Troubleshooting OpenCore Boot Issues on Lenovo ThinkPad T480s for Hackintosh

GUIDE 1

Based on the detailed information provided about Lenovo ThinkPad T480s Hackintosh setup, it looks like is facing boot issues with OpenCore. Let's work through this common problem step by step, addressing each component of your setup:

EFI Configuration

  • EFI Folder Structure: Verify that your EFI folder's structure aligns with OpenCore guidelines and matches your T480s hardware. The common structure includes folders for ACPI, Kexts, Drivers, and a config.plist file.
  • Necessary Files: Ensure that you have all the necessary kexts, drivers, and ACPI patches for your T480s. Commonly required kexts include Lilu, VirtualSMC, WhateverGreen, and appropriate network kexts.

config.plist Validation

  • Config Check: Visit your GitHub repository and ensure your config.plist is properly set up for your specific hardware. This includes CPU, GPU, and other device configurations.
  • Validation Tool: Use a plist validation tool to check for syntax errors or misconfigurations. The OpenCore Configurator or ProperTree are popular choices.

BIOS Settings

  • Settings Verification: Double-check your BIOS settings against the iATKOS Project recommendations. Certain features like Secure Boot should be disabled.
  • Intel VT-d: Consider disabling Intel VT-d or ensure that DisableIoMapper is enabled in OpenCore if you keep VT-d enabled.

USB Configuration

  • Installer Check: Ensure the macOS installer USB is created correctly. Use the GibMacOS tool for a reliable installer.
  • USB Ports: Try different USB ports, including USB-A and USB-C.

Verbose Mode

  • Enable Verbose Mode: Add -v to your boot arguments in config.plist. This will display detailed information during boot, helping identify where it gets stuck.

Kexts and Drivers

  • Kext Updates: Update all kexts to the latest versions. Ensure you have kexts for Wi-Fi, audio, Ethernet, and other components.
  • Kext Compatibility: Verify that the kexts are compatible with your version of macOS.

ACPI Patching

  • SSDTs/DSDTs: Make sure you're using SSDTs or DSDTs tailored for the T480s and correctly referenced in your config.plist.

Graphics Configuration

  • Framebuffer Settings: Check that the Intel UHD Graphics 620 settings in your config.plist are correct. The WhateverGreen kext should assist with this.

Hardware Compatibility

  • Peripheral Check: Disconnect unnecessary peripherals to rule out hardware conflicts.
  • Wi-Fi Card: The Intel AX210 may not be natively supported in macOS. Consider replacing it with a compatible card if it causes issues.

Community Support

  • iATKOS Project Forums: If you're still stuck, seek assistance from the iATKOS Project community, providing details about your hardware, EFI setup, and where the boot process halts.

Alternative Boot Modes

  • Known Good Installer: Try booting from a proven macOS installer to eliminate potential issues with your current installer.

Final Considerations

  • Patience and Systematic Troubleshooting: Hackintosh setups can require trial and error. Tackle each issue methodically.

Given your specific situation with the T480s, I would first focus on verifying your EFI configuration and BIOS settings, then proceed to detailed troubleshooting with verbose mode. If you can share the output or specific error messages from verbose mode, it would greatly help in pinpointing the issue.

GUIDE 2

Guide Step by Step:

  1. Reviewing EFI Configuration:

    • Ensure that your EFI folder structure is correct and matches your hardware configuration.
    • Check that you have all the necessary kexts (kernel extensions), drivers, and ACPI patches for your T480s.
  2. Validating config.plist:

    • Visit your provided GitHub link and ensure your config.plist is set up correctly for your specific hardware, especially the CPU and GPU.
    • Validate your config.plist using an OpenCore Configurator tool to ensure there are no syntax errors or misconfigurations.
  3. BIOS Settings Verification:

    • Your BIOS settings seem appropriate, but double-check them to ensure they align with typical Hackintosh recommendations.
    • Consider disabling Intel VT-d as it can sometimes cause issues, although it should be fine if you have the DisableIoMapper quirk enabled in OpenCore.
  4. USB Configuration:

