Resolving Sierra Installer Freezes on Hackintosh Systems

Troubleshooting Guide: Sierra Installer Freeze on a Dell Optiplex 9020

Targeted for Intermediate Skill Level

If your macOS Sierra installation is freezing on a Hackintosh setup with a Dell Optiplex 9020, follow these steps to resolve the issue and achieve a successful boot.

1. Verify BIOS Settings: Access your BIOS and ensure settings such as AHCI mode and secure boot are configured for Hackintosh compatibility.
2. Check Graphics Configuration: Modify your config.plist to support Intel HD 4600 graphics, including the correct ig-platform-id and graphics patches if necessary.
3. SMBIOS Configuration: Use a tool like Clover Configurator to ensure your SMBIOS settings are accurate for an iMac14,1.
4. Adjust Boot Arguments: Experiment with boot arguments like "npci=0x2000" or "GraphicsEnabler=No" to troubleshoot boot issues.
5. Update Kexts: Ensure you have all necessary kexts, such as FakeSMC, Lilu, and WhateverGreen, and that they're up to date.
6. Analyze Verbose Output: Look for any error messages in the verbose output that may indicate the source of the freeze.
7. Test USB Ports: If using a USB installer, try different ports or investigate USB patches for your system.
8. Clear NVRAM: Clear your system's NVRAM to reset its state, which can sometimes resolve boot issues.

Note: Hackintosh builds can be complex, and issues like these may require trial and error to resolve. If you're stuck, consider reaching out to Hackintosh forums for additional support.