[Guide] Nick's HoboMac (August 2014)

[Nick2014]

Hey all! I have recently re-joined the InsanelyMac community after a short leave, and have decided to start off with this guide! Well, what is a HoboMac? A HoboMac is for the budget minded OSX86'er who want's a Hackintosh that won't break the bank. These generally are sub-$300 and are heavily upgradeable. So, with that aside, let's get on with the tutorial!

   For computer building novices, I will have a link to a guide in the end that will show you, step-by-step, how to construct your computer, so don't worry.

 

So, I always say that you have to start with the CPU, regardless of the build. This go around, I have chosen the Intel Celeron G1620 for its low power draw, low price, and 64-bit architecture.

At the time of writing, you can pick this up in a local MicroCenter for $34. If you don't have a MicroCenter near you, these can be found for around $50.

 

Next up, the Motherboard. We are picking up the Gigabyte GA-H61M-S1. This isn't the cheapest mainboard we can pick up, but Gigabyte is known for it's superior compatibility with hackintoshes. The price? $47.99 on Amazon. Click Here for the current link!

 

Let's talk RAM. Today we will be nabbing 4GB of Crucial DDR3 RAM. This stick can be obtained for $37.99 Here

 

Now we proceed to our storage. If you have an old HDD from another PC, great! You just saved about $30! If not, I recommend the 250GB Western Digital WD2502ABYS for it's cool price of $30.99 Buy it Here

 

Since Intel's integrated graphics aren't the best, and it is just better to have a graphics card, we are going to spend $39.99 on an EVGA GeForce GT 610. This is a superb little graphics card that will support all of your hackintosh needs. If you want it, click Here

 

Now, we are left with our case. I decided to go with a Diablotek DIAMOND ATX Mid Tower Case w/400W Power Supply. This means you don't have to fiddle around with getting a power supply, and it is pre-installed. Grab it Here

 

So, final price? Get this, only $237.

 

Great! Now if you don't know how to build this system, watch this video, it will really help!

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XsyxM_j3Y4U" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

A few notes with this video.

At 1:05, he begins to talk about installing the power supply. Skip this, as our case has one pre-installed!

At 1:46, he pops out 2 slots. Only take out one.

At 3:29, he pulls a rod up. In our build, there is a latch you must release and a cover you must flip up to install the CPU.

STOP at 9:19. He goes on to install Windows 8.1, which we WILL NOT DO!!

 

Now that your computer is assembled and works, we need to know how to install Mac OSX. There is a GREAT guide made by rockinron_1 that can be found here: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/280756-guide-the-all-in-one-guide-to-vanilla-os-x-including-chameleon-dsdt-for-beginners-updated-for-mavericks/

 

I hope you guys enjoyed this guide, feel free to ask any questions that may present themselves!

~Nick

[dcai777]

Good guide. Just going to say that at least for me, the youtube imbedded link doesn't work.

Also, you need a mac/VM/existing hackintosh.

Edit: I would choose this (www.amazon.com/MSI-MicroATX-Motherboard-H61M-P31-W8/dp/B0097WLXW6/ref=sr_1_5?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1407365028&sr=1-5) instead for the DVI port and IGPU OS X support. Also, the HD5450, OS X Compatible, us currently 15$ with an rebate. (www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131338)