$400 Hackintosh rig with 10.5.4

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: scootermaster

Originally posted by: Zaap
Unless you want to wait for an i7 (Nehalem) based system, I'm not sure all that much has changed, PDK.

Yeah, I know. I'm still looking for the following, hoping for some advice:

- Best bang for the buck processor, with no overclocking needed (i.e., cool, so likely some sort of 45nm C2D)
- Good mobo with rock-solid compatibility
- Fanless/quiet GPU that supports CUDA (8000 series and above, no gaming really needed)

That's about it. That, and someone to buy my old system.

Also, hackintosh dual-booting is a pain, right?

Two questions:

1. What do you want to use your Hackintosh for?
2. What is your budget?

I still recommend the Q6600 proc...$200 and overclockable - fast, stable, cheap ($50 per stock 2.4ghz core). The Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L is still my favorite board if you're only planning on using a single video card.

Yeah, dual-booting is a small pain. Best way to go is just do 2 separate hard drives - no weird bugs, no funky setup, no hassle. 160gb 7200rpm drives are $41.99 on Newegg, so there's not really any reason to pass it up.

Oh, and avoid IDE drives. 100% SATA for maximum reliability.

 

[scootermaster]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: scootermaster

Originally posted by: Zaap
Unless you want to wait for an i7 (Nehalem) based system, I'm not sure all that much has changed, PDK.

Yeah, I know. I'm still looking for the following, hoping for some advice:

- Best bang for the buck processor, with no overclocking needed (i.e., cool, so likely some sort of 45nm C2D)
- Good mobo with rock-solid compatibility
- Fanless/quiet GPU that supports CUDA (8000 series and above, no gaming really needed)

That's about it. That, and someone to buy my old system.

Also, hackintosh dual-booting is a pain, right?

Two questions:

1. What do you want to use your Hackintosh for?
2. What is your budget?

I still recommend the Q6600 proc...$200 and overclockable - fast, stable, cheap ($50 per stock 2.4ghz core). The Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L is still my favorite board if you're only planning on using a single video card.

Yeah, dual-booting is a small pain. Best way to go is just do 2 separate hard drives - no weird bugs, no funky setup, no hassle. 160gb 7200rpm drives are $41.99 on Newegg, so there's not really any reason to pass it up.

Oh, and avoid IDE drives. 100% SATA for maximum reliability.

Thanks for the response....

Main things:

1). I just want a new computer because doing a fresh install is easier than backing up. No, really, if I could just organize the, oh, 9 years worth of files (most that i'll never use) since I last did a real backup, and reinstall XP, I'd probably be fine. As it is, I'm on my third or fourth, "just buy a new hard drive, make the old one the data drive and install windows on the new one"

2). I'd really like to get into some iPhone development.

3). I have a compiler infrastructure I use for work that will only install on Linux or Intel OSX.

4). I also do CUDA stuff for work as well

5). The only real processor-intensive crap I'd ever do is HTPC-related stuff. My computer now (2.4ghz P4 with 1 gig Corsair Value ram) is actually probably fast enough if it had a fresh, un-cluttered install on it.

6). That's too bad about IDE. I have 2 IDE drives, and one fast SATA drive, and, of course, a super-nice SATA enclosure. So those IDEs may be wasted unless i can get rid of my old machine.

7). I can't imagine EVER needing more than one GPU. I need CUDA, and enough to do Blu-Ray/HTPC stuff.

8). My budget is actually arbitrarily large, but the reality is, this is just a luxury. I'm going to get a new Macbook Pro whenever they come out, but I'm hoping some new ram for my G4 Powerbook and a new desktop will hold me over until i7. So this is just sort of "extra". If I can sell my old system for $120ish (or maybe $450 with the Dell 2001sfw and Bluetooth Dinovo Media Desktop set) then I'd say I'd be comfortable spending maybe $300 (or $600). I've got a brand new 640gig WD SATA drive, and I think a pretty decent Pioneer DVD burner (although it's SATA).

So we're looking at:
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L mobo: $90
Proc: $85 (Some deal on a 45nm C2D at I think 2.5ghz)
GPU: $60 (Some fanless 8000+ series GPU, although I feel like the fanless ones might run too hot in a cheaper case. Ideas?)
RAM: $50
Case/PSU: $65 (?)
Another HD for dual boot: $50

So we're looking at about $400

Is that about right?

Ideally, I'd like to sell my old system (with the monitor and keyboard) and buy a 24"+ LCD (I've been to a best buy that has that Samsung 25.5 that's supposed to be on clearance for less than $300, but they wouldn't play ball...although I didn't try hard). But even if I just sold the box, maybe for $100, I can sure spring for $300 for a completely new system.

