x1c6-hackintosh/docs/BIOS.md

BIOS

At the minimum, these BIOS settings must be made to install and run macOS without any problems:

Main Menu	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3
	>> Security	>> Security Chip	Security Chip DISABLED
		>> Fingerprint	Predesktop Authentication DISABLED
		>> Secure Boot Configuration	Secure Boot DISABLED
			Press Clear All Secure Boot Keys
		>> Intel SGX	Intel SGX Control DISABLED
	>> Config	>> Network	Wake on Lan DISABLED
			Wake on Lan from Dock DISABLED
			UEFI IPv4 Network Stack DISABLED
			UEFI IPv6 Network Stack DISABLED
	>> Startup	UEFI/Legacy Boot UEFI Only
		CSM Support No (per OpenCore Documentation)

• You should also disable hardware devices you do not need to save power, some examples are:

Main Menu	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3
	>> Security	>> I/O Port Access	Wireless WAN DISABLED
			Fingerprint Reader DISABLED
			Memory Card Slot DISABLED
	>> Config	>> USB	Always On USB DISABLED

• If you do not use Thunderbolt 3 hotplug in macOS (don't mind shutting down the machine to connect TB3 devices), this will drastically lower power consumption:

Main Menu	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3
	>> Config	>> Thunderbolt (TM) 3	Thunderbolt BIOS Assist Mode Enabled
			Thunderbolt(TM) Device Enabled

• If you do do want to use Thunderbolt 3 hotplug in macOS (at the expense of idle power consumption):

• NOTE: If you do have a modded BIOS firmware, please reset all settings relating to Thunderbolt 3 to default, all that's needed are settings detailed below or in 1_README-HARDWAREandBIOS.md

Main Menu	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3
	>> Config	>> Thunderbolt (TM) 3	Thunderbolt BIOS Assist Mode Disabled
			Security Level No Security
			Support in Pre Boot Environment: Thunderbolt(TM) Device Disabled

Modding the BIOS

!!! danger As of of July 16th, 2021: the BIOS mod will break TPM. Hence, Windows 11 will not work. Consider this if you wish to proceed.

A modded BIOS will allow for more optimizations to be made for macOS and will overall make your hackintosh better. I am a BIOS modding novice myself, but with these instructions, I was able to mod my x1c6 BIOS in less than one hour. I fully recommend doing this for all who think themselves capable. Furthermore, the default config.plist for this repository is meant to accommodate a modded BIOS with appropriate settings. If you cannot mod your BIOS or is unwilling to do so, use config_unmoddedBIOS.plist.

[SPI Programmer CH341a and SOIC8 connector](https://www.amazon.com/Organizer-Socket-Adpter-Programmer-CH341A/dp/B07R5LPTYM) are needed.

Here are the steps to mod your BIOS (credits to paranoidbashthot and \x):

• Refer to http://paranoid.anal-slavery.com/biosmods/skylake.html
• Use xx_80_patches-v*.txt, I commented out WWAN patches since I do not need it.
• @notthebee also has a useful video to follow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce7kqUEccUM
• Remember to dump the vanilla twice and use diff to make sure things were dumped properly, store this backup somewhere safe.
• Confirmed working BIOS-v1.45, I cannot be sure about other BIOS versions. Though they will most likely work as well.
• The modded BIOS does not need to be signed by thinkpad-eufi-sign. Just remember to replace 4C 4E 56 42 42 53 45 43 FB with 4C 4E 56 42 42 53 45 43 FF on the patched BIOS.
• The BIOS chip is located above the CPU, under the sticker shield:
  
• Your BIOS chip may not be made by Winbond, but by Macronix instead. In that case, add the argument -c MX25L12835F/MX25L12845E/MX25L12865E to flashrom. See Issue #116
• Successfully modding your BIOS will reveal the Advance Menu tab:
  
• It goes without saying, after doing this, do not update your BIOS unless you want to do this again.

Finally, make sure to backup your pre-modded BIOS twice and compare the two to make sure that it was dumped properly. Furthermore, attempt this at your own risk, I am not responsible for any damages you may cause.

Modded BIOS Settings

The following are further optimization settings that can be figured once your BIOS is modded.

• These settings are universally recommended optimizations for your hackintosh:

Main Menu	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3	Sub 4
Advanced Tab	>> Intel Advanced Menu	>> System Agent (SA) Configuration	>> Graphics Configuration	DVMT Pre-Allocated 64M
		>> Power & Performance	>> CPU - Power Management Control	>> CPU Lock Configuration (Last item, scroll up/down until you see it) CFG Lock Disabled

• I also recommend undervolting your machine regarless of your usage, the following are stable settings for my x1c6 with i7-8650U, verified by stress testing with Prime95 and Heaven Benchmark, your may be worse or better, please do your own testing. In addition, I suggest you repaste your machine with an aftermarket thermal paste for lower temps and a better undervolt.

Main Menu	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3	Sub 4
Advanced Tab	>> Intel Advanced Menu	>> OverClocking Performance Menu	OverClocking Feature Enabled
			>> Processor	Voltage Offset 100
				Offset Prefix -
			>> GT	GT Voltage Offset 80
				Offset Prefix -
				GTU Voltage Offset 80
				Offset Prefix -
			>> Uncore	Uncore Voltage Offset 80
				Offset Prefix -

• The following settings depend on your own personal preference:

• If you want to optimize CPU performance at the cost of battery:

Main Menu	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3	Sub 4
Advanced Tab	>> Power & Performance	>> CPU - Power Management Control	Boot performance mode Turbo Performance
			>> Config TDP Configurations	Up

• If you want to optimize battery time at the cost of performance:

Main Menu	Sub 1	Sub 2	Sub 3	Sub 4
Advanced Tab	>> Power & Performance	>> CPU - Power Management Control	Boot performance mode Max Battery
			>> Config TDP Configurations	Down