Hackintosh: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to run macOS, the operating system of Apple’s Mac computers, on a non-Apple hardware? If so, you might be interested in the concept of Hackintosh, a portmanteau of “hack” and “Macintosh”. A Hackintosh is a computer that runs macOS on hardware that is not authorized by Apple, such as a PC or a laptop. In this article, we will explore the benefits, challenges, and legality of building and using a Hackintosh.

Why Build a Hackintosh?

One of the main reasons why people build a Hackintosh is to save money. Apple’s Mac computers are known for their high quality, performance, and design, but they also come with a hefty price tag. A Hackintosh can offer similar or even better performance at a fraction of the cost, depending on the hardware components you choose. For example, you can build a Hackintosh that matches the specs of the Mac Pro for about one-third of the price1.

Another reason why people build a Hackintosh is to customize their system according to their preferences and needs. A Hackintosh allows you to choose the components that suit your budget, performance, and compatibility requirements. You can also upgrade or replace parts more easily than on a Mac, which often has proprietary or soldered components. A Hackintosh can also give you more options for ports, storage, cooling, and aesthetics.

A third reason why people build a Hackintosh is to enjoy the best of both worlds: macOS and Windows. macOS is praised for its stability, security, user-friendliness, and integration with other Apple products and services. Windows, on the other hand, has more software and game compatibility, as well as better support for gaming hardware and peripherals. A Hackintosh can run both operating systems on the same machine, either by dual-booting or using virtualization software. This way, you can switch between them depending on your tasks and preferences.

How to Build a Hackintosh?

Building a Hackintosh is not as simple as building a regular PC. It requires more research, preparation, and troubleshooting. Here are some general steps to follow if you want to build a Hackintosh:

1. Choose compatible hardware components. Not all hardware works with macOS, so you need to check online resources such as Hackintosh.com or [tonymacx86.com] to see what parts are compatible with the macOS version you want to install. Some of the most important components to consider are the CPU, motherboard, GPU, RAM, SSD/HDD, wireless card, and power supply.
2. Create a bootable USB installer for macOS. You will need a USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage space and access to a Mac or another Hackintosh. You will also need to download some software tools such as ProperTree2, MountEFI2, OC_GEN-X2, and OpenCore. OpenCore is a bootloader that allows you to boot macOS on non-Apple hardware. You will need to use ProperTree and OC_GEN-X to configure OpenCore settings and drivers for your hardware. You will also need to use MountEFI to mount the EFI partition of your USB drive and copy the OpenCore files there.
3. Install macOS on your Hackintosh. Once you have created the bootable USB installer, you can plug it into your Hackintosh and boot from it. You will need to enter the BIOS settings of your motherboard and change some options such as disabling secure boot, enabling AHCI mode, and setting the USB drive as the first boot option. Then you can follow the on-screen instructions to install macOS on your SSD/HDD.
4. Post-installation tweaks and fixes. After installing macOS on your Hackintosh, you may need to do some additional steps to make everything work properly. For example, you may need to enable audio, ethernet, wifi, bluetooth, sleep/wake functionality, iMessage/FaceTime activation, etc. You may also need to update OpenCore and its drivers (kexts) periodically to keep up with macOS updates.

Is Building a Hackintosh Legal?

The legality of building and using a Hackintosh is a controversial topic that has no definitive answer. It depends on various factors such as your location, purpose, and method of obtaining macOS.

According to Apple’s End User License Agreement (EULA) for macOS, you are only allowed to install and use macOS on Apple-branded hardware that meets certain specifications. Therefore, installing macOS on non-Apple hardware violates Apple’s EULA and constitutes software piracy.

However, some legal experts argue that Apple’s EULA may not be enforceable in some jurisdictions or situations. For example, in 2009, a US court ruled that Psystar Corporation, a company that sold computers pre-installed with macOS, did not violate Apple’s EULA, but rather its copyrights and trademarks. The court also stated that individual users who install macOS on their own computers for personal use may not be liable for breach of contract.

In any case, building and using a Hackintosh is a risky endeavor that may expose you to legal action from Apple or other parties. You may also face technical issues such as software incompatibility, system instability, security vulnerabilities, and lack of support. Therefore, you should proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Conclusion

A Hackintosh is a computer that runs macOS on hardware that is not authorized by Apple. It can offer some advantages such as lower cost, higher customization, and dual-booting capabilities. However, it also comes with some challenges such as hardware compatibility, installation complexity, and legal uncertainty. Building and using a Hackintosh is not for everyone, but it can be a rewarding experience for some enthusiasts who want to experiment with different operating systems and hardware configurations.