Any comments on this quiet Q6600 GA-EP35 hackintosh system build?

[Mac Miser]

Quick Thank You

This is my first time posting here, and I want to start out by thanking everyone who provided helpful information on these boards, particularly with respect to the Gigabyte P35-based builds. I also want to give a quick shout-out to the people at www.silentpcreview.com and www.tomshardware.com, who provided additional inspiration for this system.

 

My Goal

I'm posting here to solicit any advice you all might have regarding the components I've selected for this $1500 Hackintosh system. I also hope that as I update this list, it might serve as a framework for other readers seeking to build a similar system. There are several Gigabyte P35 build threads, but hopefully this thread will offer the most comprehensive list of components needed to build a complete high-quality system that emphasizes quiet operation (including keyboard, video, mouse, fans, PCI cards, etc.).

 

Background Info: Motivation for OSX86, Computing Demands, Budget

My wife purchased a Core2Duo macbook last year, and we love it. I'm hooked on OSX. We will buy more macbooks, I'm sure, but I now need to replace an old Dell desktop with a new gaming/productivity workstation, and I'd like to be able to run both OSX (for research/writing and multimedia tasks) and Windows XP (or Vista?) (for gaming and some work-related applications).

 

While the low-end iMacs appear to provide a solid value at $1200, their smaller hard drives, weaker graphics cards, and limited room for expansion are unsuitable for my gaming and storage demands. On the other hand, the higher-end iMacs and Mac Pros seem over-priced at $2000+. I'm essentially trying to build something in between, while striving to maintain Apple-worthy quality.

 

System Components List

I've created a wishlist on Newegg containing all the components for a system that I'd like to build in August 2008, aimed at providing Mac Pro-like features at iMac-like prices.

 

Here are the components with July 2008 prices (after-rebate) and comments:

 

$110 Case Antec Sonata Plus 550 [classy look, very quiet and cool, no front panel obstructing power button]

$120 Mobo Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3R [upgraded from DS3L b/c I will add hard drives for additional storage/backup]

$195 CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4 GHz [overclockable to 3GHz+, only ~$15 more than E8400]

$130 GPU eVGA GeForce 8800GT [cheapest card for gaming at 1920x1200 with newer 3D games]

$105 RAM 4GB GSkill 1066 MHz DDR2 Kit [value-priced for overclocking]

$170 HDs 2 x Western Digital 640GB 7200 RPM SATA Hard Drives [most GB/$, fast, cool and relatively quiet]

$25 DVDR Samsung 20x DVD Burner w/ LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N [most features for <$30]

$30 WiFi Encore ENLWI-N 802.11b/g/n PCI 2.3 [cheap, compatible]

$8 LAN Encore ENLGA-1320 10/100/1000 Mbps PCI Card [cheap, compatible]

$6 1394a SYBA Firewire PCI Card SD-VIA-3F [cheap, compatible]

$16 BlueT D-Link DBT-120 USB 2.0 Wireless Bluetooth Adapter [cheap, compatible]

$25 CPUFan Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle [Toms Hardware recommended for quiet, cool performance]

$20 CaseFan 2x Antec 92mm Tri-Cool Fan [optional addition for quiet air intake]

$390 LCD 24" Acer P243WAid HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor [any thoughts? 22" won't offer 1080HD video]

$106 Spks Logitech Z-2300 200 Watt RMS 2.1 Speakers [i enjoy good headphones, but this will complete system]

$48 Key/M Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Slim Cordless Desktop S510 [quiet, cordless]

 

$1496 Total

Note: Newegg doesn't sell OSX, and I already have a copy of Windows XP, so I haven't included the OS software in the cost. To purchase both would probably add ~$300. Even at just under $1,900 total, this system is several hundred dollars cheaper than the high-end iMac, and offers FAR-superior processing, graphics, storage, sound, and expandability, while providing everything else you would find in that iMac, except its simplicity and aesthetic.

Questions

1. Case/PSU

Although it's the best case I could find, I have a few reservations about the Antec Sonata Plus. At nearly double the price of the Antec Sonata III, the case seems pricey. However, the Sonata III's front panel obstructs access to the power button, which would annoy me daily, so it might just be worth $80 for improved accessibility. Does anyone know how easily I could remove the Sonata III front plate or how it would look & sound? Besides its cost, the Antec 550 PSU is also apparently not as reliable as some would hope -- any thoughts? The third minor problem is that it's missing an eSATA port on the front, but since I don't have a current need for that, and have plenty of room for internal HD expansion, that's not a major concern. [Edit: Newegg now has the formerly $180 case for $110!!!]

