Optimal/future-proof Hardware

[{ Roger }]

I think we have a basic problem: Apple already started to remove drivers in 10.4.4 and removed support for non-Core processors in 10.4.5 kernel.

 

But since Apple already released the iMac Intel, MacBook and Mac mini Intel, they will have to support their hardware in all subsequent releases of Mac OS, at least for some years!

 

Thus our goal should be, to find hardware exactly matching the Apple-hardware. Maxxuss can patch the Kernel to run on pre-core processors and the TPM-stuff, but he can't patch all 10.4.3 drivers to make them still run in a future 10.5!

 

What we need is a mainboard with the same Northbridge, Southbridge, Ethernet and Sound chipsets as any combination of iMac Intel, MacBook and Mac mini Intel. Can anybody of you list all these chipsets on all three platforms (with exact numbers, since we know that not every BCM57xx runs well)?

[thrunner]

Thus our goal should be, to find hardware exactly matching the Apple-hardware

I think that is called buying a Mac , but I do know what you mean. I do wonder if some hardware hacker can produce a mod kit (a la xbox...) or even a PCI or USB device that will duplicate the EFI and TPM protection. That would alleviate any software patching. This is all on a purely hypothetical OS of course

[broken]

Yeah, buying an actual Apple machine probably is the best long term suggestion.

 

But, providing you don't want to drop a couple thousand dollars on the machine, who cares if a year or so down the road the hardware doesn't work with 10.5? Buy that time if 10.5 will only run on Apple hardware, you can then just decide if you want to buy one of their machines.

 

I look at it this way...build a current OS X capable machine for a reasonable amount of money (say, less than a $1k) and enjoy a machine thats most likely faster than current Mac Intel offerings. Then if next year I can't use it anymore, so be it. You can still use your monitor and probably most of your peripherals with your next machine. I keep my 20 inch LCD and wireless keyboard/mouse combo and move them over to my next machine.

 

I am currently running 10.4.4 on a ASrock board with Celeron D 340 cpu. 512 megs ram and 40 gig sata drive.

I am going to upgrade this machine to most likely an intel board and a dual core cpu. Maybe a Pentium D 830 or D 920. Spend maybe $600 for the board, cpu and ram. Perhaps also put in a larger, faster HD as well and perhaps a better supported video card once the ATI issue gets all sorted out.

[{ Roger }]

Hi there!

 

If I wanted to buy a Mac, I wouldn't read / post that forum.

 

I wanna reuse my case, HDD, CDD, Floppy etc.. The only thing I'm talking about is the combination of Mainboard, CPU and RAM.

 

These components matter:

o Northbridge

o Southbridge (ATA, S-ATA, USB controller)

o NIC

o Sound-Chipset

o Graphics Card

 

I'd like to find a mainboard which is based on all the components used by Apple. That will cost less than 200 $ and still be compatible for future OS X.

 

If I wanted to buy a new Mainboard / CPU / RAM combination with every new mayor release of Mac OS, let's say once a year, it will cost me 250 $ x 3 = 750 $ for three years. For that money I could already buy the latest Mac mini.

 

By the way, yes, I can live with a two years old mainboard. Every normal PC-user can, except maybe a Gamer or a Video Cutter.

 

Please post all you know about the new Macs' hardware, but about chipsets in detail (including revision). 3c905 is not 3c905. 3c905c is different than 3c905b etc.!

Thank you!!!