Built another mac.....

This time for much cheaper!!!

Built this one as a Christmas present for my girlfriend.

She was concerned with size, but also wanted decent performance (ability to use photoshop was primary concern). I still have yet to get it all running since I am waiting on the hard drive to be delivered, but I believe basic adobe will run fine, just not super fast....

The computer is powered by a dual core Intel Atom 1.6ghz Processor. Yes this is the same processor in the ultra portable laptops known more commonly as "netbooks", except for the fact it is dual core, not single core. It uses very low power, which is why many people have been building servers out of them. Luckily for me, the Intel motherboard that comes with this Processor is extremely mac friendly.

The board/processor is this: Intel BOXD945GCLF2
Purchased for: $90.59 @ Amazon.com shipped.

Since there is only a single ram slot, I used a 2gb Crucial DDR2 PC2-6400 stick.
Purchased for: $29 After rebate for 2 sticks, one stick sold on craigslist for $25, thus costing $4 shipped.

The case I used is a very small and popular case on newegg also came with a 250watt power supply, way more then enough power, check it out HERE
Purchased from newegg for $56 shipped.

The harddrive I went with was the cheapest I could find, got sick of waiting for deals..... 500 GB Hitachi from newegg for $60 shipped.

For optical drive I went with a LG DVD Burner from newegg which I managed to pick up for $25 shipped with a 4gig SD card. I sold the 4gig SD card on craiglist for $15 making the total for the DVD Burner $10.


For those keeping track, that brings the total to $221 for all parts and a complete computer. It will be tri booting Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Mac OSX leopard.

I know this isn't the fastest or greatest computer. But it is incredibly small as can be seen in the picture below, and will do everything she will need it to do. It will definitely be faster then the 2,6ghz celeron she has been working on :-P

All in all a cheap/compact build that will be perfect for anyone looking to enter the mac world for cheap, or for anyone needing a basic computer for browsing. Great upgrade for your parents/grand parents for x-mas!!


Picture might be a bit deceiving, since it is sitting in front of my new 26" monitor


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Looks like a good build. I wish something that small could run a PCI-E DirectX 10 card. I'd love an ultra portable gaming machine.

Within the next few months they should be out Tim. Quite a few companies have been talking about releasing them. They already have some core 2 duo mini itx boards out.

I'll have to keep an eye out for these ITX boards.

What's the difference between itx and mini-atx? Which board is smaller?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_computer_form_factors


I think my next build will be a nano if they come down in price a bit.

Where's the cost for the OS...?

^ lol

Is there a link to how this is set up. I am curious.

What are you curious about?

A tutorial or something along the line of a how to.

What else is there?

Buy components, put together, install OS, enjoy

Chris wrote:

A tutorial or something along the line of a how to.

Just download Kalyway Leopard. That takes care of it.