Guide: Fixing Pink Screen Issue in macOS Sonoma

SOLUTIONS:

Audience: Intermediate to Expert Hackintosh Users

Introduction

A pink screen on a Hackintosh can be a sign of improper signal output to the monitor, particularly an issue with color format settings. This guide will help you force RGB mode to correct the color display in macOS Sonoma.

Steps to Force RGB Mode

1. Check Cable and Monitor Settings:

   • Ensure that the monitor is set to RGB mode in its internal menu.
   • Use a quality HDMI or DisplayPort cable capable of transmitting an RGB signal.

2. Gather EDID Information:

   • Extract the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information from your display. Tools like SwitchResX or DarwinDumper can help with this.

3. Edit the EDID:

   • Modify the EDID to force the display to use RGB mode. This may involve setting the correct flag within the EDID to indicate that the display does not support YPbPr.

4. Inject the Modified EDID:

   • Inject the modified EDID back into the system. This can be done through your Clover or OpenCore configuration file under the Graphics/Display section.

5. Use a Color Profile:

   • Create a custom color profile in macOS if the display colors are still off. The ColorSync Utility can be used to calibrate the display.

6. Update Kexts and Drivers:

   • Ensure your graphics drivers and any necessary kexts, like WhateverGreen, are up to date.

7. Test and Validate:

   • After making changes, restart your Hackintosh and check if the pink screen issue persists.

Advanced Solutions

• If the standard methods fail, consider looking into more advanced fixes such as framebuffer patching specific to your GPU.

Documentation and Community Support

• Document your process and share it with the Hackintosh community for feedback.
• If you're unable to resolve the issue, seek help from forums like InsanelyMac or tonymacx86.

Forcing RGB mode can be a complex process requiring a good understanding of macOS internals and display configurations. Proceed with caution and ensure you have backups before making system-level changes.