Help! I'm building a system, please tell me if these specs are correct!

[jmorin]

Hi Folks,

 

longtime lurker, firstime poster.

 

I need to finalize a system I am wanting to build, I need to know if this config will

work or if there is a component in there (like the motherboard) which will screw me up.

 

I have until wednesday before I pass my deadline (I'm facing an interesting bet/challenge

from a group of friends of mine).

 

I really like the vibe here and the great information posted.

I'm planning on making the plunge and seeing if this will work.

Can someone please take a look at the system I want to

build and let me know if there is anything wrong with it?

Or if there are better alternatives?

 

Also, what would be the best version of OSX86 to run?

 

My Goal: To build a QUAD Mac for around the $500 area.

 

Programs I'd like to run: Final Cut Pro & Pro-Tools.

 

Thanks you in advance to anyone who may offer advice/help.

 

- Jeff.

 

 

CPU - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.40G 8 MB Cache CPU

 

Motherboard - Asus P5K-E/WIFI-AP (Intel P35 Chipset) Motherboard

 

Graphics Card- eVGA e-GeForce FX5200 PCI 128MB

 

DVD-R - LG GSA-H62N 20x SATA

 

Mid Tower with w/450 watt power supply (basic stock variety)

 

Memory - Kingston 2 Gig DDR2 667 Mhz

 

Price range around: $500 (I already priced these components)

[vaporATX]

Looks good to me for a budget system.

[jmorin]

Looks good to me for a budget system.

 

Thanks, but...will this work? What's the best type of OSX86 to get to run on such a thing? Drivers, etc?

 

I just need some help/someone to point me the right way.

 

I would greatly appreciate it as many of my friends will be watching my progress with great scrutiny since

they want to see whether I sink or swim.

 

I mean, are OSX86 installer discs sophisticated enough nowadays to simply 'insert disc and install'?

 

Thanks.

 

- Jeff

[vaporATX]

Will work out the box with with Kaly, Leo4all, etc... I've used that board before. The only thing I don't know about is that video card. I suggest at least a nvidia 7 series PCIe card. I can't guarantee that card will work because I've never tried an old pci card like that. Maybe somebody else can confirm it for you. You should be able to get a 7300 series PCIe card for like 35-40 bucks. Plus, you don't want to use an ancient card like that. The performace will be horrible.

 

I mean, are OSX86 installer discs sophisticated enough nowadays to simply 'insert disc and install'?

 

No. Always expect to have issues, though with that mobo you shouldn't have any as long as you select the right options in the installer. Drop me a PM when you get it together and are ready to install and I'll help you out with it.

[jmorin]

Will work out the box with with Kaly, Leo4all, etc... I've used that board before. The only thing I don't know about is that video card. I suggest at least a nvidia 7 series PCIe card. I can't guarantee that card will work because I've never tried an old pci card like that. Maybe somebody else can confirm it for you. You should be able to get a 7300 series PCIe card for like 35-40 bucks. Plus, you don't want to use an ancient card like that. The performace will be horrible.

No. Always expect to have issues, though with that mobo you shouldn't have any as long as you select the right options in the installer. Drop me a PM when you get it together and are ready to install and I'll help you out with it.

 

So, this card is worth getting?: eVGA GeForce 7300GS 256 Meg PCI-E 256-P2-N436-LX

 

I visited the "Leo4all" page and is it that easy? Assemble the components, insert the Leo4all DVD and then follow through on the proper options selecting the right graphic card, ethernet, sound etc?

 

I thought I first had to pre-program the system, motherboard, etc before even installing the DVD?

 

I will PM you when I get the components. I plan on assembling the system with a group of friends watching (since they are all curious). My biggest concern is with the LG GSA-H62N 20x SATA, since it simply will not work with my Mac Pro, unless I 'harass' it.

 

The thing I find intriguing is that by using PC components...stuff that simply won't work with Mac stuff...this will open up a huge door of possibilities and I won't be stuck with compatibility issues.

 

Heck, I'll even name it after you: "The vaporATX" system.

 

Thanks!

[vaporATX]

So, this card is worth getting?: eVGA GeForce 7300GS 256 Meg PCI-E 256-P2-N436-LX

 

That should work fine.

 

I visited the "Leo4all" page and is it that easy? Assemble the components, insert the Leo4all DVD and then follow through on the proper options selecting the right graphic card, ethernet, sound etc?

 

I thought I first had to pre-program the system, motherboard, etc before even installing the DVD?

 

Yep, it's pretty easy.

 

My biggest concern is with the LG GSA-H62N 20x SATA, since it simply will not work with my Mac Pro, unless I 'harass' it.

 

It may or may not work with your hack. If your MacPro doesn't like it I'd say that's not a good sign.

 

The drive in my sig is known to work and is cheap.

[jmorin]

That should work fine.

