Installing macOS Ventura on a Comet Lake System with Wi-Fi Issues

Installing macOS Ventura on a Comet Lake-based system like yours with an Intel Core i5-10400F can be a rewarding project, but it does come with its own set of challenges, especially regarding hardware compatibility and internet connectivity during installation. Here's a guide to help you through this process:

Guide Step by Step:

1. Hardware Compatibility Check:

   • First, it's important to note that your RTX 3050 GPU is not supported in any version of macOS, as macOS does not support recent Nvidia GPUs. You'll need to use the integrated GPU of your Comet Lake CPU for graphics.
   • Ensure your Wi-Fi 6E card is compatible with macOS. Many Wi-Fi cards, especially newer ones, have limited or no support in macOS.

2. Creating the macOS Ventura Installer:

   • Use a Mac or a functioning Hackintosh to download macOS Ventura from the App Store.
   • Create a bootable USB installer using a tool like balenaEtcher or follow the createinstallmedia command-line method.

3. Setting Up OpenCore:

   • Use OpenCore as your bootloader, as it's more up-to-date and compatible with newer versions of macOS.
   • Configure your config.plist according to Comet Lake settings. Refer to the OpenCore Install Guide for Comet Lake systems.

4. Ethernet Connection for Installation:

   • Since macOS installation often requires an internet connection, and your Wi-Fi card might not be recognized, it's recommended to use an Ethernet connection during installation.
   • If your motherboard doesn't have an Ethernet port or if it’s also incompatible, you may need to find a compatible USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

5. Wi-Fi Drivers and Kexts:

   • If your Wi-Fi card is compatible, ensure you have the correct kexts (drivers) for it. For Intel Wi-Fi, projects like itlwm and AirportItlwm might be helpful.
   • These kexts need to be added to your EFI folder under OC/Kexts and referenced in your config.plist.

6. Bootloader Configuration:

   • Verify that your OpenCore EFI is correctly set up with the necessary drivers (HfsPlus.efi, OpenRuntime.efi, etc.) and kexts (such as VirtualSMC, Lilu, WhateverGreen for iGPU, and Ethernet/Wi-Fi kexts).

7. BIOS Settings:

   • Ensure your BIOS is correctly configured for Hackintosh. Key settings include disabling CFG-Lock, Secure Boot, and VT-d (if not needed), enabling XHCI Handoff, and setting SATA to AHCI mode.

8. Performing the Installation:

   • Boot from your USB installer and follow the standard macOS installation process.
   • If the installer still demands an internet connection and you can't provide one, you may need to create an offline installer (which is a more complex process).

9. Post-Installation:

   • Once macOS Ventura is installed, transfer your EFI folder from the USB to the EFI partition of your system drive.
   • Install additional kexts or drivers as needed, and configure your system settings.

10. Troubleshooting:

    • If you encounter issues, boot with the -v (verbose) flag to see where the boot process is halting.
    • Check forums and communities for similar builds and solutions where others have successfully installed macOS on similar hardware.

Remember, building a Hackintosh requires patience and a willingness to troubleshoot and tweak settings. Your specific hardware configuration may present unique challenges, so be prepared for a bit of trial and error.