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Fixing Bootloop on Dell Precision M4800 (Intel HD 4600 & AMD FirePro M5100) Running macOS Sonoma with OpenCore Legacy Patcher

Guide Step-by-Step:

Step 1: Access macOS Recovery Mode

Since macOS Recovery Mode is accessible, use it to adjust OpenCore configurations without needing a full system reinstall.

  1. Boot into Recovery:
    • Restart your laptop, holding down Command + R to boot into macOS Recovery.
    • From the Utilities menu, open Terminal.

Step 2: Mount the EFI Partition

To modify OpenCore settings, mount the EFI partition to access the configuration files.

  1. In Terminal, type:
    bash
    diskutil list
diskutil mount diskXsY  # Replace X and Y with the EFI partition numbers from the list
  2. Once mounted, open the EFI/OC folder in Finder.

Step 3: Update OCLP and Rebuild EFI Files

  1. Download the Latest OCLP Version:
    • Visit the OCLP GitHub page and download the newest version for better Sonoma support.
  2. Regenerate EFI Files:
    • Run OCLP on your macOS Recovery or another macOS device to rebuild the EFI files with the latest patches.
    • Replace the existing EFI folder on your USB drive or EFI partition with the updated EFI from OCLP.

Step 4: Modify OpenCore Configuration (config.plist)

Open config.plist in ProperTree or OpenCore Configurator and make the following adjustments for compatibility.

ACPI and USB Port Patching
  • Add USBInjectAll.kext and SSDT-EC-USBX.aml in EFI/OC/Kexts and EFI/OC/ACPI, respectively, to improve USB functionality. This helps macOS recognise all USB ports.
Graphics Configuration for Unsupported GPU
  • Since the AMD FirePro M5100 lacks native support in macOS, configure OpenCore to rely on Intel HD 4600 for graphics:
    • Ensure WhateverGreen.kext is in EFI/OC/Kexts.
    • In config.plist, go to DeviceProperties > Add > PciRoot(0x0)/Pci(0x2,0x0) and add:
      xml
      <key>AAPL,ig-platform-id</key>
<data>04001204</data> <!-- Configures Intel HD 4600 -->
<key>disable-external-gpu</key>
<true/>
    • Inject Intel: Enable this in your graphics settings to ensure macOS utilises the HD 4600.

Step 5: Adjust Boot Arguments and Kernel Settings

  • Add the following under NVRAM > boot-args:

    text
    -v keepsyms=1 debug=0x100 igfxonln=1
    • -v: Enables verbose mode, useful for debugging boot issues.
    • keepsyms=1 and debug=0x100: Provide more detailed kernel error logs.
    • igfxonln=1: Ensures Intel graphics stay active, essential for dual-GPU setups.

  • Kernel Quirks:

    • In Kernel > Quirks, enable:
      • AppleXcpmCfgLock: Prevents kernel panics with Intel CPUs.
      • DisableIoMapper: Helps if VT-d is active or not fully disabled in BIOS.

Step 6: Add Sound Patches with AppleALC

  1. Place AppleALC.kext in EFI/OC/Kexts.
  2. Add alcid=1 to the boot arguments, or try different layout IDs (e.g., alcid=11) if sound does not work immediately.

Step 7: Reboot and Test System Functionality

  1. Reboot the laptop, selecting the macOS entry in the OpenCore boot menu.
  2. Check Functionality:
    • USB Ports: Verify that all ports are working; if not, custom mapping may be needed via Hackintool.
    • Sound: Test for audio output; adjust alcid values if necessary.
    • Graphics: Ensure Intel HD 4600 is active with smooth graphics; the AMD GPU will be inactive.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Persistent Bootloop: If bootlooping continues, use verbose mode (-v) to determine where the process halts.
  • USB Issues: Use Hackintool to map USB ports if some are still non-functional.
  • No Audio: Try other layout IDs if sound doesn’t initialise with alcid=1.

By following these steps, you should resolve the bootloop issue and restore USB and audio functionality on your Dell Precision M4800 running macOS Sonoma. Let me know if additional troubleshooting is needed!

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