Anyone wanna buy a Dell Dimension 4600, with a 2.4ghz P4, 1 Gig of ram, 120/160 WD 7200 drives, a Hercules Game Theater XP 7.1, Logitech Bluetooth Dinovo media keyboard/rechargable mouse set, ATI AIW Radeon 9000, Remote Wonder, Haupauge 150 TV Tuner and Dell 2005fpw panel for like $450? It's a steal!

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: scootermaster
Yeah, I know. I'm still looking for the following, hoping for some advice:

Hah, that's funny - getting rid of two 4600's myself this month

1.) If you're going to be working with NTFS-formatted drives, I'd highly recommend Paragon NTFS. It's the best NTFS read/write software I've used for OS X to date:

http://www.paragon-software.com/home/ntfs-mac/

2.) Yeah, you can get into a fast Hackintosh for thousands less than a fully-loaded Mac Pro, and as I'm sure you know the more power the better for compiling. The Q6600 is only $200, which gives you a ton of power for about the cost of a Mac Mini.

3.) If you want Linux, dual-booting is always an option, as is Virtualization.

4.) Just remember if you're dual-booting into XP for programming CUDA, don't go over 4 gigs of RAM; you'll need Vista if you want 6gb+.

5.) Yeah, I ran 1080p on a Hack I built for my mom as a present and it ran smooth - 2ghz Allendale, 2gb ram, fanless 7300gt ($70, $40, and $30 respectively). That's x264 MKV files no less...so unless you're doing some wacky RED editing or UltraHD stuff, even a cheap setup will run smooth.

6.) IDE works, it's just buggy for most people. I'd suggest getting some cheap IDE to USB enclosures, problem solved.

7.) Keep in mind that OS X doesn't support Blu-ray/HD-DVD at this time. You can author your own stuff with Toast, but reports are that it's fairly buggy. Plex and the other front-ends for Mac are pretty much only good for DVD movies and homemade discs plus file playback.

8.) The P35 will be hard to find, only a few sites carry it now. Macpalace7 on eBay sells them, I've bought a few from him successfully as have many others. You can get the EP35, but it has some bugs that haven't been worked out yet.

The key with the video card is basically finding someone who has been successful with the model/series you want, buying it, and getting their software. Video cards are the BIGGEST headache in the Hackintosh universe and a lot of users are extremely frustrated with the OSx86 project because they don't take my advice, which is basically: don't buy an unsupported card. Find a card that already works and has code available. I have done this with 5-10 cards and have had great success, with everything from a 7300GT to a 768mb 8800GTX flashed to a Quadro FX 5600. The more specific, the better - if you can buy the exact same make and model with the same amount of RAM and then download the same software they use, that's the best way to go. For example, the overclocked 400mhz 256mb Zotac fanless PCIe card works perfectly with the latest NVinstaller using the "Vanilla" installation option. Also, avoid 512mb cards, they're mostly a big headache too.

I had a 2005fpw and upgraded to the 2407-HC...it's amazing! I wouldn't go higher than 24" unless you're doing CAD work or something though - those 30" LCDs are just too big and the resolution is too high. You'll be moving your head all day and squinting, hehe.

As far as the case goes, if you want a fanless video card just get something with good airflow like a Coolermaster 690 or an Antec 900 or 1200. Oh and make sure you make a checklist of all the little details before you order - make sure you get Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste, zipties for wiring, SATA power and data cables as needed, extra fans as required, etc. Nothing worse than having all your parts come in only to realize you didn't order a SATA power adapter for that old PSU you wanted to recycle (uh...that never happened to me)! Make sure you download the software you need beforehand and burn all of the discs and whatnot so you're not waiting after you build it, either.

Oh and remember to get a large backup hard drive for Time Machine! That feature alone makes Leopard worth using!

 

[TridenT]

Man! It'd be nice if there was a good driver for the 4850s.

Currently all my hardware except my video cards is supported. HOW LAME :'( I don't really feel like making another system to get a hackintosh goin'.

 

[scootermaster]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: scootermaster
Yeah, I know. I'm still looking for the following, hoping for some advice:

Hah, that's funny - getting rid of two 4600's myself this month

1.) If you're going to be working with NTFS-formatted drives, I'd highly recommend Paragon NTFS. It's the best NTFS read/write software I've used for OS X to date:

http://www.paragon-software.com/home/ntfs-mac/

2.) Yeah, you can get into a fast Hackintosh for thousands less than a fully-loaded Mac Pro, and as I'm sure you know the more power the better for compiling. The Q6600 is only $200, which gives you a ton of power for about the cost of a Mac Mini.

