I built my first osx86 pc mostly based off of this guide..
http://lifehacker.com/software/hack-attack...-800-321913.php
it is very nice, works perfectly. I even bought a 28" 1080p Hanns g monitor to go with it.

Now here I am at work, working on a POS pc.. where I spend most of my computer time.
So I would like to build another Osx86 pc, but with the goal of under $400 for the hardware.

Please let me know what you think of my build, I would like to get some feedback before I go and spend the money and time.

Mobo: Intel BOXDG31PR - $73 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813121323
GPU: ASUS EN7300GT - 45 ($10 rebate)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121256&Tpk=EN7300GT
CPU: Intel Celeron E1400 Allendale - $65 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819116069
Memory: pqi POWER Series 2GB - $44 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820141300
HD: Maxtor DiamondMax 21 160GB - $47 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822144487
DVD: LITE-ON Black 20X - $31 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16827106263
Case: Linkworld 431-06 W/500w PSU- $50 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811164060

Total Cost: $355 after a $10 Rebate.
Will wait for a good deal for Under $200 22" LCD Monitor.

It seems like everything on my list is pretty well supported under the hardware compatibility list
http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/HCL_10.5.2

One thought is installation, what would be the best method?
Also, will having 1 stick of 2 gig memory affect installation (Kernel Panic??)?

Where is a good place to learn about what options to choose to install during installation?


I'll be using this build mostly to work on ff (craigslist mostly) occasionally watch videos
and do some moderate work in dreamweaver and photoshop.

Thanks for your thoughts

$329.00 ( you could drop the aftermarket cpu cooler)
https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedW...spx?ID=11903647

or

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedW...spx?ID=11882507
$320.00 but its the intel atom processor, i would rather spend some extra bucks and get the core2duo and over clock it some. And take the wireless card off the list and save 40 dollars.

I have updated my 2nd build.

MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-945GCM-S2C - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16813128076

Memory:Transcend 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820208348

HD: HITACHI Deskstar P7K500 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822145213
CPU: Intel Pentium E2200 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819116063

All the rest is the same. Updated cost after a $10 rebate is $350 US.

https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/MySavedW...aspx?ID=7034485

link to my wish list on newegg. everything compatible?

just bought everything on newegg.. and another new monitor

There are a LOT of bad reviews on the case that you intend to purchase. I'd read up on them and heed the warnings. It may be better to go on Ebay and find an old Mac pro case and mod it. That, or find a different case...and why not. It's ok to be different.

You could also got the route I did and buy a Dell 530 with NVIDIA dual DVI video card. Add 4 GB ram and voila! Instant gratification! Plus, the case ain't too shabby either.

thanks for the input,

i used the same case, but in black bought from newegg, and posted a positive review wondering why all the bad reviews?
I bet its because im new to computer building and hardware.

Could you review your experience with the black case here? I'd be keen to read it as would many others I'd presume.

Please report on the feel/solidity of the case, drive doors, fit, figure and so on. Personally I'm looking for a new "cool" case for my Dell innards.

Keep in mind my experience with building computers is very limited. This is the only case I have experience working with on this level.

here is a copy of my review on the black case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811164061

"Pros: Lots of room, included all necessary hardware/wires. Metal isn't as thin as people say. Drive covers work flawlessly, every time. PSU works fine and is quiet.

Cons: Doesn't have AS classy of a finish as the G5 case that I was hoping to emulate. But still looks REALLY cool

Other Thoughts: I almost didn't buy this case because of the poor reviews, but now that I did anyway, I'm willing to say that 1. all those people are *SEVERELY mentally disabled* or 2. they came out with a new and much better Rev"


All in all it didn't feel like it was built like a tank, but could definitely withstand a cat fart as another reviewer commented it couldn't.
I felt like there was plenty of room, and that I didn't have too much of an issue installing any of the components beyond issues most people have the first time they build a system. I had no issues with drive bay doors, and appreciate the design put into hiding the front usb and audio ports.

It doesn't have tool-less construction and set up, meaning hardware is held in with screws. I didn't care, I think they even sent some. I only note this because my buddy bought another case and his setup was tool-less.

The handles feel like they are securely on, but I don't go to lan parties or play catch with my case as some of the other guys must as they complained about that A LOT.
I really like the concept of having about an inch between the floor and the case, a space provided by the handles.

The one thing that was only the slightest bit upsetting was that the expansion slots (yes I don't know what they are called), are poorly designed as far as I can tell. Without using any additional tools, I couldn't get the "extras" to securely stay in place. I EASILY fixed this minor problem with a couple of my own screws. Let me know if this doesn't make sense.

I really like the case, I like it so much I bought another one for my work osx86. I think that to people who really know computer cases well, that the end result of owning this case equates to something like driving a 350z into a parking lot filled with 911s. Its good, nice, clean, but its just not good enough.

Also the power button is really dorky looking.

update. successfully installed using kalyway 10.5.2

helpful link:http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=101800

i installed at first using nvinject 512 mb, but only had on res. working.
reinstalled with nvinject only. same thing.

use this guide
http://www.insanelymac.com/lofiversion/index.php/t2006.html
to get resolution on to 1280 x 1024

update:
to get sound working, helpful link:http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=79929&hl=GA+945GCM+S2C+audio

download the packages in post #12, and apply them with kexthelper available here:http://www.cheetha.net/Kext_Helper/Software.html

my aim: scushkadee

everything works out of box, one thing that isn't is full resolutions.. any thoughts anyone?

i bought this for $389

Moderboard:ASUS S775 I945GC VGA DDR2 SATA2 LAN 6CH(P5GC-MX/1333)VISTA READY

PROCESSOR:INTEL E8500 CORE2D 3.16GHZ 1333/6M S775

RAMMEMORY:Kingston 2048MB DDR2 667MHz

HDD:SAMSUNG 250GB SATA

DVD BURNER :NEC 5200 DVD+-RW DL 18 X BULK BLACK

Graficcard:Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950

build in sound

build in network


Miditower ATX 420W Midi-R svart

1 PCI Express x16

6 USB 2