Optiplex 990 Hackintosh build for Mac OS X.
Optiplex 990 Hackintosh build for Mac OS X.
To use iMessage and Airdrop, you’ll need a compatible device and an active Apple ID. For Airdrop, ensure your Mac is updated and connected to Wi-Fi. For iMessage, check that your phone supports it and has the latest iOS version. No specific purchase is required beyond having the right hardware and software.
Check out the Tonymac86 forums for assistance. They’ll provide much better support.
I don't believe imessage or air drop functions properly on MacOS with a hackintosh. Given your current configuration, installing MacOS might not be possible since it requires an AMD graphics card. I suggest acquiring an RX 580, ideally with 8GB of RAM, as the price difference is minimal. The RX 580 offers performance comparable to the GTX 1060 while being more affordable. If you want to install MacOS without spending money, consider selling your GTX 1060 and purchasing the RX 580 instead.
Based on what I remember, you usually can bypass security on High Sierra, though it isn’t flawless. I’m sure you can make iMessage and Facetime compatible with a bit of cleverness, and I doubt AirDrop would be any different.
AMD graphics cards aren’t exactly the same as RX 580. Your GTX 1060 stands out because you can boost your monitor’s refresh rate to 75Hz. It’s possible to overclock AMD cards, but it depends on the model and settings. The Radeon R9 280X 3GB is a decent card for gaming, though it might not handle high VRAM loads well. Trading your GTX 1060 for that GPU could work if you’re okay with the trade, but check the VRAM requirements first.
Rejecting the idea, the R9 280X offers little value and runs significantly slower than the 1060 model you’re considering. A better option would be pairing a 1060 with an RX 580 for comparable performance. You can check current prices on eBay by searching the graphics card name. Using GPU benchmark tools will help compare their actual speeds. While they’re very similar in performance, they’re fundamentally different hardware. I don’t think overclocking a monitor relies on the graphics card. Also, confirm whether your Dell is a full-size tower or a compact model—smaller cases may have limitations. Regarding the setup, it’s quite challenging to run a hackintosh; sourcing the right OS is tough, and you’ll likely need a Mac to create a bootable drive with macOS. You might find macOS on other sites, but I strongly advise against piracy.