am getting power through them, but no data. I may be missing something simple perhaps? Any help is appreciated. I was really looking forward to the Thunderbolt/USB-C feature. Thanks in advance.

Specs:

i9 9900K CPU
Radeon RX 580 GPU
64GB 3600Mhz RAM
Zalman CPU Liquid Cooler
Gigabyte Designare Z390 MB
850w EVGA Power Supply
Corsair Carbide Case
Fenvi Wifi/Bluetooth
3 Case Fans/Cables
2TB Pioneer NVMe M.2
4TB HDD

Unfortunately, there are two issues with this:

• First, as has been mentioned by Scott, we have intentionally disabled USB 2.0 protocol from all USB-C ports in order to stay within the limit of 15 USB ports.
• Second, iOS devices only support USB 2.0 protocol over their Lightning connectors with the exception of 2018 iPad Pros, which support USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. But to use USB 3.0, we need a third-party USB-C cable that specifically supports USB 3.0, such as this one.
  • We can, however, use Lightning to USB-A cables as well.

 

[CaseySJ]

Hello,

I have followed the site for years but just never the right time. I saw this post and success with a focusrite Thunderbolt 2pre. I have the Focusrite 8pre
TB1. Killer latency on my old ass Mb pro but I’ve just about had it w Apple locking us in a cage with limited choices and the gaping void between prosumer and pro in price. My goals are to run Logic X and have a decent 4K editing system for video. Sorry for the blind post CaseyJ can you direct me to your build instructions I’m grabbing up the parts for this build over the weekend. Not concerned about WiFi or anything other than Logic and the 8-pre focusrite at first. I’ll try to work out the 4K edit side on the PC w premier. Anyways sorry for the rambling I just blew 4 hours getting OBS working on a Dell G7 with a horrible conflicts between 630 intel and the GTX. This throttling issue makes this laptop unreliable and frankly a POS joke. Disabled one GPU in the DM and presto. I was like ahh my old girlfriend the PC I had literally left it behind running XP, pro fools and an AMD yes that long ago. Ancient stuff but believe it my old rack DAW still boots and runs 32 tracks of pro tools and waves stuff easy. The kicker though is all AAX 32 bit stuff I paid for light years ago. Can’t justify a MacBook Pro, or an Icrap and frankly the stock logic plug ins and the workflow of Logic tickles my fancy over the clunky pro tools 12 and all of the nightmares that go along with it. So here I go guys I’m back on the wagon after 10 years of no PC but before that I built my first daw in 1998 and literally hundreds after that so my old hands are scared from cheap new egg Lian Li edges and old Intel 865 chipsets with Zalmans. Lol My how time fly’s and we are still needing to do this ultra tweak stuff just to get what we want? Anyways I appreciate all the hard work and effort that goes into a site like this. I’m looking forward to this challenge. 8-Cores w 32g of ram hoping more than enough juice. I can still do 32 tracks full plug ins on the MacBook with 16x inputs low latency but it stalls on the heavier instruments with high sample polyphony.

Hello @Blindfaith71,

If you need to continue to use your 32-bit plug-ins, then Mojave is the only choice. The build guide for that is, of course, in Post #1. It's a really good idea to read through the build guide once or twice up to but not including Going the Extra Mile. The Extra Mile sections can and should be visited subsequent to the build.

The build guide for Catalina, should you need it, is located here.

 

[CaseySJ]

Ordered the low-cost version Hope you can get a mini guide going even without illustration... Ready to assume all risk!

Do you have a multimeter? I'll include instructions for checking the voltage across output pins 4 (GND) and 8 (Vcc). That voltage needs to be 3.3V.

 

[ralphonz]

Please try the attached config.plist -- just copy serial numbers back into SMBIOS/RtVariables. Not much is different in this version, so if the problem continues, we can try adding other options such at DVMT Pre-Alloc.

• What is the make/model of your monitor?
• Are you using any video adapters or straight HDMI-to-HDMI connection?

Thanks Casey, I've tried your config but with no luck. The HDMI monitor stays black while the TB-DP monitor exhibits flickering lines if booted with the HDMI monitor plugged in. The system reports the UHD 630 correctly though.

• The monitor is an AOC g2260Vwq6: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0158L13M4/?tag=tonymacx86-21
• I'm using a straight HDMI to HDMI cable.

 

[nels1]

Hello,

It's been 2 hours that I'm trying to activate the AVB/EAV mode. Forum, network forum, web reedit...no luck
It supposed to be straight forward but I miss the AVB/EAV mode tick box on the SystemPref/network/advanced!
So I wonder if I need some kext to make it work with this z390 build?
The thunderbolt 3 works perfectly on my Apollo Twin mk2 (so you can add to the supported list if you want)
But today I'd like to connect my 64 tracks Presonus console with AVB...

Thanks in advance

 

[CaseySJ]

** Mini-Guide for Flashing SPI ROM Chips using CH341A Programmer **
Please do not quote the entire mini-guide. Post a link instead.

11 Aug 2020:
Please refer to this new guide that uses a proper 3.3V low-cost USB-based CH341a Programmer

19 Dec 2021:
Warning! Thunderbolt 4 Docks will not connect to flashed Thunderbolt 3 controllers.​

Disclaimer:

• The procedure described here can brick / damage the device being modified.
• You assume all risk and liability for carrying out any of the steps listed here.
• You further understand that the steps listed here may or may not be accurate or applicable to your particular components.

