iATKOS | United Kingdom: Fixing Network Connectivity on Hackintosh: SUCCESS: Big Sur on a fairly old Haswell setup

big_sur

A working network setup is essential for a functional Hackintosh. Here is how this community member achieved connectivity and what steps you can follow.

Step 1 — Identify Your Network Chipset

Open System Information > Wi-Fi (or Bluetooth) or use Hackintool to find the exact controller model.

Step 2 — Install the Correct Kext

For Intel Wi-Fi use AirportItlwm, for Broadcom use BrcmPatchRAM, and for Ethernet use IntelMausi or RealtekRTL8111.

Step 3 — Reset Network Preferences

If Wi-Fi connects but has no internet, delete the network preference files and reboot.

Step 4 — Verify Location Services

Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and ensure it is enabled.

Expected Results

Wi-Fi connects automatically after reboot
Bluetooth pairs and remains connected
Location Services works in Maps and other apps

Original Question: "SUCCESS: Big Sur on a fairly old Haswell setup"

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 (Haswell)
GPU: Intel HD 4600 / Nvidia GTX960 ( yea, I know...=(( )
RAM: 16 Gb
Motherboard Make and Model: Asus Z87-Plus
Audio Codec: ALC 892 (on the motherboard)
Ethernet Card: Intel i217 (on the motherboard)
Wifi/BT Card: none
Touchpad and touch display devices: none
BIOS revision: 2103 (latest according to Asus website)
Which of the guides on the sidebar you used.
- https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Install-Guide/config.plist/haswell.html#starting-point
What's working, and what isn't working.
- I have a GTX960 card and I use 3 monitors with it. I had to forcefully switch to iGPU in the bios, otherwise even switching windows is painfully slow. Any help getting basic graphics work with multiple monitors is very welcome.
  Multi monitor support is there in the bios, so I might be able to use both the HDMI and the DVI for at least 2 displays
- Optical audio and networking works out of the box, I have re-used some of my config settings from my High Sierra install. That still has Nvidia support. Although during trying to install Big Sur managed to break the high Sierra install =((
- I have not tested any of the apple fancy stuff yet. Happy that it's up and running. Will add more when I get to test them out.