Replacing Realtek 8852AE with Intel AX210 in a Hackintosh Setup

SOLUTION:

Guide to Upgrading Wi-Fi Card to Intel AX210 in a Ryzen-Based Hackintosh

Target Audience: Users with intermediate knowledge of Hackintosh systems and laptop hardware modifications.

1. Check Form Factor Compatibility:

   • Verify the form factor of your current Realtek 8852AE card (likely M.2 or mini-PCIe) and ensure the Intel AX210 card matches this form factor for physical compatibility.

2. macOS Driver Support:

   • Intel Wi-Fi cards, including the AX210, typically lack native macOS support. Research current solutions for enabling Intel Wi-Fi in macOS, which might involve third-party kexts or software.

3. Evaluate BIOS Whitelisting:

   • Some laptops have a BIOS whitelist that restricts the use of certain Wi-Fi cards. Confirm that your laptop does not have such restrictions or that the Intel AX210 is not blocked.

4. Hardware Installation:

   • If compatible, power off the laptop, disconnect it from power sources, and carefully replace the Realtek card with the Intel AX210.
   • Remember to attach the antenna cables securely to the new card.

5. Trackpad Compatibility:

   • Address the non-functioning trackpad separately. This typically involves finding and installing the correct kexts for your specific trackpad model.

6. Post-Installation Checks:

   • After installing the Intel AX210, boot into macOS and check if the card is recognized. Use tools like IORegistryExplorer to verify hardware detection.

7. Wi-Fi Functionality:

   • Implement any necessary kexts or software to enable Wi-Fi functionality. This may require specific configuration adjustments in your bootloader (Clover or OpenCore).

8. Test for Stability and Performance:

   • Once operational, monitor the stability and performance of your Wi-Fi connection. Be aware that third-party solutions may not offer the same level of performance or stability as native support.

9. Community Support and Resources:

   • Utilize online forums and communities for additional help and resources. Other users may have documented similar hardware upgrades or solutions.

10. Legal and Warranty Considerations:

    • Be aware that modifying laptop hardware may void warranties and is done at your own risk. Additionally, understand the legal implications of installing macOS on non-Apple hardware.

Conclusion: Replacing your Realtek 8852AE with an Intel AX210 in a Ryzen-based Hackintosh can be technically feasible but requires careful consideration of hardware compatibility, macOS driver support, and potential BIOS restrictions. For more detailed guides and community support, visit iATKOS Inside Blog.