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Mint

New Member
Hello members! I currently have a macbook air 2011 model which I use along with a thunderbolt display as my main computer setup. However now I want more "oomph" on my computer. The puny 4gb RAM and sloppy 1.8GHz i7 really isn't doing it for me. So I decided to build my own computer. I was looking around for hackintosh builds in order for me to run Mac OS X on my homebuilt PC. The main problem I see is just getting around the hardware support side of the Mac.. But then I want to use it alongside with Windows, which shouldn't be a problem as it's probably some really simple setting in the BIOS that I would need to change. My budget is all the way up to 1.5 grand and I live in Australia, this means that some parts may not be as easily or cheaply available for me. Now after doing a large amount of searching and searching I have come to the following hardware:
- Intel i5 3570K
- Thermaltake V9 Case
- Corsair DDR3 8GB (2x Vengeance 4GB) 1600MHz CL9 (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9)
- Corsair GS-700 700W
- Corsair Force Series 3 240GB SSD
- Gigabyte GA-Z77MX-D3H Intel Mainboard - LGA 1155
- Samsung 22x Black Internal DVDRW


I am not sure if this build is supported by Mac OS X, can somebody please advise me.
Is it possible to still keep on using my thunderbolt display once I built this PC?
I also wish to have the ability to over clock the computer and maybe upgrade it later on (when haswell comes out), will it be possible after I finish the build?
Lastly I am not sure about the cooling that I need, I wan thinking maybe water cooling?
- Thanks!
 
No. This build can not (legally) support OSX. You have to buy a apple branded machine to run OSX. There is no other way to run it thanks to apples terms of use.

It is possible, but not with a Dedicated graphics card. (that is unless it would work just off of a mini display port, as they look the same). There are a few motherboards out there that support thunderbolt.

Haswell will not work without a motherboard upgrade. Haswell is going to be a new socket and have a different memory setup (LGA 1150 socket and on haswell EX it will be DDR4, which is supposed to be point to point memory from what I read).
 
wolfeking said:
No. This build can not (legally) support OSX. You have to buy a apple branded machine to run OSX. There is no other way to run it thanks to apples terms of use.

It is possible, but not with a Dedicated graphics card. (that is unless it would work just off of a mini display port, as they look the same). There are a few motherboards out there that support thunderbolt.

Haswell will not work without a motherboard upgrade. Haswell is going to be a new socket and have a different memory setup (LGA 1150 socket and on haswell EX it will be DDR4, which is supposed to be point to point memory from what I read).
Click to expand...

I mean a hackintosh, which is obviously not legal. My question is specifically concerning whenever the hardware will support a hackintosh if I decide to build one.
Now how about I say that I don't want a hackintosh, but just a really good computer for under $1000. What are my options and what would you suggest?
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($77.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1000.40
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-11 02:40 EDT-0400)
 
Mint said:
I mean a hackintosh, which is obviously not legal. My question is specifically concerning whenever the hardware will support a hackintosh if I decide to build one.
Now how about I say that I don't want a hackintosh, but just a really good computer for under $1000. What are my options and what would you suggest?
Click to expand...
We can not help you then. Read the rules before asking questions.

forum rules said:
Discussion of any of the following is NOT allowed at Computer Forum:
Promoting piracy as an alternative to the legal purchase of computer software or media material.
The use of torrent trackers or p2p software to obtain copyrighted material. Any discussion of programs like Limewire, Frostwire, eMule, eDonkey, etc.. is not allowed, whether or not you believe or suggest it's for legal use.
The offer or solicitation of invitations to private torrent tracking websites, such as Demonoid. Public sites, like The Pirate Bay, cannot be discussed here.
Illegally modified OS versions such as "XP Black," which are typically distributed illegally.
Installation of a Macintosh operating system on a PC, also know as a "Hackintosh" system.
Advice on how to crack or circumvent legitimate software activation. This includes: key generators; cracked executable files; re-arming software trial periods; brute force methods for obtaining activation keys; OEM activation hacks, etc.
Cracking or bypassing an administrator/any other user log-in password.
Stripping DRM from media files.
DVD/Blu-Ray disk decryption.
Software that facilitates the unauthorized entry into a network.
Posting malicious links or attempting to distribute malicious software.
Keystroke recording software, or any application that allows you to secretly monitor the activities of another computer user.
Click to expand...
 
