Remove 165 MHz pixel clock limit; 4K over HDMI; overclocking

[dmayle]

Hi Douglas,

thank you very much for your effort, I was looking forward to it, but for some reason, the patch doesn't seem to work. I tried it on a MBA 13 2013, and everything works all right until I plug my external 4K monitor in. Then I get an uncoverable spinning wheel.
A similar issue I have with the iMac, here also a rollback of the IOKit helps (whereas the patched AMDSupport alone shows no effect).

Too bad

Just to be clear as to what the patch does: the IOKit patch tells OSX to *not validate* screen resolutions against the set of checks it performs before changing resolutions.

The AMDSupport patch changes the hard 165Mhz constant that the driver has, regardless of whether the resolution is valid or not.

Given that the MBA is supposed to support 4k (are you using an active adapter?), and it is Intel graphics only, the IOKit patch should be sufficient if there's a problem on it. In your case, I would try running the default IOKit with SwitchResX to choose 4k, and if that doesn't work, both a patched IOKit and SwitchResX

But going back over the comments, sometimes you mention a Macbook Air 2012, and sometimes a 2013. The 2012 is almost certainly incapable of supporting 4k due to hardware constraints (only the second pixel clock on HD4000 suppports 4k, it's generally only hooked up to a third input, and the 2012 MBA doesn't have a third input), and the 2013 should work out of the box.

 

[<blank>]

Douglas, it seems that the 10.9.2 update may have broken your fix? I just re-applied your patch after updating and I'm getting the broken spinning wheel as described in past comments. Any ideas? I'm going to try repairing permissions but I doubt that will help.

 

[<blank>]

I'm also seeing these in my console, related?

kernel[0]: CODE SIGNING: process 716[loginwindow]: rejecting invalid page at address 0x1053ac000 from offset 0x17000 in file "/System/Library/Frameworks/IOKit.framework/Versions/A/IOKit" (cs_mtime:1393872704.0 == mtime:1393872704.0) (signed:1 validated:1 tainted:1 wpmapped:0 slid:0)

 

[<blank>]

Success!

It turns out you need to resign IOKit after modifying it. I used the same instructions in this thread to get this command:

sudo codesign -f -s - /System/Library/Frameworks/IOKit.framework/Versions/A/IOKit

Just make sure you run that after patching, reboot, and you should be good to go on 10.9.2!

 

[dmayle]

What parts are code signed are determined by the file:
/System/Library/Frameworks/IOKit.framework/Versions/A/_CodeSignature/CodeResources

In my system, there's no entry in that file for IOKit (which would say <key>IOKit</key>), but that might be because I have SwitchResX installed. Could you check that file to see if there's an entry for IOKit?

 

[matthoffner]

Hey everyone , thanks for your contributions, I had 120hz 1920x1200 with 10.8.3 with the previous update and after going to 10.9.2 fresh it seems like switchresx no longer lets me change the pixel clock. Is there a way to do this outside of switchresx?

I did sudo codesign -f -s - /System/Library/Frameworks/IOKit.framework/Versions/A/IOKit as mentioned and it worked, but the patch doesn't say anything when I run it any more.

 

[<blank>]

What parts are code signed are determined by the file:
/System/Library/Frameworks/IOKit.framework/Versions/A/_CodeSignature/CodeResources

In my system, there's no entry in that file for IOKit (which would say <key>IOKit</key>), but that might be because I have SwitchResX installed. Could you check that file to see if there's an entry for IOKit?

I had SwitchResX before the update, but uninstall after using this patch. Oddly there's no IOKit in CodeResources but there's IOKit.bak?

<key>IOKit.bak</key>
<dict>
<key>cdhash</key>
<data>
GsS8Pk1pmpWW7qwqisxA2+OWmnQ=
</data>
<key>requirement</key>
<string>identifier "com.apple.framework.IOKit" and anchor apple</string>
</dict>

 

[jerybak]

Patch for New Mac Mini User

ok i have a 39" Seiki, the Accell adaptor.....Quill.com has them in stock!!!, and a Late 2012 Mini......Please give me some "For Dummies" instruction on how to install/apply this patch so I can run at 30mhz.

thanks

 

[TRO Stan]

Step by step instructions

Here are step by step instructions for newbies (like myself), culled together from multiple threads on different forums, this is what is working for me (with caveats below):

Mac mini Late 2012
Processor 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 1024 MB
Software OS X 10.9.2 (13C1021)
Monitor Seiki 39” Ultra Hi-Def LED TV SE39UY04 (Flashed with firmware update for 50” model)*
Connector Accell Ultra AV Mini DisplayPort 1.1 to HDMI Active Adapter — connected to Seiki monitor via supplied HDMI cable (blue)

