For the Mac fans around here...

Well, for those of you that know pork or myself, we are both cheap as hell. I am also quite the computer nerd. Well we came across a problem, both of our significant others are graphic design/multimedia/art majors in school. We both hate macs. We both hate mac price tags.....

So i decided, intel mac = intel parts = buildable? Browsed around online and came across insanelymac forums, and the osx86 project wiki page. Both contains massive amounts of information about building your own mac, or as more commonly called the "hackintosh".


I finally received all my parts today, and put it together. Extremely easy install, everything worked right away besides the sound, which was just a quick driver fix. So now I have a fully functioning mac running OSX leopard.

Parts used:
Gigabyte GA-G31M-S2L motherboard
OCZ 4GB DDR2 PC2-6400 Ram
WD 640GB 7200rpm SATA HD
Intel e2180 Allendale 2.0ghz
HEC Black MicroATX mini tower steel case
585W Power Supply
eVGA 7200 GS vid card
Lite-on 16x DVD Burner (had one laying around)

Total Cost: $333.95

Also, since my brothers g/f has to have the apple keyboard, that was an extra $50.


So now I have a mac that is far better then any mac mini around, and for $700 Less.


So for those of you looking to enter the mac world, it can be done for a minimal cost, and you are not restricted to apples crappy lineup of desktops.


Anyone has any questions about anything, feel free to post here or send me a PM and I can direct you to where I found all of my information.

Here's something I never really thought about very much until you posted this. What exactly defines a Mac from a PC. Is it just the OS? Also, what has put a damper on people building a Mac prior to this build (in other words, why isn't building a Mac as popular as building a PC? something prevent it)?

Definitely very interesting. I might have to lurk on that forum and then throw one of these together just for **** and giggles. Can you get Leopard from universities at a discount like Microsoft?

MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128078
RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227270
HD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218
PRO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116052
CASE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121004
PS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817339001
GFX http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchT...asp?EdpNo=3198128&CatId=1559
DVD http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106014
OSX http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB576Z/A

Correct me if I'm wrong.


EDIT: with this monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094 my total came to about $760...and I might upgrade the video card...not sure yet...need to research this.

PwrRngr wrote:

Here's something I never really thought about very much until you posted this. What exactly defines a Mac from a PC. Is it just the OS? Also, what has put a damper on people building a Mac prior to this build (in other words, why isn't building a Mac as popular as building a PC? something prevent it)? Definitely very interesting. I might have to lurk on that forum and then throw one of these together just for **** and giggles. Can you get Leopard from universities at a discount like Microsoft?

Before now Macs always were IBM instead of INtel based. Thus using entirely different hardware.

The OS is all that separates current macs from PC's. Although since MAC uses such a limited set of components, driver support is very limited.

Kevin_S wrote:

MB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128078 RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227270 HD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218 PRO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116052 CASE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121004 PS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817339001 GFX http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchT...asp?EdpNo=3198128&CatId=1559 DVD http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106014 OSX http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB576Z/A Correct me if I'm wrong. EDIT: with this monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009094 my total came to about $760...and I might upgrade the video card...not sure yet...need to research this.

Mostly correct Kevin S. But notice the case comes with the PSU already in it. Also I got the video card at frys for 30.00 with 30.00 MIR, so it only cost me $6.03. The ram is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item...20227248&Tpk=n82e16820227248 which was 79.99 with free shipping when i ordered it with $30 MIR, so it was only 49.99.

I paid $217.94 for Ram, Motherboard, Processor, then had $30 rebate.
I paid $54.99 for case with free shipping and psu already there
I paid $84.99 for harddrive with free shipping
All of that was from newegg.

Then i got the video card from frys for $36.03 with $30 dollar rebate.

Dvd drive was not in cost since I already had it laying around. You can get a smaller HD and keep this build well under $300.

This is old news to me!.

This has been done many times. Seems like there are issues that arise with updating, etc. but don't quote me on that.

Golfer wrote:

Before now Macs always were IBM instead of INtel based. Thus using entirely different hardware. The OS is all that separates current macs from PC's. Although since MAC uses such a limited set of components, driver support is very limited.

So if you buy the same components that are currently used in Macs, give up the fancy looking case and monitor, you'll be able to build one for much cheaper. Is there something more or is it that simple? or should I just get my lazy ass on the forum and look around to answer these questions?

A-Ray wrote:

This is old news to me!. This has been done many times. Seems like there are issues that arise with updating, etc. but don't quote me on that.

Yes and no, depending on hardware it can be quite easy. In my case i had to use a 10.5.2 kalyway install, then the 10.5.3 kalyway combo update, but for 10.5.4 I could use apple update with no problem. Sionce 10.5.5 just came out, I am waiting to update until there is more info on it.

