Configuring macOS to Use iGPU for Display with a Dedicated GPU Installed

Guide:

Understanding the Challenge:
- macOS has limited support for Nvidia GPUs like the GTX 1650, especially in newer versions. Hence, you've activated the iGPU (Integrated GPU) for macOS.
- However, constantly switching monitor cables between iGPU and dGPU (Dedicated GPU) for dual-boot systems is inconvenient.
- Ideally, you want macOS to use the iGPU for display output while keeping the monitors connected to the dGPU.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. BIOS Configuration:
   - Ensure that both iGPU and dGPU are enabled in the BIOS.
   - Set the primary display adapter to iGPU.

2. Configuring OpenCore for iGPU:
   - Modify your `config.plist` in OpenCore.
   - Under `DeviceProperties`, add properties for the iGPU to ensure it's recognized and used by macOS.
   - Depending on your iGPU, you might need to inject specific device IDs or framebuffer information.

3. SSDT Patching:
   - For advanced configurations, you might need to create SSDT patches that help macOS properly initialize and use the iGPU while a dGPU is present.
   - This can be particularly tricky and may require some research based on your specific CPU and motherboard.

4. Disabling dGPU in macOS:
   - You can try disabling the Nvidia GPU in macOS using SSDT or device properties so that macOS doesn't try to use the unsupported dGPU.
   - This doesn't disable the GPU physically, but it prevents macOS from interacting with it, thus avoiding potential freezes.

5. Troubleshooting Boot Freezes:
   - If macOS starts loading and then freezes, it's often due to a conflict or improper configuration of the GPUs.
   - Boot in verbose mode (`-v` boot flag) to see where it freezes and use this information for troubleshooting.

6. Testing and Validation:
   - Once configured, boot into macOS and check if the iGPU is handling the display output correctly.
   - Use system information and graphics/utilities to confirm that the iGPU is being used.

7. Dual-Boot Considerations:
   - When booting into your other OS (like Windows), the dGPU should function normally as the primary GPU.
   - Ensure that the BIOS settings do not interfere with the functionality of the dGPU in the other operating system.

8. Community Resources and Help:
   - If you run into issues, consider seeking help from Hackintosh communities or forums. Users with similar hardware may have valuable insights.

9. Regular Updates:
   - Keep your OpenCore and kexts updated. Sometimes, updates can bring improvements or fixes to GPU handling.

Important Notes:
- This setup is complex and may not work flawlessly given the mixed GPU environment and macOS's limited support for certain Nvidia GPUs.
- Always backup your EFI folder and important data before making changes.
- GPU compatibility and behavior can vary significantly depending on the macOS version and the specific hardware combination.

using monitors connected to dgpu while igpu generates video?. I have just successfully activated igpu on MacOS. However, I have a dual boot system and a dedicated video card (gtx 1650), and whenever I want to enter macOS, I will have to remove the monitor cables and connect it to the igpu so that work.

So, I would like to know if it is possible to use macOS with the cables plugged into the dgpu, while the igpu generates the video?

What happens if I try this combination? macos starts loading and freezes.

I have a r5 5600g and gigabyte b550m

submitted by /u/Pleasant_Schedule675
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