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

Pin 1: 5V (/CS)	Pin 8: 3.3V (VCC)
Pin 2: 5V (DO or MISO)	Pin 7: 3.3V (/HOLD)
Pin 3: 3.3V (/WP)	Pin 6: 5V (CLK)
Pin 4: Ground	Pin 5: 5V (DI or MOSI)

Because of 5V output on SPI I/O pins, I cannot recommend the CH431a for writing to the Winbond W25Q80DV chip. However, a number of users have been successful nevertheless (i.e. without modifying the CH341a programmer in any way). You assume all risk for any damage that might occur.

While it is possible to desolder pin 28 of the large 28-pin chip and jumper it to a 3V3 line, this procedure is not recommended unless you have prior experience with soldering and desoldering. If you have the requisite experience, the modification to be made is as follows:

• Desolder pin 28 (VCC) from the CH341A chip. This will break the existing connection, which is necessary before we can connect it to a 3.3V source.
• Solder a jumper wire from pin 28 of CH341A to the bottom left capacitor (C3 in this case, but C4 in other models) and then from that capacitor to pin 2 of AMS1117 (Advanced Monolithic Systems) voltage regulator.
• Please see this blog for more details:

OOPS [Chuck Nemeth]

OOPS Until I can figure out how to properly do the 301 redirect, you're looking for this page: * MODIFY CH341A

www.chucknemeth.com

---

Pro Tips:

• Consider purchasing a USB Type A extender cable such as this one to bring the CH341a closer to the chip to be read. This can be a huge convenience.
• Avoid USB hubs and connect the CH341a directly to a USB port on the front of the case or on the rear IO panel. Disconnect any unnecessary external USB devices to allow the USB port to deliver stable voltage and the full amount of electrical current to the CH341a.

Step 1: Install flashrom on MacOS:

• First install Homebrew by copying-and-pasting the following command in Terminal:
  • /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install.sh)"
• Now install flashrom as follows:
  • brew install flashrom

Step 2: Use a Multimeter to Check Output Voltage:

• Connect your CH341a to an available USB port.
• The black receptacle contains two rows of 8 for a total of 16 pin connections. Series 25 SPI ROM chips are always connected to the left side (away from the lever) as shown here:
  
  ​
• Install the bare 8-pin connector to the left side (farthest away from lever) and note the pins. Raise the lever up to open the receptacle, insert the 8-pin connector, then lower the lever to lock the receptacle.
  
  ​
• Use Multimeter to check voltage across Pins 4 and 8. Use DC Voltage setting on the multimeter. If you see 3.3V as shown, you are okay to proceed. Otherwise STOP.
  
  ​

Step 3: Prepare GC-Titan Ridge Card

• Remove 4 screws on the back of the card in order to disconnect the faceplate.
  
  ​
• Disconnect the CH341a from the computer (i.e. turn it OFF), attach the 8-pin SOI clip. Make sure the red wire is connected to PIN 1 -- it must face the lever:
  
  ​
• Carefully attach the clip to the Winbond chip with the BLUE DOT. Squeeze and unsqueeze the spring-loaded clip slowly and gently. Never rush. Make sure PIN 1 on the clip (RED wire) is connected to the tiny blue dot or dimple on the chip.
  
  ​
• Now connect the CH341a to a USB port and check that the power LED turns on.

Step 4: Read the Flash Chip.

• First we read the contents of the flash chip and store a backup of the original ROM. We use flashrom within Terminal to read the contents 3 times and verify that all three files are identical. This gives us confidence that the chip was read correctly.

sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -r Give_the_Contents_a_Name.bin

% sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -r GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-1.bin
Password: <enter your password>
flashrom v1.2 on Darwin 19.3.0 (x86_64)
flashrom is free software, get the source code at https://flashrom.org

Calibrating delay loop... OK.
libusb: info [darwin_claim_interface] no interface found; setting configuration: 1
Found Winbond flash chip "W25Q80.V" (1024 kB, SPI) on ch341a_spi.
Reading flash... done.

% sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -r GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-2.bin
flashrom v1.2 on Darwin 19.3.0 (x86_64)
flashrom is free software, get the source code at https://flashrom.org

Calibrating delay loop... OK.
Found Winbond flash chip "W25Q80.V" (1024 kB, SPI) on ch341a_spi.
Reading flash... done.

% sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -r GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-3.bin
flashrom v1.2 on Darwin 19.3.0 (x86_64)
flashrom is free software, get the source code at https://flashrom.org

Calibrating delay loop... OK.
Found Winbond flash chip "W25Q80.V" (1024 kB, SPI) on ch341a_spi.
Reading flash... done.

• Then compute and compare checksums for all 3 files to ensure they match:

% shasum GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-1.bin
3c1e2555a8203a0dc20b7cfe2577636112a82367  GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-1.bin

% shasum GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-2.bin
3c1e2555a8203a0dc20b7cfe2577636112a82367  GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-2.bin

% shasum GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-3.bin
3c1e2555a8203a0dc20b7cfe2577636112a82367  GC-Titan-Ridge-New-NVM-43-3.bin

• We see that all 3 checksums match so we can be confident that data was read correctly.

Step 5: Program Modified Firmware into the Flash Chip.

• Be sure that you have followed Step 4 and kept a copy of the original firmware.
• Locate the modified firmware and program it into the chip as follows:

% sudo flashrom -p ch341a_spi -w Name_of_Modified_Firmware.bin

• This will (a) erase the chip, (b) program new firmware into the chip, and (c) verify the new content.

(All photos except the first taken handheld on iPhone 11 Pro Max.)