PwrRngr wrote:

Golfer wrote: Before now Macs always were IBM instead of INtel based. Thus using entirely different hardware. The OS is all that separates current macs from PC's. Although since MAC uses such a limited set of components, driver support is very limited. So if you buy the same components that are currently used in Macs, give up the fancy looking case and monitor, you'll be able to build one for much cheaper. Is there something more or is it that simple? or should I just get my lazy ass on the forum and look around to answer these questions?

Basically yes, and that is pretty much what my build is. However to save even more money, you go with the cheaper parts, and just have a few extra steps when it comes to updating.

i personally love the mac i currently use a mac book im not a art major im a flexographic printer and really i dont think theres to much of a difference in macs to pc macs are just easier for people who are in the arts in my world its because the language of the press i work on only works with macs software

How much is OSX? EDIT - N/M, I saw your link Kevin.


I would love to do something like this, but still be able to play games. What video cards does OSX support? Are there really any hardware limitations? Great writeup man. What about a possible triple boot, Vista/OSX/Ubuntu?

Multibooting is no problem, directions can be found on the wiki or the forums. Graphics cards have a wide range of support, again the wiki has a great hardware list in the middle of the page. People have been using all the way up into the 9000 series nvidia cards without much hassle. You can go as advanced as you want, c2d/quad cores, 9800GTX, tons of ram, etc without a problem.

I did this on one of my other computers fairly easily.... since I was using parts that I didn't buy specifically for this purpose, I ran into the compatibility issue... but even then, it was only my sound card.

Everything else ran beautifully... it's nice

Is this the Wiki you were reading?

http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

Yes.

Fun but not practical!

justin wrote:

Fun but not practical!

Why is it any more/less practical than buying a Mac?

Updates break it
No support

Thus, not practical for anyone that didn't build it, to rely on it. Great for a techie, not for my wife (who isn't totally idiotic, mind you).

One of my primary arguments when going Mac is the warranty, and support you can receive. So, its not just the shiny white box sitting on your desk, its the intangibles too...

Jason, you claim you "hate macs" but yet you just built one. Weird. Perhaps a poor choice of words is all.

I'm a techie, I haven't done this yet. It's a compelling project for someone who doesn't already have three Macs of his own. But, to me, time is money, and if I have to spend time spec'ing and researching the very specific parts I need to build a proper "Mac", then worrying about breaking it once its built, etc etc - why not just ... *gasp* buy the Mac?

^^^
The same reason people built a PC. You get a MUCH better computer for MUCH cheaper. I know time is money and my time is worth a LOT of money. But why spend $2000 on a machine that you can build for $800?

Despite how much you make, $1200 is a lot of money. Say you make just $40/hour AFTER tax (roughly $57/hr or $118k/year). That's 30 hours of work just to make the savings. When all you have to do is spend a weekend getting things together. Yeah you won't sell the computer to someone and it won't have the Mac look (which is important to Mac people).

You're right, it's not practical if you want to sell the computer. But it's very practical if you're building a computer for yourself and want to save money.

The price points you're talking about are not the price points put forth in this example.

If you really want to "save money" and not just "not buy a Mac", why not buy used? Through the wonders of AppleCare, you can buy a very nice used model for a fraction of the price, and retain support. Especially on Craigslist in a college town, where kids are just selling off what poor Mom & Dad were nice enough to buy them for graduation - inevitably for beer and pot money. How about refurbs? I saved 30% on my MacBook - not a small number.

And, the math you set forth can be appreciated, regardless of the dollar value associated with your time. I don't think 30 hours is an overestimate when you figure in the BS you very well may have to put up with over the course of owning the product, plus the build and research time. You already mentioned the fact that resale is out of the picture essentially.

This is all in the mindset of practicality.

I still don't see how it's not practical.

Anyone who has the ability to build their own system isn't going to need AppleCare when their desktop won't boot.

Hardware fails.

Then what? Call up the factory in China? Sure, it's got a warranty, but RMA's sure aren't fun.

Note I am also questioning the sheer desire to save money, when there are better options to get the real thing for a tasty price.

Who cares? It's Jason's baby now - hes 1-800-Applecare ;) I don't envy that position.

Hahah Justin. I agree. But I will also say that although apple care is good, as is dell warranties, and a few other companies, the majority of people buy best buy/circuit city/etc, in which case my RMA is going to be faster then dealing with geek squad. This is basically a $400 investment in the time saving of pork's girlfriend. She can now do all her homework at home and not travel to the library, and also get more practice on what shes doing. The price tag of a mac with apple care puts it out of reach with him in the market to buy a house.

Again, the reason I said "hate" is because personally, I have no idea how to use a mac. I have no interest to learn. I must admit it was quite pretty, but I am not up to the task of learning to use one yet. Also until I can run the latest games, apple is not going to even be an option for me. This was just built by me, and now its getting shipped off to her. So I will be 1-800-Applecare for her, that should be fun......


