If you are here by reading the title, it means you also wish to buy the best CPU for Hackintosh. Honestly, there was a time when it was my direct desire to run Mac OS X, but at that time, I was not able to afford the money. That was the time when I came to know about Hackintosh.
If you don’t have much knowledge and information about Hackintosh, then let me clear the air for you. Hackintosh came from two words, Hacking and mackintosh, which means you need to hack software to run it correctly on a hardware system.
Hackintosh is not a legal act, but it has certain benefits that make this risk worthy. All of you might have known the exciting features of apple processors that windows processors lack. Apple has added some breathtaking features in their operating software that windows lacks. That is why people use Hackintosh.
I think it is worth mentioning here that Apple never allows anyone to use their operating system on any other device. Still, you can use it if you are using this in a copyright job to benefit society and play a positive role.
Why do you need to buy the Best CPU for Hackintosh?
Well, this is one of the most commonly asked questions. When I was younger, I always wanted to have an apple processor because of its exceptional features, but I never got a chance to get my hands on it because they were so expensive. So I was only left with the choice of the Hackintosh.
If you research Hackintosh, you will know that you cannot use any simple CPU for Hackintosh. You have to buy a high-end, robust CPU to carry out this task. A lot of you don’t know how to choose a compatible CPU. I didn’t know either, but then I researched, and it took me a lot of time to figure out the best processors that can do the best Hackintosh.
Like all the hacking, Hackintosh also has some disadvantages. Like wifi not working and SD card issues, and many other minor issues, like that. But its advantages are worth it. So, without stretching it any longer, let’s see which are the six best CPUs for Hackintosh. Check out another Top CPU for GTX 1070 as well as the Best CPU For Blender.
1. Intel Core i9-10900K Desktop Processor
Intel is a reliable name in the market. All the processors of Intel are reliable for high-end single-core performance. But the Intel i9-10900K is the winning product of Intel. The specification of this CPU is just breathtaking.
The product is designed for high-end performance. All the specifications of this CPU make it the best choice for Hackintosh. Ten cores of the processor and twenty threads will fit best with Mac OS X.
This CPU has an enticing 5.2 GHz clocking speed. It means that you’ll never feel any bugs while overclocking, and you can enjoy all the features of the Apple software without any delay. The product is also energy efficient and has 125 W TDP. To keep the CPU cool, there is not any inbuilt cooler. But you can purchase a CPU cooler separately if you feel the need.
Apple software runs smoothly on this CPU. The product has UHD Graphics 630, which will never blur your vision. The graphics of this device will give you the feeling of using a Mac.
This robust 10th-generation processor will allow you to play your desired games.
All the buyers have given this product a very positive rating. The only thing that I consider the downside of the product is its price. I feel the price of the product is a little higher.
Pros
- Powerful processor with highly integrated graphics
- Can handle a heavy workload
- The CPU has ten cores and threads
- Stable 5.2 GHz clocking speed
Cons
- The product is a bit pricey
2. Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor
The second product in our list is also from Intel, and according to my research, Intel devices are effective, super reliable, and compatible with Hackintosh. The product has a similar performance to the former one but at a lower price.
So, if you want to have the best Hackintosh performance of Intel core i9-10900 at a lower rate, then don’t look anywhere else. Get your hands on Intel core i9-9900K.
Now let’s talk about the specification of this CPU. The processor has a 5 GHz clocking speed, which is pretty good for Hackintosh. The 9th generation CPU has 2.0 turbo boost technology that combines well with the Apple software and provides a pro-level gaming experience.
The CPU has eight cores and 16 hyper threads. The multiple threads allow you to perform several tasks at a time smoothly. The device has Intel HD Graphics 630. It will never blur your eyes. Further, this product is unlocked. So if you ever feel like upgrading your CPU, you can add it simply by adding any updated GPU.
The TDP of the processor (95 W) is lower than the former product, which means the product will not heat up soon during the heavy workload. But there is not any extra thermal management system like a cooler in the packaging. Consider viewing another Top Home Server CPU or a similar Top CPU for Rendering.
Pros
- Best CPU for high-end Hackintosh
- Best integrated graphic unit
- 16 threads for multitasking
- Powerful processor
Cons
- Buyers have reported the CPU has a higher TDP than mentioned.
3. AMD Ryzen 9 3900X Unlocked Desktop Processor
The third product on our list is AMD Ryzen. We have already reviewed many products of Ryzen in previous lists. Ryzen 9 3900X has a robust processor that can handle Apple software proficiency, and you will hardly feel any glitches.
A lot of people have used this device for Hackintosh, and they are pretty satisfied. You can get almost all the features of a Mac on this CPU. That is one of the best things about this CPU.
The CPU has a wonderful screen resolution. You will surely enjoy the cinematic experience with this CPU. The CPU can run all high-resolution videos of 1440p, and also it can run all the applications of the Mac.
The clocking speed of the product is 4.6 GHz, which is ideal. The 12 cores and 24 threads make this CPU the best choice for Hackintosh. The CPU has two modules of 8 GB Ram to provide fast operation. The CPU also has 100+ FPS to provide ultra-fast performance.
