Successful Hackintosh Guide: Acer Nitro 5 AN515-52 (i7-8700H) Running Sonoma 14.2.1

Guide Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Installation Media:

• Download the Sonoma 14.2.1 installer from a trusted source.
• Create a bootable USB drive using a tool like BalenaEtcher or UniBeast.
• Ensure the USB is formatted as MacOS Extended (Journaled) with a GUID Partition Map.

2. BIOS Settings:

• Access the BIOS of your Acer Nitro 5 (usually F2 key during boot).
• Disable Secure Boot.
• Set SATA Mode to AHCI.
• Disable Fast Boot and VT-d (if applicable).
• Enable XHCI Hand-off.

3. Clover or OpenCore Configuration:

• Use Clover or OpenCore as your bootloader.
• Customize your config.plist file accordingly. (SMBIOS should match similar MacBookPro model).
• Necessary kexts: VirtualSMC, Lilu, WhateverGreen, AppleALC, IntelMausi, VoodooI2C for the touchpad, and AirportItlwm for Intel Wireless-AC 9560.

4. Installing Sonoma 14.2.1:

• Boot from your USB drive.
• In Clover or OpenCore menu, select the Install Sonoma 14.2.1 option.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install Sonoma 14.2.1.

5. Post-Installation:

• Install Clover or OpenCore to your SSD/HDD.
• Copy necessary kexts to your EFI folder.
• Apply DSDT or SSDT patches if necessary for battery management and sleep functions.
• For audio (Realtek ALC255), use alcid=17 boot argument.

6. GPU and Display Settings:

• Integrated GPU (UHD 630) will be used as primary. The GTX 1060 should be disabled in the BIOS (if possible) or via DSDT/SSDT patching.
• HDMI port won't work as it's connected to the disabled GTX 1060.

7. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:

• Use AirportItlwm for Wi-Fi compatibility.
• Bluetooth should work natively; check for specific kexts if issues arise.

8. Known Limitations:

• HDMI port not functional due to dGPU.
• Airplay and screen mirroring from Mac to iPad not supported in this configuration. Screen mirroring from iPad to Mac is functional.

9. Testing and Finalization:

• Test all components (USB ports, audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, touchpad, keyboard, etc.).
• Use a tool like Hackintool to fine-tune your setup.

10. Enjoy Your Hackintosh:

• Congratulations! You've successfully installed Sonoma 14.2.1 on your Acer Nitro 5 AN515-52.

Remember, the Hackintosh community is always evolving, so keep an eye out for updates and new patches that could enhance your setup or add functionality for unsupported features.