3.) If you want Linux, dual-booting is always an option, as is Virtualization.

4.) Just remember if you're dual-booting into XP for programming CUDA, don't go over 4 gigs of RAM; you'll need Vista if you want 6gb+.

5.) Yeah, I ran 1080p on a Hack I built for my mom as a present and it ran smooth - 2ghz Allendale, 2gb ram, fanless 7300gt ($70, $40, and $30 respectively). That's x264 MKV files no less...so unless you're doing some wacky RED editing or UltraHD stuff, even a cheap setup will run smooth.

6.) IDE works, it's just buggy for most people. I'd suggest getting some cheap IDE to USB enclosures, problem solved.

7.) Keep in mind that OS X doesn't support Blu-ray/HD-DVD at this time. You can author your own stuff with Toast, but reports are that it's fairly buggy. Plex and the other front-ends for Mac are pretty much only good for DVD movies and homemade discs plus file playback.

8.) The P35 will be hard to find, only a few sites carry it now. Macpalace7 on eBay sells them, I've bought a few from him successfully as have many others. You can get the EP35, but it has some bugs that haven't been worked out yet.

The key with the video card is basically finding someone who has been successful with the model/series you want, buying it, and getting their software. Video cards are the BIGGEST headache in the Hackintosh universe and a lot of users are extremely frustrated with the OSx86 project because they don't take my advice, which is basically: don't buy an unsupported card. Find a card that already works and has code available. I have done this with 5-10 cards and have had great success, with everything from a 7300GT to a 768mb 8800GTX flashed to a Quadro FX 5600. The more specific, the better - if you can buy the exact same make and model with the same amount of RAM and then download the same software they use, that's the best way to go. For example, the overclocked 400mhz 256mb Zotac fanless PCIe card works perfectly with the latest NVinstaller using the "Vanilla" installation option. Also, avoid 512mb cards, they're mostly a big headache too.

I had a 2005fpw and upgraded to the 2407-HC...it's amazing! I wouldn't go higher than 24" unless you're doing CAD work or something though - those 30" LCDs are just too big and the resolution is too high. You'll be moving your head all day and squinting, hehe.

As far as the case goes, if you want a fanless video card just get something with good airflow like a Coolermaster 690 or an Antec 900 or 1200. Oh and make sure you make a checklist of all the little details before you order - make sure you get Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste, zipties for wiring, SATA power and data cables as needed, extra fans as required, etc. Nothing worse than having all your parts come in only to realize you didn't order a SATA power adapter for that old PSU you wanted to recycle (uh...that never happened to me)! Make sure you download the software you need beforehand and burn all of the discs and whatnot so you're not waiting after you build it, either.

Oh and remember to get a large backup hard drive for Time Machine! That feature alone makes Leopard worth using!

Thanks for all the info. The hack/HTPC goes are really orthogonal, I'm just trying to get as much overlap as possible. The HTPC is really a down-the-road thing, so much so that the GPU for the Hack probably doesn't need to have anything HTPC related on it (i.e. fanless) since I'll likely want an HDMI solution when I finally build the HTPC.

I don't think I'd need linux, but I'd certainly look into virtualization.

That's too bad about the board. Are there others?

And I still don't think I need quad-core.

I wouldn't likely dual boot into Vista. XP would probably be fine, if needed at all.

Hmmm....I should probably pull the trigger soon, but I'd feel more comfortable doing so if I had a place for my old system.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: scootermaster
Thanks for all the info. The hack/HTPC goes are really orthogonal, I'm just trying to get as much overlap as possible. The HTPC is really a down-the-road thing, so much so that the GPU for the Hack probably doesn't need to have anything HTPC related on it (i.e. fanless) since I'll likely want an HDMI solution when I finally build the HTPC.

I don't think I'd need linux, but I'd certainly look into virtualization.

That's too bad about the board. Are there others?

And I still don't think I need quad-core.

I wouldn't likely dual boot into Vista. XP would probably be fine, if needed at all.

Hmmm....I should probably pull the trigger soon, but I'd feel more comfortable doing so if I had a place for my old system.

Sure, plenty of other boards. But I have a P35 and can answer your tech support questions when you run into trouble with it

If you're going to dual-boot into XP, just keep in mind it won't take more than 4gb RAM. In fact, it only recognizes 3.3 or 3.5gb of RAM for actual usage, iirc there are some funny issues with actually using 4gb of RAM in a system. Probably 3gb would be a better way to go.

