XPS 15 9550 - Can't even get to Clover?

[henrygrins]

Hi all-

I'm following a couple of threads about installing Sierra on my XPS 15 9550, and I believe I've built my installer USB correctly (according to RehabMan's guide). I installed Clover in the EFI partition, edited the plist correctly, and added all necessary kexts.

Despite all of this, I can't even get into Clover from the USB drive. I'm guessing it's a BIOS problem, but I believe my BIOS is set correctly as well, and have the latest Dell BIOS installed (218). Very confused. I've set all of the following:

• VT-D = Off
• SATA Operation = AHCI
• Secure Boot = Disabled
• Turned off both SupportAssist functions
• Fastboot = Minimal (maybe this is wrong?)

I suppose it could also by my USB stick, but I've used it successfully on a number of other builds.

Cheers,
Henry

 

[RehabMan]

Hi all-

I'm following a couple of threads about installing Sierra on my XPS 15 9550, and I believe I've built my installer USB correctly (according to RehabMan's guide). I installed Clover in the EFI partition, edited the plist correctly, and added all necessary kexts.

Despite all of this, I can't even get into Clover from the USB drive. I'm guessing it's a BIOS problem, but I believe my BIOS is set correctly as well, and have the latest Dell BIOS installed (218). Very confused. I've set all of the following:

• VT-D = Off
• SATA Operation = AHCI
• Secure Boot = Disabled
• Turned off both SupportAssist functions
• Fastboot = Minimal (maybe this is wrong?)

I suppose it could also by my USB stick, but I've used it successfully on a number of other builds.

Cheers,
Henry

Keep in mind with a UHD screen, you must use an invalid ig-platform-id (0x12345678) until you can patch CoreDisplay for the pixel clock limit.

Boot verbose, show photo. Attach EFI/Clover folder as ZIP (omit 'themes' folder).

 

[henrygrins]

Thanks, RehabMan. I've since gotten the BIOS to allow boot into Clover by disabling Legacy Boot options and removing/adding the USB boot option.

Here's my Clover ZIP and a screenshot of the boot process.

On examining the screenshot, it seems SMBIOS isn't adhering to the MB 9,1 definition my plist specifies.

 

[RehabMan]

Thanks, RehabMan. I've since gotten the BIOS to allow boot into Clover by disabling Legacy Boot options and removing/adding the USB boot option.

Here's my Clover ZIP and a screenshot of the boot process.

On examining the screenshot, it seems SMBIOS isn't adhering to the MB 9,1 definition my plist specifies.

Is this for booting the installer? Or something else?
SSDT-IGPU is injecting ig-platform-id.
It won't work unless you have already patched for the pixel clock limit.
Your panic indicates a problem in the WiFi kexts.
Your config.plist is using iMac17,1, no no idea why you say it should be MacBook9,1.

 

[henrygrins]

Is this for booting the installer? Or something else?

Booting the installer. I'm using Darkhandz' 9550 Sierra git for Clover.

Turns out I was looking at my desktop hack's plist by mistake, which for some reason is MB9,1. Install USB plist specifies the iMac17,1 seen in the (poor) screenshot.

 

[RehabMan]

Booting the installer.

Save fully patched ACPI/etc for booting post-install.
For booting the installer, follow the guide: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/guide-booting-the-os-x-installer-on-laptops-with-clover.148093/

Use an invalid ig-platform-id, since your internal screen will not work without the pixel clock patch.

 

[henrygrins]

Save fully patched ACPI/etc for booting post-install.
For booting the installer, follow the guide: https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/guide-booting-the-os-x-installer-on-laptops-with-clover.148093/

Copy that, I'll give it a shot. I started using that very guide (built the installer USB to your specs) then diverged when faced with an all-in-one solution via darkhandz' git repo. I'll revert to vanilla Clover with your plist for HD530 and necessary kexts.

I'm not sure where you're based, but I'd very much like to buy you a beer on the behalf of all users on this site at some point.

 

[henrygrins]

How's the Skull Canyon NUC treating you, by the way?

 

[RehabMan]

How's the Skull Canyon NUC treating you, by the way?

It has its quirks, but works pretty well for how I use it.
My guide for it is in the Sierra desktop guides forum.