    • Ensure that your macOS installer USB is properly created and functioning. Sometimes the USB port or the drive itself can be the cause of the issue.
    • Try different USB ports on your T480s, including both USB-A and USB-C if available.
  5. Boot in Verbose Mode:

    • Boot in verbose mode to see more detailed information about where the boot process is getting stuck. Add -v to your boot arguments in the config.plist.
    • The output from verbose mode can provide crucial clues for troubleshooting.
  6. Check Kexts and Drivers:

    • Update all your kexts to the latest versions. Outdated kexts can cause compatibility issues, especially with newer versions of macOS.
    • Pay special attention to kexts for Wi-Fi, audio, and Ethernet, as incorrect kexts can sometimes prevent booting.
  7. ACPI Patching:

    • Make sure any SSDTs or DSDTs you are using are specifically tailored for the T480s and are correctly referenced in your config.plist.
    • Incorrect ACPI patches can prevent successful booting.
  8. Graphics Configuration:

    • Since you have an Intel UHD Graphics 620, ensure that your config.plist has the correct framebuffer settings for this iGPU.
  9. Troubleshoot Hardware Compatibility:

    • Temporarily remove any unnecessary peripherals to rule out hardware conflicts.
    • Check if your Wi-Fi card (Intel AX210) is compatible with macOS. In some cases, incompatible Wi-Fi cards can cause issues.
  10. Seeking Community Support:

    • If the issue persists, consider seeking help from the Hackintosh community forums. Provide your hardware details, EFI configuration, and a description of where the boot process gets stuck.
  11. Alternative Boot Modes:

    • Try booting from a known good macOS installer to rule out issues with your current installer.
  12. Final Considerations:

    • Remember that creating a Hackintosh can be a process of trial and error. Patience and systematic troubleshooting are key.

Your issue is likely related to a specific configuration in your OpenCore setup or a hardware compatibility issue. Methodically working through each of these steps should help you isolate and resolve the boot issue.



Getting stuck in OpenCore on my T480s

Getting stuck in OpenCore on my T480s

Currently stuck here, can't get to installer...

My EFI folder

My config.plist can be found here: https://github.com/NKkrisz/T480s_Hackintosh/tree/main

BIOS config:

  • Security > Security Chip: Disabled
  • Memory Protection > Execution Prevention: Enabled
  • Virtualization > Intel Virtualization Technology: Enabled
  • Virtualization > Intel VT-d Feature: Enabled
  • Anti-Theft > Computrace > Current Setting: Disabled
  • Secure Boot > Secure Boot: Disabled
  • Intel SGX Intel SGX Control: Disabled
  • Device Guard: Disabled

UEFI Only and disabled CSM Support

USB settings, Always on USB Disabled.

Thunderbolt Menu:

  • Thunderbolt BIOS Assist Mode: Disabled
  • Wake by Thunderbolt(TM) 3: Disabled
  • Security Level: No security
  • Support in Pre Boot Environment > Thunderbolt(TM) device: Enabled

Hardware:

  • CPU Model: Intel (R) Core(TM) i5-8250U CPU @ 1.60Ghz
  • GPU Model: Intel Corporation UHD Graphics 620 (rev 07)
  • Chipset Model: Lenovo ThinkPad T480s 20L7001SMX
  • Keyboard: AT Translated Set 2 Keyboard
  • Trackpad: Elan Touchpad
  • Trackpoint: Elan Trackpoint
  • Audio Codec: (HDA Intel PCH) ALC257 Analog
  • Wireless Networking: Intel Corporation Wi-Fi 6 AX210/AX211/AX411 160Mhz (rev 1a)
  • Wired Networking: Intel Corporation Ethernet Connection (4) I219-V
  • Drive Model: Samsung MZVLW256HEHP-000L7 NVMe device (PM961)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

submitted by /u/NKkrisz
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