Step-by-Step Guide for Configuring OpenCore and config.plist

I understand that you're stuck with the config.plist part, which is critical when setting up a Hackintosh on your Panasonic CF-SZ5 with an Intel i5-6300U. I'll break it down step-by-step and guide you through configuring OpenCore (which is the best option for Hackintoshing modern laptops).

Overview: What is `config.plist`?

The `config.plist` is essentially a configuration file that OpenCore or Clover bootloader uses to understand the hardware setup and what patches or kexts (kernel extensions) are needed to boot macOS on non-supported hardware. It's like a roadmap that helps macOS understand how to talk to your laptop's hardware.

Now, let’s take it step-by-step, specifically for your Panasonic CF-SZ5 (i5-6300U, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 128GB SSD).

Step-by-Step Guide for Configuring OpenCore and `config.plist`:

1. Download OpenCore and ProperTree:

   - OpenCore: Download the latest version of OpenCore from its [GitHub](https://github.com/acidanthera/OpenCorePkg/releases).

   - ProperTree: You will need a tool called ProperTree to edit the `config.plist`. Download it from [here](https://github.com/corpnewt/ProperTree).

2. Gather Kexts (Drivers):

   You need to download the necessary kexts for your system. These are driver files that help macOS communicate with your hardware.

   Here are some common kexts you'll need:

   - Lilu.kext: Base kext that helps patch macOS for various functionalities. [Download here](https://github.com/acidanthera/Lilu/releases).

   - WhateverGreen.kext: Fixes graphics-related issues. [Download here](https://github.com/acidanthera/WhateverGreen/releases).

   - AppleALC.kext: For audio. [Download here](https://github.com/acidanthera/AppleALC/releases).

   - VirtualSMC.kext: Emulates the System Management Controller (SMC) in your Hackintosh. [Download here](https://github.com/acidanthera/VirtualSMC/releases).

   - IntelMausi.kext: For Ethernet drivers. [Download here](https://github.com/acidanthera/IntelMausi/releases).

   - AirportItlwm.kext: For Intel Wi-Fi chips if you're using one. [Download here](https://github.com/OpenIntelWireless/itlwm/releases).

3. Create the USB Installer:

   - Use macOS (or a VM) to create the macOS USB installer.

   - Format a USB drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and use the GUID Partition Map.

   - Use the `createinstallmedia` command to create the installer for macOS:

     ```bash

     sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ <version>.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume

     ```

   - Copy the OpenCore EFI folder to the USB installer.

4. Start Configuring the `config.plist`:

   - Use ProperTree to open the `config.plist` file located in the EFI/OC folder of your USB.

   - You will need to configure different sections, depending on your hardware.

Important Sections to Configure in `config.plist`:

ACPI (DSDT/SSDT Patches):

   - You might need SSDT patches to enable sleep, power management, and other features. OpenCore provides several SSDTs.

   - Use SSDTTime (you can find it on GitHub) to generate SSDT patches specific to your laptop.

   - Add the SSDTs in the ACPI -> Add section.

   - Make sure to enable `FadtEnableReset` under ACPI to ensure proper shutdown and sleep.

Boot Arguments (NVRAM Section):

   - Booter -> Quirks: Enable `DisableVariableWrite` for your Skylake CPU (i5-6300U).

   - In NVRAM -> Add -> boot-args, add:

     ```

     -v keepsyms=1 debug=0x100 alcid=layout_id

     ```

     Where `layout_id` is the audio layout for your system, often 1 or 2 for many laptops, but you might need to try others depending on your audio codec.

DeviceProperties (Graphics, Audio):

   - For your Intel HD 520 integrated graphics, add the following in the DeviceProperties section:

     ```

     AAPL,ig-platform-id: 00001B59

     device-id: 16590000

     ```

   - This ensures proper acceleration for Intel integrated graphics (HD 520).

   

   - For audio, set the layout for AppleALC in `alcid` as mentioned above.

Kernel (Kexts Section):

   - Add your kexts (Lilu, WhateverGreen, VirtualSMC, etc.) under Kernel -> Add.

   - Make sure to set `Enabled` to true for each kext entry.

Misc:

   - In Misc -> Boot, set the `ShowPicker` option to true if you want the boot menu to appear when you boot.

   - Enable `PollAppleHotKeys` under Misc -> Security if you want to use the Option/Alt key to choose different boot options.

PlatformInfo (SMBIOS):

   - Choose the SMBIOS for your system. Since you have an i5-6300U (Skylake), a good choice is MacBookPro13,1.

   - You can generate the SMBIOS info using GenSMBIOS (another tool from GitHub).

   - Add the `SystemProductName`, `MLB`, `SystemSerialNumber`, and `SmUUID` to PlatformInfo -> Generic.

UEFI:

   - Make sure `SecureBootModel` is set to Disabled under Misc -> Security.

   - Ensure `Quirks -> EnableSafeModeSlide` and `Quirks -> DisableSecurityPolicy` are enabled under Booter.

5. Save and Test:

   - After configuring your `config.plist`, save it.

   - Boot from your USB and select Install macOS.

6. Post-Installation:

   - Once you have installed macOS, you need to move the OpenCore EFI folder to your internal drive's EFI partition.

   - Reboot and make sure everything works (Wi-Fi, audio, graphics, etc.). If something doesn’t work (e.g., audio or graphics), you might need to tweak the `config.plist` further.

Troubleshooting:

1. No Boot?: Make sure that your `config.plist` has the correct `ig-platform-id` for Intel graphics, and double-check your SSDTs.

2. No Audio?: Try different `layout_id` values with AppleALC in your `config.plist`.

3. Wi-Fi Issues?: If you have an unsupported Wi-Fi card, you might need to replace it with a macOS-compatible one, or use the `itlwm.kext` for Intel wireless chips.

Conclusion:

The `config.plist` may seem complex, but it's basically a way to tell macOS how to work with your specific laptop hardware. Once you set it up properly using OpenCore, your Panasonic CF-SZ5 should be able to run macOS smoothly.

If you're still stuck on any particular section, feel free to ask for more clarification!