Don'y worry wolf. I don't want a hackintosh now. I just want your advice.
My current build is so:

MSY
Intel i5 3570K - 234
ASRock Z77 Extreme4 (145) OR Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H (169)
8G Kit 2133 Kingston HyperX **- 60
Intel SSD 520 SATA3 120GB - 139
Seagate SATA 3 1TB - 79
SATA Blu-Ray Combo Pioneer - 65
Gigabyte 660 (339) OR Gigabyte 7870 (279)
Antec True Power 650W - 120
+ CASE
=1121

What do you think of it? Can you also please suggest me a case for all of this? I think I want a side window in my case too!
 
CPU looks fine.

Do not touch the Extreme 4 with a 900 meter pole. It is a horrid board (at least in my experience). When it works, it is flat brilliant. When it does not work, it is a paper weight. It is a paper weight far more than it is a good board.
The UD3H is a good board. Gigabyte is a great company.

2133 is useless. Save your money and get a 1600 or 1866 kit.

You can save money by going to a Samsung 830 SSD. It is a really fast drive and runs well. Also low energy (means a lot to me as I love battery life, desktop it does not matter).

Good drives. I have one and can not complain, aside from its ability to astound me with the amount of data it can contain.

Blu-ray is your choice. I know nothing about them.

I would get the 660ti. However I am a Nvidia fan. Every computer I own has a Nvidia graphics card, and they always will. But that is for reasons better not talked about since it does not have to do with your build. The 7870 is a great card for the money. All depends on what you want to do with them.

It is an okay PSU. 650 watts is/are plenty for this build.

Case, look at the 300R. I think it has a side window. Not 100% on that though. It will be a lot easier to recommend a case if we know a budget. Just like if you ask what car you should buy, I would say a Bugatti unless you said you budget was 20K USD.
 
You can get a windowed 300R which has a window in the side panel.

Get the 660 Ti over the 7870, all round faster card, and I'm not a fanboy either way. I have a Radeon in my system.

Blu-ray drive looks fine, I have a Samsung one myself, it's nice and even came with some CyberLink software which allows you to play Blu-Rays (PowerDVD I think).
 
I guess you didn't see my build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($77.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1000.40
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-11 02:40 EDT-0400)
 
azeem40 said:
I guess you didn't see my build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($77.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1000.40
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-11 02:40 EDT-0400)
Click to expand...

Or he didn't care of it. Either way, nice build. Might wanna get a little better PSU, something like 600w for one GPU and some OC'ing, or get a 750w for SLI and some major OC'ing. No head room at all with that 520w
 
azeem40 said:
I guess you didn't see my build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($215.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($27.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($77.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($399.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec 520W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($46.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1000.40
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-09-11 02:40 EDT-0400)
Click to expand...


I saw it. It is a nice build yes. But the money is not invested into the things I really need and want. For example, I do not want to waste $400 on the GPU, at least $300 max. As well instead of having an HDD i'd rather have an SSD. The memory I will buy that one, except a 2133 version.
Thanks anyways!
 
you are wasting money where you do not need to be wasting it. The 2133 memory will not have any advantages over 1600 at all for the average user.

You are not wasting 400 on a GPU. If you spend it it is worth it. But The way you are talking, you probably would not know how to get the extra performance of the GPU, so it might just as well be okay for you to get a 7870 and be done.
 
Mint said:
I saw it. It is a nice build yes. But the money is not invested into the things I really need and want. For example, I do not want to waste $400 on the GPU, at least $300 max. As well instead of having an HDD i'd rather have an SSD. The memory I will buy that one, except a 2133 version.
Thanks anyways!
Click to expand...

Do you want the best gaming performance or what? At 1k budget, you don't need an SSD when the GPU is THE MOST important part of a gaming system. You are wasting $ on that RAM. ZERO performance benefits.
 
I agree, 1600MHz is all you need - 2133MHz is a waste.

If you want to spend less on the card get a 7870 or a 660 Ti. The 670 that Azeem picked will be better than both though.
 
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