Help me build my Hackintosh (PICS!)

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The Spirit of X21 · #1 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:05 pm

Hi everyone,

I've been tossing and turning trying to decide what my next computer project will be... desktop, laptop, etc. Well, I've decided to try and build a Hackintosh - a machine created using standard parts that will run Mac OS X (and hopefully linux as well!) Besides, shouldn't every computer enthusiast build a PC at some point in his life?

This is my first attempt at building a PC, so I thought I would post what I have come up with in the hope that maybe some of you would give me your opinions. Being a first go at this sort of thing, I did not want to spend much money on it - this is more for the learning experience than anything else. All thoughts are appreciated!

The plan:

Mobo:
ASUS P5GC-MX (R2.02) LGA 775 Intel 945GC uATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813131212
New - $59.99

Processor:
Intel Dual-Core E2140 Allendale 1.6GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor-Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819116037
New - $74.99

RAM:
Crucial 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820146573
New - $37.49

Hard drive:
Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822136075
New - $49.99

Case:
Inland MATX Micro-Tower Case with front USB and Audio Ports and 300-Watt Power Supply 02003
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... C-SHOPPING
New - $29.99

Optical Drive:
LITE-ON Black 20X Dual-Layer burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827106055
New - $30.99

Cost: $283.44

I have an LCD I can use temporarily, but does anyone know of any good deals on monitors?

#2 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:33 pm

This looks like a nice little project. The GMA950 isn't going to be a great gamer, but if that's not what you're looking for then it's fine. Personally I'm not a huge fan of Lite-on products, I prefer NEC burners for the price. I don't know if you're looking for a wide screen or sxga, but this is a decent LCD for the price. (Plus you get an additional 10% off. It also matches your case

)

IBM 18.1" L180p black flat panel monitor
Good luck with it.

#3 Post by **GomJabbar** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:51 pm

I've bought Lite-On products a couple of times and I can't complain yet.

Good luck on your project!
It's fun to roll your own.

The Spirit of X21 · #4 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:58 pm

Thanks, harryc! You are correct; I'm not a gamer, so I figured the GMA950 would be fine for my purposes. The motherboard also has a 16x PCI-E slot in case I want to add "real" video capabilities.

Have you ever tried this NEC burner?

http://meritline.com/nec-ad-7170a-18x-d ... riter.html

Edit: Thanks, GomJabbar. My experience with installing drives has only been with Pioneer, so either of those drives will be new to me. Maybe I should stick with the Lite-On so i can order (almost) everything from newegg.

qviri · #5 Post by **qviri** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:58 pm

I'd recommend shelling out a bit more for 2*1 GB RAM and an upgraded graphics card... maybe a 7600 or something. I have a feeling OS X is not going to like integrated graphics.

The Spirit of X21 · #6 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:05 pm

qviri wrote:I'd recommend shelling out a bit more for 2*1 GB RAM and an upgraded graphics card... maybe a 7600 or something. I have a feeling OS X is not going to like integrated graphics.

I'm not too worried about OS X not liking the GMA950 as both the mac mini and the MacBook have that chipset. Maybe at some point in the future I'll try souping it up a little more. At least at the moment I know the GMA950 is compatible with OS X. Is the 7600 your favorite card?

As for the RAM, I did initially have 2x1GB modules, but I wanted to keep the costs down while utilizing dual channel memory. Is there a big performance difference going dual channel versus getting a single 1GB module? If there isn't I will probably just use the single 1GB stick. Thanks!

#7 Post by **Harryc** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:14 pm

The Spirit of X21 wrote: Have you ever tried this NEC burner?

http://meritline.com/nec-ad-7170a-18x-d ... riter.html

I have the model one or 2 before that one and it's been great. For $30 plus it comes with Nero, nice deal.

