Enabling AMD HD7730M Graphics in macOS Catalina on Dell Inspiron 15R SE 7520

Getting an AMD HD7730M dGPU to work on a Hackintosh setup, especially with an older model like the Dell Inspiron 15R SE 7520, can be quite challenging. Your efforts in modifying the config.plist and creating SSDTs are on the right track. Here’s a guide to further assist you in this endeavor:

Guide Step by Step:

1. Verify GPU Compatibility:

   • First, confirm that the AMD HD7730M is compatible with macOS Catalina. This GPU may have limited support, as macOS generally has better native support for newer AMD GPUs.

2. Extract and Use VBIOS:

   • Extracting the VBIOS (Video BIOS) from your dGPU and injecting it into your Hackintosh setup can be essential. Tools like GPU-Z on Windows can help in extracting the VBIOS.
   • Once you have the VBIOS, you need to integrate it into your config.plist. This process can be complex and may require trial and error.

3. Modify Config.plist:

   • Use a plist editor to modify your config.plist file in the EFI partition.
   • Ensure that you have the correct DeviceProperties for your AMD HD7730M. This might involve setting the correct framebuffer and VRAM size.

4. Correct Kexts and Drivers:

   • Use WhateverGreen.kext, as it's essential for GPU compatibility in Hackintosh setups.
   • Update all your kexts to the latest versions to ensure maximum compatibility with Catalina.

5. Creating SSDTs:

   • Continue refining your SSDTs. SSDTTime is a great tool, but manual adjustments may be necessary for your specific hardware setup.

6. Disable Integrated Graphics (if needed):

   • In some cases, disabling the integrated Intel graphics in the BIOS (if possible) or via your config.plist can help macOS to utilize the dedicated GPU.

7. Brightness Key Functionality:

   • For brightness keys, you may need to map these keys correctly in macOS. Tools like Karabiner-Elements can be helpful for key remapping.

8. Troubleshooting:

   • Boot with verbose mode (-v boot argument) to see if there are any error messages related to the GPU during boot.
   • Look for specific error messages or failures that could give you a clue about what’s going wrong.

9. Community Support:

   • Since you mentioned a forum member who achieved this, try reaching out directly to them for specific advice.
   • Share your progress and ask for tips in Hackintosh communities. Detailed information about your attempts can help others to provide more precise advice.

10. Managing Expectations:

    • Be prepared for the possibility that the dGPU may not achieve full functionality due to macOS's limited support for certain older AMD GPUs.

11. Backup and Documentation:

    • Keep backups of your working EFI folder and document each change you make for easier troubleshooting.

Conclusion: Enabling an older AMD GPU like the HD7730M on a Hackintosh with macOS Catalina is a complex task that might not always be successful. It requires a good understanding of Hackintosh configurations, patience, and a willingness to experiment and seek community advice.