15 replies to this topic

[Ysharma]

I am in the process of creating a computer, and am intending to dual boot Windows 8 (64 bit) and Mountain Lion (when they come out). I have double and triple checked my hardware, but then came to the conclusion that another pair of eyes would not hurt. On another note while browsing these forums I have found multiple ways to install Mac OSX on non-mac hardware. I was wondering which one you guys have had the best experience with. I am not asking anyone to check all of these parts for compatibility, but it would be helpful if a couple parts at a time were identified as compatible. This is my first build and I do not want to leave any room for error. I have listed my specs below:

Obsidian 800D Case

42'' Display

Bezel

Slot Load

Converter

Motherboard

1 tB hd *2
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CSIG1G   

32 GB RAM
http://www.amazon.co...words=32+gb+RAM

Water Cooling Unit

GPU block

Adaptor USB (for obsidian 800d)   

AMD GPU
http://www.amazon.co...2&keywords=7970   

RAT 9 Mouse

Card Reader
http://www.amazon.co...reader internal

Bezel

Keyboard  

Track

i7 processor
http://www.amazon.co...39191336&sr=1-1

Esata Port
http://www.amazon.co...39189380&sr=1-6

[Zaap]

Motherboard seems pretty outdated.
$641 for that CPU? Why?

Personally, I would look into a newer/more cost effective SandyBridge build.

Also if you're planning to dual boot using just that one hard drive, I'd say save yourself the headache and get two 6Gb/s 1TB drives.

As for setup, look into kakewalk or tonymacx86.

[Gringo Vermelho]

You'll need a Power Supply.

Note that if you "look into tonymacx86" we can't help you here.

[Ysharma]

Gringo Vermelho, on 06 June 2012 - 12:00 AM, said:

You'll need a Power Supply.

Note that if you "look into tonymacx86" we can't help you here.

I already have a power supply I'm using this:
http://www.amazon.co...39177648&sr=8-1

Zaap, on 05 June 2012 - 07:05 AM, said:

Motherboard seems pretty outdated.
$641 for that CPU? Why?

Personally, I would look into a newer/more cost effective SandyBridge build.

Also if you're planning to dual boot using just that one hard drive, I'd say save yourself the headache and get two 6Gb/s 1TB drives.

As for setup, look into kakewalk or tonymacx86.

What motherboard do you recommend? Which processor should I use? I want excellent high end parts.

[PookyMacMan]

I think it's all good. I would just look for a different CPU; if you look at the related products you will see a i7-960 (you picked a 980) with .1 less GHz is $300 less...kinda ridiculous. I would simply look for a cheaper CPU; check Newegg (I love that place). Other than that, all the other components should work out of the box.

Do not use tonymacx86, as Gringo said we can't support you (check in the Forum Information forum for why), and his methods cause more people trouble than can be imagined, although he targets his products toward newbies. I would recommend installing Snow Leopard by the OSx86 ModCD (guide is linked in my signature), and then installing retail Lion as an upgrade.

[Ysharma]

How much of a difference would the extra cores in the 980 make compared to the 960

[PookyMacMan]

Going with that Ivy Bridge you got is even better. Especially since Ivy Bridge will be supported in the vanilla kernel.

[Ysharma]

PookyMacMan, on 12 June 2012 - 12:42 AM, said:

Going with that Ivy Bridge you got is even better. Especially since Ivy Bridge will be supported in the vanilla kernel.

I do have a problem with that processor. I can't find any water-cooling systems that are open loop for the LGA 2011. It must be open loop because I want my GPU included in the loop. I also would have to change my motherboard. Seeing as price is not too much of an issue I'm starting to lean towards the 980. If those two needs are fulfilled I would eagerly purchase the Ivy Bridge.

[PookyMacMan]

The point isn't really which CPU, but value for the money. If you look at Newegg's price (which is always the retail price) you will find that the i7-960 is $299, so I wouldn't settle for any more than that (for that CPU) if I were you. I would give you the Newegg link but ATM they are out of stock...

[Ysharma]

PookyMacMan, on 15 June 2012 - 08:39 PM, said:

The point isn't really which CPU, but value for the money. If you look at Newegg's price (which is always the retail price) you will find that the i7-960 is $299, so I wouldn't settle for any more than that (for that CPU) if I were you. I would give you the Newegg link but ATM they are out of stock...

And what of the core and thread difference in the 960 and 980? How significant is this? Price is not a huge issue for me. And the ivy bridge listed above seems to have similar specs to the 980 but is a 100 dollars cheaper. The only issue is an open loop water cooling system for it.

[PookyMacMan]

The 980 definitely gives a performance increase, but not enough to justify $300. If you really need a i7-980, I would get it for a LOT cheaper rather than get ripped off by an overcharging seller. It's up to you, but I would simply look around more.

[Ysharma]

PookyMacMan, on 15 June 2012 - 10:31 PM, said:

The 980 definitely gives a performance increase, but not enough to justify $300. If you really need a i7-980, I would get it for a LOT cheaper rather than get ripped off by an overcharging seller. It's up to you, but I would simply look around more.

Ive decided to go with the ivy bridge. Could someone help me find a motherboard, preferably Gigabyte and an open loop water cooling loop for the LGA 2011 socket. Is this mac osx compatible? http://www.gigabyte....spx?pid=4047#ov

[Ysharma]

Ive completely changed my specs.
Ive decided on the GA-X79-UD7
                              HD5770
                              i73930k
Is it confirmed that these are macosx compatible?

[PookyMacMan]

It should be.

[Ysharma]

PookyMacMan, on 14 July 2012 - 03:04 AM, said:

It should be.

What install method should I use for the x79-ud7 and hd 7970? And will everything work OOB? I searched and I cannot find anyone who has used the motherboard i am using. I want to be certain it will work before purchase otherwise ill have an empty shell until windows 8 comes out in end october

[PookyMacMan]

To be honest, you can never be 100% sure. Only 90%. Nothing can work perfectly, especially when you're hacking. However, the mobo should work great, and even if everything doesn't work OOB it's easy to get working. Install retail Lion using many of the guides out there, but do not (and I repeat, do not) use Uni Beast. Use anything else (I recommend myHack or similar) but Uni Beast.

An HD 7970? 7xxx series cards aren't supported yet, get a 5000 or 6000 series or (better yet) go with nVidia (5xx series or lower)