#8 Post by **Kyocera** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 4:25 pm

I've run OSX on machines with integrated graphics and it runs fine.
Sounds like a fun project, post some pic's when you are done

The Spirit of X21 · #9 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 5:37 pm

Kyocera wrote:I've run OSX on machines with integrated graphics and it runs fine.
Sounds like a fun project, post some pic's when you are done

Will do! This is exciting. The best part was choosing the parts and learning about the different motherboard chipsets, making sure that the processor matches the system bus, etc. It's great being able to match the parts as I need them (and my budget agrees, too!)

qviri · #10 Post by **qviri** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 6:06 pm

The Spirit of X21 wrote:As for the RAM, I did initially have 2x1GB modules, but I wanted to keep the costs down while utilizing dual channel memory. Is there a big performance difference going dual channel versus getting a single 1GB module? If there isn't I will probably just use the single 1GB stick. Thanks!

The performance boost offered by dual-channel is all but negligible in typical real life usage. I didn't notice the budget part, sorry.

Fair enough about the GMA950.

The Spirit of X21 · #11 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 8:26 pm

All right! All parts are ordered. Now I have to wait...

mgo · #12 Post by **mgo** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 9:13 pm

The Spirit of X21 wrote:I have an LCD I can use temporarily, but does anyone know of any good deals on monitors?

I've done business with techforless.com a few times. They are in Colorado Springs, Co.

I often see some monitors offered. Many are refurbs or open box units, but they have a pretty liberal return policy if things are not right.

I've cobbled up a couple machines over the years. Using extra large fans and then cutting their speed really reduces noise. That goes for the power supply fan, too.

Also, putting the hard drive(s) in the 5 1/2 inch bay and suspending them with rubber straps gets rid of the noise that is usually carried thru the case. (including head clatter)

Also, opening up one side of the case allows for more air flow. All fans should be to the rear of the case and away from the user's ears.

Have fun with your project!

#13 Post by **Harryc** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 5:34 am

Another nice LCD deal I ran across -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6824254004

The Spirit of X21 · #14 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 11:17 pm

OK, the machine is built! I'm currently working on the operating systems. Pics coming!

The Spirit of X21 · #15 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:55 pm

Pics are here! The current set shows the machine running Mac OS X 10.4.8, but it actually tri-boots Ubuntu and XP. If anyone wants to see, let me know!

http://s194.photobucket.com/albums/z195 ... ackintosh/

Thanks to everyone for their input... this forum is great.

SaberX · #16 Post by **SaberX** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:20 am

What a great project there Spirit....
I have a question....
I have a desktop system running Vista now.
P-4 3.0Ghz,2 gigs ram,rapter hard drives(x3) ATI X1950,nice fast system.
Would i be able to just buy the Mac OS system (OS X) and install it on this system as a duel boot with Vista thats on it now?
I love to try out OS X.
I see a software project in my near future......

The Spirit of X21 · #17 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 9:20 am

SaberX wrote:What a great project there Spirit....
I have a question....
I have a desktop system running Vista now.
P-4 3.0Ghz,2 gigs ram,rapter hard drives(x3) ATI X1950,nice fast system.
Would i be able to just buy the Mac OS system (OS X) and install it on this system as a duel boot with Vista thats on it now?
I love to try out OS X.
I see a software project in my near future......

Thanks, SaberX! You couldn't buy OS X and install it because:
a) I'm pretty sure the retail version is PowerPC only.
b) Apple has created the CDs to install on their hardware only.

If you want to run a Hackintosh, you have to use a patched version of OS X Tiger that is downloaded from sources I can't mention here....

If you wanted to check hardware compatibility, you could check the wiki at insanelymac.com. They have a wealth of information available, definitely worth a look!

#18 Post by **Kyocera** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:33 am

Excellent looking machine!

There is definately something more special about a machine you build yourself. Very clean looking and osx really is a cool os, especially if you can utiltize it.

Mike

The Spirit of X21 · #19 Post by **The Spirit of X21** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:41 pm

Kyocera wrote:Excellent looking machine! There is definately something more special about a machine you build yourself. Very clean looking and osx really is a cool os, especially if you can utiltize it.

Mike

Thanks, Mike. The system is a pretty nice bargain for the money, I think, and there's definitely room to grow. Right now I've got my ol' eMac on my left and my Hackie to my right, and it feels like something out of the Matrix.

I still haven't picked up a new LCD yet, but I have a 15" Dell LCD that's doing well for the time being - at least, until my sister starts using her slow, single core Celeron again!

Help me build my Hackintosh (PICS!)

Help me build my Hackintosh (PICS!)

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