Running Mac OS X on standard PCs

Kai Schmerer ZDNet Germany

Published: 14 May 2008

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Go to section: Introduction Motherboard, CPU & chipset Network, sound and graphics cards Installing Leopard on a standard PC Tips and tricks Performance Conclusion

Motherboard, CPU & chipset

Modified Mac OS X Leopard images called Kalyway and Iatkos are ideal for Intel-based systems, while PCs with AMD processors are best served by the Zephyroth variant. A recently published image that covers all platforms well is Leo4All. A successful installation of Mac OS X Leopard is by no means guaranteed, but it is very likely.

For the Intel platform, the closer the components are to those in a real Mac, the greater the chances of success. Specifically, this means a motherboard with an Intel CPU/chipset combination that supports SSE3. However, there can still be problems. In our tests, for example, we couldn't convince the Esprimo P5925 with Intel's Q35 chipset to cooperate with Mac OS. Perhaps the Q35's integrated vPro technology for remote client management is the culprit. However, we were successful with motherboards using Intel's 975, 965 and X38 chipsets.

When it comes to the Zephyroth image for AMD platforms, some limitations must be accepted. For example, it's not possible to execute 64-bit programs with an AMD processor. Nor are the extensions of virtualisation programs such as Parallels Desktop for Mac and VMware supported. We also failed to install Leopard on AMD's quad-core Phenom processor, although some users report success if EFI emulation is bypassed.

It's also important to note that hard disk and DVD drive installation may be problematical. Success is most likely if both components use a Serial ATA (SATA) interface. This is because modern Intel chipsets no longer integrate an UltraATA controller, so motherboard makers use an additional chip from JMicron or another manufacturer. However, these solutions are far from compatible with the Parallel ATA (PATA) specification (older chipsets, such as the Intel 975, have a PATA-compatible interface, and the installation succeeds). In addition, all input devices such as keyboard and mouse, must attach to USB ports.

There are stability issues with some motherboards. For example, in our tests the Gigabyte 965P-DS3 crashed with more than 2GB of RAM fitted. However, once AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) is enabled on the SATA controller, the 965-DS3 runs Mac OS with 4GB of RAM without any problems. For a stable operation, you should also ensure that the CPU extension for protecting against buffer overflow (No Execute/Execute Disable or NX/XD) is enabled in the BIOS.

 

Go to section: Introduction Motherboard, CPU & chipset Network, sound and graphics cards Installing Leopard on a standard PC Tips and tricks Performance Conclusion

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