Yep, it's pretty easy.

It may or may not work with your hack. If your MacPro doesn't like it I'd say that's not a good sign.

 

The drive in my sig is known to work and is cheap.

 

Thanks! I'll get the Pioneer drive first thing tomorrow, as well as the other components.

 

Much appreciated and I'll PM you in regards to progress!

 

- J

[decypheri]

QUICK EDIT: You've probably done your money on the pioneer. I'm not sure if it was just my hack, but that drive did not work well with the p5ke (other people had the issue too). Everytime you left a disk in the drive it would forget the drive existed forcing you to restart. Instead get the Samsung sh-s203b it is a much better drive and doesn't have any issues. I've ripped countless dvds and it hasn't come across anything it can't play. Pioneer 212d is a bad burner for osx86, shame on you for recommending it vaporATX!!!!!

 

hey there. For that mobo, leo4all won't install all the drivers. Video sata and pata should be fine but thats about it.

 

You will need to install wireless, ethernet, and sound before you have a fully working install.

 

Sound (awesome driver with support for sp/dif out + front i/o headphones out + rear audio out + rear microphone in):

 

http://wiki.taruga.net/ (look for ad1988b rev3 installer)

 

Ethernet (pick it up from here, I'm not sure if it's the best solution [nor I am if leo4all actually installs it?], but you may need to patch it with the "time machine fix" google the boards):

 

http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=69132 (make sure to just install IOnetworkingfamily.kext not the azalia audio too)

 

Wireless (this is a realtek driver, not necessary - unless you want wireless):

 

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downlo...;Downloads=true (look for the 10.5 driver down the bottom)

 

Then you should be sweet. You probably can use a Gigabyte DS4 just as easily (or easier) instead and it's cheaper too. The p5ke is a great board, but it IS more expensive, with wireless being the only difference. Full support in osx86 too - check the wiki.

 

I'd go with a 8600GT 512, they are darn cheap, and a really nice card, leo4all works great with them too.

 

see if you can get a better psu too. 450 should be okay, but you'd want to be safe with 600. No point cheating your build from cash now, to find out in 6 months time the psu is a cracker. Get the best straight off the bat to minimillise trouble later on even if you have to spend dollars you don't have.

[jmorin]

Hi,

 

Thanks for the driver recommendations. The Pioneer 215-D does work and it toasts well with Roxio.

 

I'm really glad you folks were here helping me out like this. There's a *lot* of people I know who

are dying to try a crack at these systems...but are scared crapless of building a system which

will never work.

 

I have several other people now who are really keen on getting their own system underway. We all had

a toast to VaporATX (there was a lot of liquor at our gathering).

 

The only thing that's not working on my system now is firewire!!!

 

I'll post more specs...but I'm hammered after a night of testing new apps on this Quad core beast and knocking back bacardi Rum!

 

Thanks for everything folks! I'll keep you posted and trust me: More of my friends will bum/ask for help!

 

- Jeff

 

QUICK EDIT: You've probably done your money on the pioneer. I'm not sure if it was just my hack, but that drive did not work well with the p5ke (other people had the issue too). Everytime you left a disk in the drive it would forget the drive existed forcing you to restart. Instead get the Samsung sh-s203b it is a much better drive and doesn't have any issues. I've ripped countless dvds and it hasn't come across anything it can't play. Pioneer 212d is a bad burner for osx86, shame on you for recommending it vaporATX!!!!!

 

hey there. For that mobo, leo4all won't install all the drivers. Video sata and pata should be fine but thats about it.

 

You will need to install wireless, ethernet, and sound before you have a fully working install.

 

Sound (awesome driver with support for sp/dif out + front i/o headphones out + rear audio out + rear microphone in):

 

http://wiki.taruga.net/ (look for ad1988b rev3 installer)

 

Ethernet (pick it up from here, I'm not sure if it's the best solution [nor I am if leo4all actually installs it?], but you may need to patch it with the "time machine fix" google the boards):

 

http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=69132 (make sure to just install IOnetworkingfamily.kext not the azalia audio too)

 

Wireless (this is a realtek driver, not necessary - unless you want wireless):

 

http://www.realtek.com.tw/downloads/downlo...;Downloads=true (look for the 10.5 driver down the bottom)

 

Then you should be sweet. You probably can use a Gigabyte DS4 just as easily (or easier) instead and it's cheaper too. The p5ke is a great board, but it IS more expensive, with wireless being the only difference. Full support in osx86 too - check the wiki.

 

I'd go with a 8600GT 512, they are darn cheap, and a really nice card, leo4all works great with them too.

 

see if you can get a better psu too. 450 should be okay, but you'd want to be safe with 600. No point cheating your build from cash now, to find out in 6 months time the psu is a cracker. Get the best straight off the bat to minimillise trouble later on even if you have to spend dollars you don't have.