# OCLP Upgrade Prep — Mac mini (Macmini6,1) → macOS Ventura

## Hardware you need

- **16GB+ USB stick** (for bootable installer) — empty, will be wiped
- Wired keyboard + HDMI monitor attached to Mac mini for install
- A second Mac (any macOS) OR you can build from the Mac mini itself

## What happens

1. Download OpenCore Legacy Patcher (OCLP) — free, open source
2. OCLP builds a patched bootable USB with macOS Ventura installer
3. Boot Mac mini from USB → install Ventura
4. OCLP injects its boot loader to trick Mac mini into thinking it's a newer model
5. Post-install: re-run OCLP to apply root patches for graphics/kernel drivers
6. After reboot, Mac mini runs Ventura fully, including App Store / Xcode 15

## Expected quality post-install

- GPU: software-rendered acceleration (a bit choppy, not terrible — 2D/Xcode UI fine)
- Xcode builds: functional, slow compared to Apple Silicon
- iOS simulator: works for most targets
- Metal: partial; some newer Apple frameworks may not render correctly

## Risks / downsides

- No "undo" without OS reinstall back to Mojave (via Time Machine or USB)
- Major macOS upgrades can break OCLP patches — need to re-run OCLP after each
- Apple can technically change signing to block this in the future (hasn't happened in 3 years)