Resolving Drive Label Discrepancies in OpenCore and macOS Finder

It's great to hear about your successful experience upgrading a Haswell-based system to macOS Ventura, and your methodical approach is commendable. As for your question about the drive names appearing the same in OpenCore (OC) but different in Finder, this is likely due to how macOS and OpenCore handle volume labels. Here’s some information and potential solutions:

Guide Step by Step:

1. Volume Label Handling:

   • macOS stores volume labels (drive names) in a file system entry that OpenCore might not always recognize, especially after cloning. This can lead to discrepancies between what you see in Finder and what appears in the OpenCore boot menu.

2. Renaming the Drive in macOS:

   • A straightforward approach is to rename the drive in macOS. Click on the drive icon on the desktop or in Finder, hit Enter, and type the new name.
   • This method should change the label in a way that both Finder and OpenCore recognize.

3. Using Disk Utility:

   • Open Disk Utility, select the partition (not just the drive), and click the ‘Rename’ button. This can sometimes update the label more effectively than just renaming it in Finder.

4. Editing OpenCore Configuration:

   • In your OpenCore config.plist, there's an option under Misc -> Boot named Hide Auxiliary. This option can sometimes cause issues with displaying proper volume names. Try toggling this setting.
   • Additionally, OpenCore allows for manual naming of entries under Misc -> Entries. You could add a manual entry for your drive with the correct label.

5. Checking for Hidden Files:

   • In some cases, drive cloning processes can create hidden files that interfere with naming. You can use a tool like OnyX to reveal and manage these hidden files.

6. Reset NVRAM:

   • Sometimes, resetting NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory) can help with boot-related issues. You can reset NVRAM from the OpenCore boot menu.

Important Considerations:

• Backup Before Making Changes: Always back up your data before making changes to your system, especially when editing partitions or drive names.

• System Integrity Protection (SIP): Renaming drives or editing hidden files might require you to temporarily disable SIP, depending on your macOS security settings.

• OpenCore Version: Ensure your OpenCore bootloader is up to date, as newer versions might handle volume names more effectively.

Your meticulous approach to upgrading and ensuring system stability before proceeding with major changes is an excellent practice. It reduces the risk of encountering critical issues, especially in a Hackintosh setup.

Regarding Sonoma, it's wise to consider the compatibility and maintenance aspects, especially for a main system. Your plan to switch to an official Apple hardware like a Mac Mini in the future is a practical approach, given the increasing complexities and diminishing support for older hardware in newer macOS versions.

Feel free to reach out if you need more assistance or have other Hackintosh-related queries!