This CPU will provide you with extra efficiency and speed of work and gaming. One of the best things about this CPU is that it is unlocked. It means there is super flexibility in it. So you can upgrade this model as many times as you want to add your desired feature.
The TDP of this processor is a bit higher. But manufacturers have provided the cooler with this CPU, which makes this CPU more affordable.
Pros
- Premium and reliable quality
- 24 hyper threads for stable multi-core performance
- Easy upgrading
- The CPU is perfectly compatible with macOS
- Come with a CPU cooler
Cons
- Price is a bit higher
4. Intel Core i5-10600K Desktop Processor
It is the modest and most affordable CPU for Hackintosh. CPU has the most updates 10th generation. The 10th generation is the most updated in the CPUs and it has almost eighteen percent higher computing powers than other generations of the CPU.
Like the former CPU that we have reviewed, this CPU is also unlocked. Which means you can do the alterations of your choice. Moreover, the CPU holds six cores and 12 threads that give you proficient speed.
The average clocking speed of this device is 4.1 GHz which provides ending seamless gameplay and entertainment.
The reason for adding this product to our list is that it is super affordable and also its specification matches pretty much our requirements. So, if you have a tight budget, then go for this CPU. Of course, the performance of this CPU will not be the same as the first three products that we have added to our list, but still, it is the best value for your money.
The model has an Intel-integrated HD Graphics 630 chipset. The graphics of the CPU are good. And as we have described earlier, it is unlocked. You can add the required GPU. To store your data, the processor has two channels of DDR4-2666 RAM.
But if you don’t want to compromise on the quality, then this CPU is not your cup of tea, then we will suggest you spend some more money and buy the product that we mentioned earlier.
Pros
- Super affordable CPU for Hackintosh
- Unlocked and overclockable
- The majority of applications of macOS work on this CPU
Cons
- Not best for 24/7 overclocking
- Higher TDP
5. AMD Ryzen 7 3800X Unlocked Desktop Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 3800X is the world’s most updated CPU for gaming. Buyers love this CPU for Hackintosh. The CPU is suitable to run and perform high-end tasks.
It has eight cores and 16 threads for fast action. Moreover, it has 100+ FPS for receiving extra speedy commands.
But the thing that makes this CPU the best fit for Hackintosh is DDR 3200 and LPX 16GB Kit memory support. Moreover, the CPU has a 4.5 GHz clocking speed, and 36 MB cache speed.
The process is the best for 4k video editing; this CPU with Hackintosh and apple editing software will make you a pro-level video and photo editor. The CPU is also very compatible with providing classy gaming and streaming experience.
If you want an advanced CPU for gaming and pro-level photoshopping and video editing, then you should get your hands on this processor without further delay.
The processor with overwhelming qualities also has a CPU cooler with it. These coolers will keep the temperature of your CPU under check. Its price is also quite reasonable.
Pros
- It has adorable graphic properties
- The unlocked system with reasonable pricing
- Comes with a cooler
Cons
- Some buyers have reported that the CPU heat up
6. AMD Ryzen 7 5800X Unlocked Desktop Processor
The final product on our list is also from Intel. It is the 9th generation CPU of Intel. The main reason for adding this product to our list is its dual-channel DDR4-3200 RAM.
The CPU does not have any integrated graphics. So you need to buy a graphic card separately. The graphic card, after combining with the MacOs, takes your video editing to the next level. Its graphics also give you high-class picture quality. After the Hackintosh, you will be able to enjoy apple quality video and movies on your windows.
The clocking speed is another alluring thing about this CPU, the stable clocking speed is 4.7 GHz, but you can overclock this till 5 GHz. The CPU also houses eight cores and six threads for high-class performance.
Almost all the Hackintosh programs work well on this CPU. The only downside of the CPU is its high TDP. To keep the temperature in control, you can buy a thermal solution separately.
Pros
- High-class vision with Hackintosh
- This unlocked CPU provides the best Hackintosh performance
- Reliable and durable processor
Cons
- It is a little expensive and has no CPU cooler.
Buyers guide – CPU For Hackintosh
It was pretty much it from our side. We have figured out and listed the six best CPUs for Hackintosh. Choosing a CPU from the six can be perplexing for the people like me, who find it difficult to choose one among the many best options. So I have collected a few things that you should check while buying the CPU for Hackintosh.
Powerful processor
You know that you are going to run software that is not the inbuilt software of that device, and you know that the macOS software is the most updated one, so you need to choose a strong processor that can handle the workload of macOS software effectively.
Do go below 9th, and 10th generation CPUs; otherwise, all features will not be available.
RAM
RAM is one of the most crucial components that will decide your Hackintosh performance, so try to choose a CPU with at least a RAM that falls between 8-16 GB.
Storage
All the laptops that we have reviewed are unlocked, so storage is not a problem. You can add the SSD of the required storage and upgrade your CPU. Ideally, you should choose a CPU with at least 256 GB SSD.
GPU
GPU is one of the most important things that you should be looking for while buying a CPU. Keep in mind that you are buying a CPU for Hackintosh, in other words, to run macOS. Mac software and all its applications have an ultra-high resolution. So, try to buy a CPU with the best GPU or purchase a separate GPU.