I've consolidated all of my machines into a single unit (well, that and a small laptop for computing on-the-go). Virtualization is a Good Thing. Quality 1TB hard drives are $140 nowadays, so you can store most or all of your files within a single machine as well. Between Time Machine and VM Snapshots, you're covered for backups. It's a pretty good setup!

 

[Stiganator]

I'm going to buy the P35-DS3L, Q6600, 8GB G.Skill PC6400. Just need to nail down a few components.

What's a good bluetooth mouse/keyboard combo and dongle (dlink one looks big)? What is a good heatsink for the Q6600? Case? I have a 10/100 3com card, any benefit from getting the encore card you suggested?

Edit: Oh yeah, I have the 8800GT 512 MB I've heard you can get it working with no driver with the GFX string method

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Stiganator
I'm going to buy the P35-DS3L, Q6600, 8GB G.Skill PC6400. Just need to nail down a few components.

What's a good bluetooth mouse/keyboard combo and dongle (dlink one looks big)? What is a good heatsink for the Q6600? Case? I have a 10/100 3com card, any benefit from getting the encore card you suggested?

Edit: Oh yeah, I have the 8800GT 512 MB I've heard you can get it working with no driver with the GFX string method

The D-Link will be sticking out of the back of your case, no worries on the size. The Apple keyboard, both the aluminum and white ones, are great. I have both. I don't like any Bluetooth mice, I think they all stink. Pretty much any Logitech or Microsoft mouse should do; I use a Logitech VX Revolution wireless laser mouse (RF, no line-of-sight needed). The Encore card has Gigabit and is supported out of the box by Leopard, plus it's only $8. Generally I recommend avoiding 512mb cards, but if you've found a working driver then by all means go for it

 

[Stiganator]

I think i might forgo the bluetooth, seems like a lot of issues being able to access the bios etc

Have the board ordered, Q6600, ram, and gig-e card are in the wishlist. Just need to figure out new mouse/keyboard, case, heatsink and I'll be set. Something to ponder tomorrow night.

 

[Zaap]

The state of Gigabyte mobos for Hackintosh is a bit confusing lately. I wish they'd scale it back a bit and clean up their naming conventions.

The EP35-DS3R boards work just as well as the P35-DS3L boards- I'd recommend it in a heartbeat. Problem? Discontinued.

On the other hand, the EP35-DS3L boards are the ones with issues, based on the BIOS revision and install method. I had no problem installing OSX on one with an F4 BIOS, 65nm processor and Leo4Allv3. 100% rock stable system. I've heard people have had issues with the F5 BIOS and 45nm processors, but then again, that seems a reoccurring theme with OSx86. If you're not the type to be squeamish over flashing a BIOS, this board is a great choice.

To add even more confusion, there's the EP35C-DS3R- by all accounts, it works great for Hackintosh, but don't assume it's just the EP35-DS3R with 6 RAM slots.


My personal favorite Hackintosh motherboard is the EP35-DS4- my main system using this board and the latest BIOS is a rock and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Problem? Discontinued.


Moving up to the X38 chipset, the EX38-DS4 board was a dream Hackintosh- worked perfectly and was a solid performer- I built two systems for friends with these. Problem? The boards are more expensive than the P35, and oh shucks... discontinued.

The newer still EP45-DS3L apparently works great. I can't personally recommend it though, not having built with one myself. (Yet.)

Anyway, one certainly ignores at their Hackintosh peril, the seemingly trivial letter code fluctuations in Gigabyte's naming conventions.

 

[Stiganator]

Its all ordered and on the way, I went with the Sunbeam Core Cooler and an apple wired keyboard in addition to all the other stuff.

 

[Tyranicus]

Just get a DFI LanParty P35 T2RS and don't let it sleep.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: Zaap
The newer still EP45-DS3L apparently works great. I can't personally recommend it though, not having built with one myself. (Yet.)

Anyway, one certainly ignores at their Hackintosh peril, the seemingly trivial letter code fluctuations in Gigabyte's naming conventions.

Phew. I just bought the EP45-DS3L and a Q6600 and am hackintoshing it now

 

[scootermaster]

I went to Frys and saw like four or five different boards that almost matched the model numbers.

Why are these so expensive?

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: silverpig

Originally posted by: Zaap
The newer still EP45-DS3L apparently works great. I can't personally recommend it though, not having built with one myself. (Yet.)