1. Clean install (Press Command-R at startup, use Disk Utility to erase hard disk, reinstall OS X from network)
2. Install all software updates to latest version of OS X 10.9.2
3. In Safari go to: https://code.google.com/r/douglas-mac-pixel-clock-patch/
4. Click on tabs: Source -> Browse -> Download zip
5. Open Terminal
6. cd ~/Downloads/douglas-mac-pixel-clock-patch-045f86da8edc/
7. chmod +x macPixelClockPatcher.command
8. ./macPixelClockPatcher.command
9. It will say: “Detected unpatched IOKit on 10.9.2, patching.”
10. Enter administrator password when prompted
11. cd /System/Library/Frameworks/IOKit.framework/Versions/A
12. ls
13. Check that the patcher created the file IOKit.bak — this is the original version of the IOKit file replaced by the patcher. If all else fails, replace the patched IOKit file with the original one to revert
14. sudo codesign -f -s - ./IOKit
15. Enter administrator password when prompted
16. If command line developer tools have not been installed, this prompt will appear:
The “codesign_allocate” command requires the command line developer tools. Would you like to install the tools now?
17. Click Install
18. Go back to step 14 after installation completes
19. It will say: “./IOKit: replacing existing signature”
20. Reboot

SPECIAL NOTES:
1. The above steps cause the option for 3840x2160 30 Hz resolution to show up in the standard Display preference panel — no need for SwitchResX
2. IMPORTANT: Prior to installation of pixel clock path and/or SwitchResX (if using it) make sure in the Display preference panel if there is an option for “Underscan” that it is turned OFF
3. This is working with the Accell adapter but not by direct connection using the HDMI output

*Seiki TV firmware update instructions (copied from Trevor L’s review on amazon.com)

1. Download firmware from Seiki site (seikidigital.com/support/downloads.php)
Model # SE50UY04
2. Unzip firmware to FAT32 formatted USB stick
3. Put the thumb drive in USB port 1 (bottom of TV)
4. Turn the TV on
5. On your remote press the "menu" button
6. Then on your remote press "0" 4 times, that will take you into the service menu.
7. In the service menu choose the software upgrade option
7. Screen will display upgrade animation
8. Patiently wait for the upgrade to finish
9. Turn off TV when finished
10. Disconnect thumb drive

UPDATE: For update to Mavericks 10.9.3 (from 10.9.2)
1. Just in case, restored original IOKit from backup (see above)
2. Updated to 10.9.3
3. Downloaded new version of pixel clock patch: https://code.google.com/r/linzhu0127-port/source/browse/macPixelClockPatcher.command
4. Followed instructions above (but using ~/Downloads/linzhu0127-port-cbd2e29890bf/)

PROBLEMS:
1. Although the Mac mini is now able to drive the Seiki at 4K 30 Hz resolution, there is still screen corruption:
a. The menu bar text display is corrupted and there are random color lines running through it
b. Windows intermittently have a dark shadow surrounding them, that sometimes disappear when the window is brought into focus
2. Although the Accell adapter is supposed to pass through audio to the display speakers, this is not working (not showing up as an audio output option)
3. Updating to 10.9.3 has not fixed these problems

 

[TRO Stan]

Screen corruption with overclocked Mac mini and Seiki 4K

Here is a screen capture showing the screen corruption described in the last post. Note the menu bar appearance. The fact that it shows up in the screen capture (using Grab) suggests that it is in the video memory, not just the display? Suggestions for solutions would be most welcome!

 

[motoford]

Hi all, new here, I registered so I could hopefully add to the screen corruption discussion.

First, thank you to everyone involved with this project. It's a shame we have to hack our systems just to let them use their full potential.

TRO Stan, I did not have any of the screen corruption you show on my 10.8.5 mac mini. I got another mini yesterday and used the step by step instructions for 10.9.3. That made the 4k res work, but I had the same screen corruption in the menu bar.

On a whim, I installed SwitchResX. The only two things I changed were checking the default resolution checkbox and putting in 30Hz, and I checked "disable HDMI 1.3a" just to see if the HDMI port would work now @ 4k (it doesn't).

After rebooting the menu bar corruption is completely gone.

 

[motoford]

I wanted to followup after using this new mini some more. I do have some issues currently in 10.9.3.

1. The menu bar does not extend all the way across the screen. On my Seiki 39", there is about an inch gap at the top right.

2. There is a .25" white bar directly underneath the menu bar

3. Some windows have a .25" black border all the way around them when they lose focus.


Interestingly, I didn't notice any of these issues yesterday when I got it working. At that time I was using Seiki 39" and Accel adapter that I normally use on the 10.8.5 mac mini. I'm going to do some more testing and report back.

 

[TRO Stan]

Screen corruption on Mac mini to 4K Seiki

Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping something like SwitchResX would help fix the screen corruption issue, but it sounds like you are seeing the exact artifacts I am even after installing SwitchResX.

I have found it to be a somewhat random occurrence. At one point it seemed to help if I set the display resolution lower (like 1080p) and rebooted a couple times before switching back to the highest resolution. Very voodoo. But now I am consistently getting corruption of at least the menu bar even after multiple reboots.

If anyone finds a solution it would be great to learn from you.

Thanks.

 

[motoford]

After I wrote that last post I tried some other settings. I was going to wait a little longer to post this to see if its a fluke, but here is there latest:

I unchecked the "disable HDMI 1.3a", rebooted, and I was back to the original. Corrupted menu bar just like your screenshot, but all of the other problems gone. I had decided to just live with it, but for some reason (I don't remember why), I rechecked the disable HDMI 1.3a and rebooted and boom, everything is perfect.