For the price paid, it allows people to get into a mac that couldn't afford one. Which definitely comes with the downsides you mentioned, but hey, at least get to play on a pretty mac while its working

Tim wrote:

I still don't see how it's not practical. Anyone who has the ability to build their own system isn't going to need AppleCare when their desktop won't boot.

This is what I was trying to say the whole time. I built my computer, obviously I don't feel a warranty is that important b/c I can fix the problems myself. Even if I fall into the RARE occurrence of having to replace a hardware component, I'm still ahead in price savings. If a warranty is worth the 60% price increase, then yeah, building one isn't practical.

Justin, obviously you find warranties very important and worth the extra price. Thus, this build is not practical for you. I understand that. For those that don't find warranties important and are more concerned about cost savings, this is a great find.
I feel the two points are these:
1) If you value warranties, don't build a computer (Mac or PC). Period.
2) If you're concerned about saving money and have the knowledge, this is a great find.

Well.

I'm in a mindset of production, where workstations and servers alike are mission-critical. A warranty is a big deal. Dell or Apple can get you a part delivered to your feet much quicker than you can through typical channels. "If you value warranties, don't build a computer" is pure rubbish, but this doesn't matter in this case.

I wouldn't want to not have a warranty on the two Apple products I have in house - a 20" iMac, and a MacBook. Sure its cake to swap a HD or some RAM, but beyond that, I will gladly pay the few extra bucks for AppleCare so someone can replace the LCD or logic board if it happens... My Newegg'ed box, yeah who gives...

Your final point is probably the most important, really, as it's the only case where you would want to even think about doing this. You've gotta be moderately intelligent, and cheap ;)

Oh, if you get bored, check out Mac clones. People have tried to sell this stuff, recently, and in the not so distant past. Yeah, it doesn't work out so well. heh.

People who build there own computers (that is what this thread is about, building your own) don't get warranties. They get warranties on individual parts, but not the system. This isn't even a thread about production or mission-critical machines. It's a DIY thread about building your own Mac. They are two completely different things that shouldn't be confused in this thread.

Your whole debate lies on the fact that a warranty is worth doubling the price of a computer. If you say a system warranty isn't important (b/c it's not important to those that build there own computers), you have no argument. If you want a system warranty then you don't build your own computer. It's that simple. If you have the knowledge, want to save money (you call this cheap), and don't care about a warranty (that's the people he posted this for); then this is great.

Justin, obviously a warranty is important to you so I advise you take all your extra money and buy one instead of building one. A warranty isn't important to me, so I will take my cheap self and build one for half the price and we'll both be happy.

/discussion

Haha, we always find something to argue about.

Tim wrote:

Haha, we always find something to argue about.

No we don't!! Quite making stuff up

Tim wrote:

Haha, we always find something to argue about.

Shutup Tim.

Not so much an argument as a discussion of points of view ;)

(his is wrong!)

Golfer wrote:

Dvd drive was not in cost since I already had it laying around.

LOL He pulled it out of MY desktop, I came home and found I was missing a cd drive. Haha, I only use one anyways.

Yeah, you don't even know how to use a dvd burner :-P

Its 300 bucks, if it breaks in a year I'll have him build another for another 300 bucks. And it will be better and faster then this one, still less then buying one from mac now brand new and I will have a new computer again.

Wheres the problem?

Thanks again Jason for the computer, Lisa is going to love it.

^ self-proclaimed cheap-asses need not make further comment

I'm cheap when it comes to things that are easily replaceable when they fail. None of my bikes were cheap

I have some really basic questions about a Mac... Up until now, I have had a passion of hate towards Apple mainly because of their d-bag commercials towards Microsoft. But lately, I've really been wondering... What is the BIG difference between Macs and PC's besides things like the OS and hardware?

The reason I ask is because if I have some cash to spend I plan on buying a MacBook Air one day just for traveling purposes, but keep my current laptop for home use...

I know Mac's are a little pricey, but the Air is just perfect for traveling anywhere with and I have a feeling portability is going to be a big thing for me one day... Even if I do get one in the future, PC is still going to be my main computer of choice, who knows, I may load the Air with Windows instead

Go find an Apple store, and visit it. Play with everything. Enjoy.

I really want a Macbook pro ;_;. Wish I could afford it lol.

While I am definitely pro-apple, getting an "almost apple" is bad ass.

I don't get them for the nice light up logo on my macbook or the black logo on my imac. I get them because the speed rules and the OS is nice. I will never be going back.

Since this thread, I will be looking into making one for my girlfriend and father. I may be asking questions soon, but we'll see how the rest of this year goes. Since school started, my bank account is dropping fast. Damnit!

Goose wrote:

I really want a Macbook pro ;_;. Wish I could afford it lol.

I just picked up a MBP two weekends ago. I love it.