First off, Here is what you came to see
This is the first computer I have ever built. I spent roughly 6 months reading the r/Hackintosh thread and the TonyMacx86 website before embarking on my build (specs below). I read every review on Amazon on each component under consideration, built 4 different configurations before culling to 1; really researched the hell out of this thing. It has paid off handsomely.
My build was a true challenge - a Mini ITX NCase M1 case (think it looks tiny on the website? Wait till its in your living room), with all the necessary components for strong PC gaming performance and video rendering in OS X. It took me about 12 hours to put assemble and perhaps another 3 or 4 of tweaking fan arrangements and cable management The inside does't look pretty, but its the inside, so who gives a shit.
I Installed OS X first on a single 500gb SSD, following Stork's Hector Guide to the letter. It was simple, and everything works flawlessly except for iMessage. The computer is as every bit as stable as my Macbook Pro, with 2x the performance.
After unplugging the OS X SSD, I installed Microsoft 10 to a second 500gb ssd with a thumbstick. Everything there works flawlessly.
Perhaps there is an easier way (comment if there is) but to choose between OS's, I simply press F12 when I am starting up and select the desired OS from the boot order screen.
Here are my thoughts, in no particular order:
This was way easier than I thought it would be.
The NCase M1 is small for someone building their first computer.
I am glad I dropped the cash on the GeForce GTX 980 TI Hybrid card. It's whisper quiet and the performance is straight ridiculous. An occasional Xbox one console gamer, I had no idea that video games could be like this. The mechanics and and quality of gameplay in Hitman, with all settings maxed out, on a 21:9 Dell 34" Ultra Wide monitor brings out the inner kid unwrapping a Nintendo on Christmas morning in me. Simply Stunning. This discovery will make me a worse father.
Be forewarned: there is no going back to anything else after a 34" ultra wide monitor.
I wish I was better at cable management. The inside of the case doesn't looked primped and pretty like all the ones pictured online, but it looks sweet on the outside, beside my desk.
If you are on the fence about building a Hackintosh, take the plunge. Had I known it would be so easy with all the resources available online, I would have done it sooner.
My sincerest thanks to all in this community for their help along the way. Here are the specs for my flawless dream machine:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
| Type | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor | $292.99 @ SuperBiiz |
| CPU Cooler | Noctua NH-L9x65 33.8 CFM CPU Cooler | $49.95 @ Amazon |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-H97N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard | $111.99 @ SuperBiiz |
| Memory | Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory | $79.99 @ Amazon |
| Storage | Crucial BX200 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $129.89 @ OutletPC |
| Storage | Crucial BX200 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $129.89 @ OutletPC |
| Video Card | EVGA GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6GB HYBRID Video Card | $689.99 @ Amazon |
| Power Supply | Silverstone 600W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply | $117.99 @ Directron |
| Other | NCase M1 | $220.00 |
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | ||
| Total | $1822.68 | |
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-02-13 02:08 EST-0500 |
[link] [comments]
Post a Comment