Not a long time ago, GPUs were slow, but the updated GPU has good speed, and the present-day GPUs will not bottleneck your CPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CPU is best for Hackintosh?
Any CPU with 6-8 GB RAMS, integrated GPU, 4+ GHz clocking speed, at least 256 SSD storage, and a robust processor is good for Hackintosh.
How much does a Hackintosh cost?
The cost of Hackintosh largely depends on your own choice. But with the ideal specifications, you can build Hackintosh for under $500-700.
Is Hackintosh CPUs Reliable?
The answer is yes! Hackintosh CPUs can be built at a margin cheaper than the original Mac devices, and they are super reliable.
Would my Hackintosh CPU be able to run all Mac applications?
If you fulfill all the specific requirements mentioned above, you can run all the applications on Mac without any haste.
How long will Hackintosh last?
A Hackintosh, which is a non-Apple computer that has been modified to run macOS, can last for a long time just like a regular Windows or Linux PC. However, there are a few factors that can impact the longevity of a Hackintosh.
One factor is hardware compatibility. Because macOS is designed to run on Apple hardware, some components of a Hackintosh may not be fully compatible with the operating system, which can lead to instability or performance issues over time. Additionally, as new versions of macOS are released, older hardware may no longer be supported, which can further impact the longevity of a Hackintosh.
Another factor is software compatibility. As new software updates are released, they may not be fully compatible with a Hackintosh, which can lead to stability issues or other problems.
Finally, the maintenance and frequency of updates on the Hackintosh can also affect its longevity. Keeping the Hackintosh updated with the latest software and drivers can help to ensure that it runs smoothly over time.
What are the cons of Hackintosh?
There are several cons to using a Hackintosh:
- Compatibility issues: Because macOS is designed to run on Apple hardware, some components of a Hackintosh may not be fully compatible with the operating system, which can lead to instability or performance issues.
- Limited support: Apple does not officially support Hackintoshes, so if you encounter any issues, you will have to rely on online communities for help and support.
- Limited software availability: Some software, including some professional applications, is only available for macOS on Apple hardware.
- Lack of hardware upgrades: Some new hardware components may not be compatible with Hackintosh, so you will have to rely on older or less powerful components.
- Legal issues: According to the terms of service, installing macOS on non-Apple hardware is a violation of the EULA and may be illegal in some areas.
- Maintenance and updates: Hackintoshes require more maintenance and troubleshooting when compared to regular Macs, especially when it comes to updates, as they may cause problems.
- Risk of data loss: As with any computer, there is a risk of data loss, but with a Hackintosh, the risk may be higher due to the lack of official support and the potential for compatibility issues.
Does Apple allow Hackintosh?
No, Apple does not officially support or allow the use of Hackintoshes. In fact, according to the company’s terms of service, installing macOS on non-Apple hardware is a violation of the End User License Agreement (EULA) and may be illegal in some areas.
Apple designs its hardware and software to work together seamlessly and optimally, and using a Hackintosh can lead to compatibility issues, limited support, and potential legal issues.
Additionally, Apple does not provide technical support for Hackintoshes, and the company may take action against users who are found to be using them, such as revoking their warranty or disabling their accounts.
In summary, while it is technically possible to create a Hackintosh, it is not something that Apple supports or condones, and it comes with several downsides, including compatibility issues, limited support, legal issues, and a lack of technical support from Apple. It is important to be aware of the risks and potential issues before deciding to use a Hackintosh.
Is it cheaper to build a Hackintosh?
Building a Hackintosh can potentially be cheaper than buying an Apple computer, depending on the specific components and configuration that you choose.
Because Apple charges a premium for its hardware, building a Hackintosh using off-the-shelf components can be less expensive than buying a similar Apple computer. Additionally, when building a Hackintosh, you have more flexibility to choose components that meet your specific needs and budget.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that building a Hackintosh can also be more expensive in some cases, especially if you are not familiar with the process or if you need to purchase additional hardware or software to get it to work. Additionally, there might be extra costs associated with upgrading and maintaining a Hackintosh, as many components used in Hackintoshes are not officially supported by macOS, so you will have to rely on online communities for help and support.
Is 4GB RAM enough for Hackintosh?
4GB of RAM is the minimum recommended amount of memory for running macOS on a Hackintosh, but it may not be enough for some tasks.
Having 4GB of RAM will allow you to run basic tasks such as web browsing and word processing, but it may not be sufficient for more demanding tasks such as running multiple applications simultaneously, video editing, or gaming. As a result, your system may slow down or become unresponsive when running multiple applications or when running demanding applications.
Additionally, if you plan to use your Hackintosh for running virtual machines or using virtualization software, 4GB of RAM might not be enough.
Conclusion
Hackintosh CPU is becoming the love of developers and editors. Because at an affordable price, they got all the features of the Mac device.
Hackintosh CPU can provide the services somewhat at the Mac level at a much lower price than the Mac. If you make the right choice of CPU, you will love the Hackintosh experience. However, if you ever felt a problem with Hackintosh, you can go back to Windows software any time.
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