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GUIDE How to Disable AMD/NVIDIA/Intel GPU Audio on macOS [Clover/OpenCore]

EliteMacx86

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Graphics
2xAMD RX 580 8GB
OS X/macOS
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Bootloader
  1. OpenCore (UEFI)
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How to Disable AMD/NVIDIA/Intel GPU Audio on macOS [Clover/OpenCore]

This guide covers disabling HDMI/DP/Type-C GPU Audio on macOS. By following this guide, you'll be able to disable the AMD/NVIDIA/Intel GPU Audio on macOS over DP/HDMI/Type-C.

Why disable GPU Audio?

Usually, the audio over DP/HDMI/Type-C is a handy feature for monitors that has audio support or comes with built-in speakers. For monitors that has built-in speakers, one doesn't need a separate speakers if the quality is good and you don't work with music. However, certain GPU models tend to intermittently crash if an audio is passed via the GPU. Therefore, it's necessary to disable the GPU audio to stop these crashes. To disable the GPU Audio on macOS, follow the steps below:

Requirements

Following are the requirements for disabling GPU Audio on macOS. Please ensure you meet the requirements before proceeding with this guide.

GPU
macOS
  • macOS High Sierra or Later (Pre-installed).
Bootloader
  • Clover or OpenCore. Please ensure to use the latest version to avoid issues.
Kexts
  • Vanilla Graphics kexts in S/L/E
  • Lilu
  • WhateverGreen
Tools
  • IOReg
  • OCAT or any equivalent .plist editor

Available Methods

Following are the methods available for disabling GPU Audio on macOS. All these methods have been described below. Choose one that fits accordingly, never all

Method #1: Device Properties

Using Device Properties method, you can disable the GPU Audio. This is more easy method than the SSDT method and preferred for beginners.
.
STEP 1: Obtain GPU Path
Before you disable the GPU audio, the first step is to obtain the GPU path. To obtain the GPU path, follow the guide linked below:

STEP 2: Add Required Properties
The next step is to add the required properties that will prevent the AppleGFXHDA.kext from attaching to the GPU's Audio. To add the required properties, follow the steps below:

1. Mount your ESP.
2. Depending on bootloader you use,

For Clover
1. Open config.plist from the EFI/Clover directory
2. Go to the Devices>Properties section.

For OpenCore
1. Open config.plist from the EFI/OC directory.
2. Go to the DeviceProperties section.

3. Add the following properties to the GPU path.

DevicesKeyValueType
GPU pathdevice-id00000000DATA
subsystem-id00000000DATA
subsystem-vendor-id00000000DATA

4. Save config.plist

STEP 3: Restart your system
After performing all the above steps, restart your system for the applied changes to take effect. It is recommended to reset NVRAM twice at least.

Verify GPU Audio

The next step is to verify whether the GPU Audio is disabled or not. Follow the steps below to verify the GPU Audio to ensure its disabled as expected:

System Report
  • Verify the Audio under System Report>Audio:
System Preferences
  • Verify the Audio under System Preferences>Sound>Output:
IOReg
  • Verify whether the AppleGFXHDA is not loading in IOReg:
 
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