Hackintosh solution for using Realtek RTL8821CE?

The Realtek RTL8821CE Wi-Fi card is indeed one of those components that tend not to have support within the Hackintosh community because there are no macOS drivers available for it. If you've exhausted the search for a compatible kext and found no solution, the most straightforward path would be to replace the card with one that is known to be compatible with macOS.

Here are some steps and considerations for replacing your Wi-Fi card:

1. Wi-Fi Card Compatibility:

   • Look for Wi-Fi cards that use chipsets known to be compatible with macOS, such as certain Broadcom models. Some popular choices among the Hackintosh community are the BCM94352Z, BCM94360CS2, and BCM943602CS.

2. Antenna Connector:

   • Since your laptop only has one antenna, you should look for cards that can function with a single antenna. However, note that most cards perform best with two. If possible, consider routing a second antenna inside your laptop, which can sometimes be done without too much difficulty.

3. Form Factor:

   • Make sure to check the form factor of your current Wi-Fi card (likely M.2 or Mini PCIe) and match it with the new card you're considering.

4. Adapter Requirement:

   • Some compatible Wi-Fi cards might require an adapter to fit into your laptop's slot, so be prepared for this possibility.

5. macOS Compatibility:

   • Double-check the macOS version compatibility of the new card, especially for Big Sur, as some cards may require patches or may not work with newer versions of macOS.

6. Installation:

   • Replacing a Wi-Fi card is usually a straightforward process:
     • Power off your laptop and disconnect the battery.
     • Open the access panel or bottom cover.
     • Disconnect the antenna wire(s) from the card.
     • Remove the screw holding the card in place.
     • Swap in the new card, attach the antenna(s), and secure it with the screw.

7. Post-Installation:

   • After replacing the card, you might need to adjust your EFI to add or remove any kexts related to Wi-Fi functionality.
   • Clear NVRAM to ensure the system recognizes the new hardware on the next boot.

8. Testing:

   • After installation, test the Wi-Fi functionality extensively to ensure stability and performance.

If you decide to replace the Wi-Fi card, ensure you get one that is compatible with your laptop's specifications and macOS. Keep in mind that while Hackintoshes can provide a macOS experience, there are always potential challenges with updates, hardware compatibility, and minor bugs, as you've noted. For web and development work, these can sometimes be critical, so weigh the pros and cons carefully.