Anyway, one certainly ignores at their Hackintosh peril, the seemingly trivial letter code fluctuations in Gigabyte's naming conventions.

Phew. I just bought the EP45-DS3L and a Q6600 and am hackintoshing it now

Bah, the install hangs with 8 minutes left on my leo4all 10.5.2 dvd every time. Burning kalyway now. *grumble*

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: scootermaster
I went to Frys and saw like four or five different boards that almost matched the model numbers.

Why are these so expensive?

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L. Brand new. $85 shipped. Ebay seller Macpalace7 has 60 in stock:

http://tinyurl.com/buymescooter

 

[leglez]

Originally posted by: silverpig

Originally posted by: silverpig

Originally posted by: Zaap
The newer still EP45-DS3L apparently works great. I can't personally recommend it though, not having built with one myself. (Yet.)

Anyway, one certainly ignores at their Hackintosh peril, the seemingly trivial letter code fluctuations in Gigabyte's naming conventions.

Phew. I just bought the EP45-DS3L and a Q6600 and am hackintoshing it now

Bah, the install hangs with 8 minutes left on my leo4all 10.5.2 dvd every time. Burning kalyway now. *grumble*

How many gigs of RAM do you have in while your installing? I found the install would always freeze if I had more than 1 stick of RAM in. Then after it installed I added 1 stick at a time and everything worked fine.

 

[scootermaster]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: scootermaster
I went to Frys and saw like four or five different boards that almost matched the model numbers.

Why are these so expensive?

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L. Brand new. $85 shipped. Ebay seller Macpalace7 has 60 in stock:

http://tinyurl.com/buymescooter

Wow.

Thanks!

SOOOOO tempting. I should be more proactive. Even $100 for my old system would make this worthwhile.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: leglez

Originally posted by: silverpig

Originally posted by: silverpig

Originally posted by: Zaap
The newer still EP45-DS3L apparently works great. I can't personally recommend it though, not having built with one myself. (Yet.)

Anyway, one certainly ignores at their Hackintosh peril, the seemingly trivial letter code fluctuations in Gigabyte's naming conventions.

Phew. I just bought the EP45-DS3L and a Q6600 and am hackintoshing it now

Bah, the install hangs with 8 minutes left on my leo4all 10.5.2 dvd every time. Burning kalyway now. *grumble*

How many gigs of RAM do you have in while your installing? I found the install would always freeze if I had more than 1 stick of RAM in. Then after it installed I added 1 stick at a time and everything worked fine.

Really? I have 2x2GB in right now. I'm gonna take one out right now!

Hopefully this works.

 

[silverpig]

Yeah if this doesn't work, I'll spend one more day on it. If it still doesn't work, I'll return everything, sell off my mythbox, and get a mac mini.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: silverpig
Yeah if this doesn't work, I'll spend one more day on it. If it still doesn't work, I'll return everything, sell off my mythbox, and get a mac mini.

Or just get a DS3L board.

Or just get EFI-X.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: silverpig
Yeah if this doesn't work, I'll spend one more day on it. If it still doesn't work, I'll return everything, sell off my mythbox, and get a mac mini.

Or just get a DS3L board.

Or just get EFI-X.

I do have a DS3L

And it worked!

I still have to put the other stick of ram back in, but I now have a quad-core mac system up and running

 

[scootermaster]

Stop! You're making me jealous!

Okay, one last (ha!) stupid question...what's the best case that's reasonably priced, cool, and cheap? I don't need a killer PSU (some 8000 series GPU, likely, one or two SATA drives, and a DVD burner). If there's one thing I know NOTHING about, it's cooling. When I last built my own system (maybe 2000 ish) cooling wasn't a huge issue (i.e. no one ever really bought "thermal paste" and had to worry if their fans were 80mm or 120mm so I have no fucking clue about any of that stuff. And my Dell 4600, as best as I can tell, has just a HUGE heat sink and then an outtake fan, so...y'know)

Are cool/quiet fans going to add a lot of cost to these builds?

 

[silverpig]

Antec Sonata?

I just have an Antec 1040B I got a long long time ago that's been great for me. I've put different power supplies and systems through it and have been very happy. I'm running everything stock and haven't connected up the case fans and this thing is silent (stock hsf on the 7900GS and the intel cpu).

 

[Zaap]

Silverpig, glad you got your system working. What exact install method worked for you? I'm pretty sure that board requires AHCI mode always turned on to install. Also, Leo4All works perfectly on supported systems, but it can be very picky.

Any luck with Kalyway?