I have rebooted a few times and have not had a single issue after login. While booting I get the normal junk under the apple on the gray screen, and my login screen has some weird psychedelic circles, but after I log in all corruption and artifacts are gone.

You are correct that it seems voodoo, but for now the princess is smiling on me and I'm not going to touch a thing.

If there are any settings you would like to compare just ask.

 

[laggs]

Corruption

I too suffer from the same corruption on my 39" Seiki. I updated to 10.9.4 and everything was working perfectly. Then I rebooted the next day and the corruption on the top bar is back. I have tried 50" Seiki firmware and back to 39" firmware and both suffer the same fate. If anybody has any ideas or suggestions please post them.

Thanks

Mac Mini (late 2012)
39" Seiki (latest 39" firmware)
Removed pixel limit
Installed SwitchresX 4.4

 

[motoford]

When I reboot and log in and have the corrupt menu bar, I can log out and log back in and its all fixed. Its a bit of a pain after a reboot -- but I rarely reboot my macs so it's not been too big of an issue for me.

So far the logout/login trick has worked every time.

 

[laggs]

Thanks Motoford, I logged out and back in and all works well.

 

[Rog210]

I followed TRO Stan's instructions to the letter (using the updated 10.9.3 software at the bottom of the post) and everything went well.

However, I'm still not able to run anything in 4K over 14Hz. SwitchresX gives a "Not Activated - Invalid?" next to 3840 x 2160 @ 30Hz but not @ 14Hz so it looks like this patch didn't work.

I'm running a 1,1 Mac Pro, HD6870, flashed 39" Seiki via MDP > HDMI and 10.9.4.

I'd appreciate any help here, I can get 30Hz in Windows 7 via Bootcamp but not in Mavericks. I like the display but if I'm stuck with 14Hz I'll have to return it.

 

[omvs]

I...
However, I'm still not able to run anything in 4K over 14Hz. SwitchresX gives a "Not Activated - Invalid?" next to 3840 x 2160 @ 30Hz but not @ 14Hz so it looks like this patch didn't work.

I'm running a 1,1 Mac Pro, HD6870, flashed 39" Seiki via MDP > HDMI and 10.9.4.
...

Are you using a passive or active mDP->HDMI? You might need the active transceiver - my old iMac with a 6970 won't do the faster HDMI links with just an passive adapter, and it wouldn't surprise me if your card is acting the same way.

I do know the MacPro4,1 & a GTX 680 will talk to the seiki straight out the HDMI port -- I think the same thing is true with a 7950, but I've done less testing with that and not positive.

 

[Rog210]

Are you using a passive or active mDP->HDMI? You might need the active transceiver - my old iMac with a 6970 won't do the faster HDMI links with just an passive adapter, and it wouldn't surprise me if your card is acting the same way.

I do know the MacPro4,1 & a GTX 680 will talk to the seiki straight out the HDMI port -- I think the same thing is true with a 7950, but I've done less testing with that and not positive.

Thanks for your advice!

I picked up one of these:

http://www.belkin.com/us/F2CD024-Belkin/p/P-F2CD024/

Do you think I should return it and get one of these instead?

http://amzn.com/B00DOZHL82

 

[omvs]

...
Do you think I should return it and get one of these instead?

http://amzn.com/B00DOZHL82

Yes, that's exactly what I use and recommend. Worked with my iMac, rMBP, even a mac mini to drive a seiki 39" @ 30Hz. I would expect it to work just fine with the 6870...

 

[Rog210]

Yes, that's exactly what I use and recommend. Worked with my iMac, rMBP, even a mac mini to drive a seiki 39" @ 30Hz. I would expect it to work just fine with the 6870...

I ordered the MDP 1.2 instead of 1.1 version. It's backwards compatible with 1.1 and active though. I'll post results when it arrives.

Thank you for your help!

 

[TRO Stan]

Audio problem

Thanks everyone for the helpful feedback. So far I tried the logout/login trick once and it has fixed the screen corruption issue. Hopefully this holds up!

Two more questions:

1. Sounds like some have upgraded from OS X 10.9.3 to 10.9.4 after the pixel clock patch was already installed. Has this worked without problems? I'm a bit nervous about applying OS upgrades before a 10.9.4 version specific patch is available.

2. I have the Accell MDP to HDMI active adapter, which works for 4K video to the Seiki 39". However, I am unable to get the Sound Prefs Pane to show the Seiki as an option for audio output. I have gone through 2 Accell adapters (same model) and flashed the firmware, with no results. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Rog210]

Yes, that's exactly what I use and recommend. Worked with my iMac, rMBP, even a mac mini to drive a seiki 39" @ 30Hz. I would expect it to work just fine with the 6870...

The active adapter arrived today. You're right, it works and I now have up to 30Hz refresh rates available. Thanks!

 

[TRO Stan]

The active adapter arrived today. You're right, it works and I now have up to 30Hz refresh rates available. Thanks!

Are you able to output audio to the Seiki?