 

Does anyone have any other recommendations for something like the Sonata III with an accessible power button? (I'd like something that looks sharp, runs quiet, allows for good ventilation, and is somewhere in the $100-$150 range, including 500W+ PSU.)

 

2. Motherboard

Is there another motherboard that is as easy to install in a hackintosh that also provides support for LAN, Firewire, Bluetooth and/or WiFi? Installing separate hardware for each seems costly and, more importantly consumed all the PCI slots, but I need each of these features.

 

Even if I'm not ready to buy DDR3 RAM at the moment (due to higher costs), should I go ahead and spend the extra $15 to upgrade to the GA-EP35C-DS3R for future DDR3 upgrades? I could just buy 2 GB of 1066 MHz RAM now and then replace it in 1-2 years with 4 GB of the fastest DDR3...

 

3. PCI Peripherals

I think I should probably eliminate one or two of the PCI cards, and rely on USB-based peripherals so that I have some PCI slot(s) free for future upgrades (TV Tuner, e.g. -- which, btw, if you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear, especially for receiving satellite HD broadcasts). Unfortunately, for the same specifications (802.11n, or 10/100/1000, e.g., the USB counterparts are twice as expensive as the PCI cards). Any thoughts?

[Edit: I eliminated the PCI LAN card, because the on-board LAN should work well enough for me to set up my router/wireless connection, and then ignore it. I only added it here, because several guides indicated that the on-board LAN was a bit dodgy, particularly when the computer is put in sleep mode, and so if you rely on wired LAN and put your computer to sleep frequently, it may still be a good purchase.]

 

4. CPU

The Q9450 looks awesome, but I'm not sure it's worth a ~$130 premium, if I'm already going to overclock the Q6600. Double the CPU price for what... a 10-20% boost in speed, and slightly lower temperatures? I dunno.

5. Windows Vista or XP?

I'm very familiar and already own a copy of XP that I can use, but should I install Vista instead? Would Vista offer me any additional advantages in terms of productivity (e.g., anything that would better take advantage of the CPU, GPU, RAM, etc.)? I don't really care if it looks nicer, offers better networking, or is more secure -- I'd really just like to have everything running as fast and smooth as possible.

[Edit: Vista it is!]

 

6. Overall Look

I'm really hoping that this looks sharp with all of the major visible components being two-toned silver & black (the case, monitor, speakers and keyboard/mouse). I'd definitely be happy to hear from you if you think it could be improved, though, or if there are better values for any of these peripherals.

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[FrankOS_Scripting]

To be frankly with you, I don't read your text in entire. But, I'm a great analyzer by short looking. I can say that your Gigabyte P35 mobo, your Quad Core Q6600, your RAM, your PSU (I can't name it entirely ok..) but it seems very extraordinary Hackintosh and known as working OOB (out of the box). BTW, for your purpose you don't need a Q9450, more bucks for 3 or 4 extras on xbench... Don't jump directly on DDR3, the two is affordable and do the job nicely and cheaply. PSU Antec is great and I wouldn't spit on it. Much better Ultra with those modular cables but it's stay gadgets and extras. Well for eSata, I think P35 had one port on the back, don't worry about that once in a while is used so not a big deal. For the case, I'll be putting some buck on the Antec Nine Hundred Black. This model kick ass and believe me, that's is so exciting to look at it. I build one PC on this case and next hack I had is with that. Link here. FOr your GPU, take a 8800 GTS, that is soooo smooth . 40$ more don't kill your fun. Take Vista as OS for dualboot, more easy to dualboot (with easybcd) and very powerful with your big Quad core monster. x64 version as possible... And please, let you a little break before buying TV tuner or other PCI card. First, try the experience and after take it easy!!

 

Enjoy my review and if you are more questions or thoughts, ask me

[Mac Miser]

Hi Frank,

 

Thanks for your help!

 

For the case, I'll be putting some buck on the Antec Nine Hundred Black. This model kick ass and believe me, that's is so exciting to look at it. I build one PC on this case and next hack I had is with that. Link here.

The Antec 900 is definitely another option, and for anyone looking for a blue-light special, it may be the way to go. With rebates, it is only $80, and a quiet Corsair 520 PSU is also only $80 after rebates, making it the same price as the Antec Sonata 550. I actually prefer the look of the Antec 550 plus, and I think the 900 will also be noisier, but the 900 certainly provides better ventilation. I'll definitely consider it.

 

FOr your GPU, take a 8800 GTS, that is soooo smooth . 40$ more don't kill your fun.

I'll reconsider the graphics cards at the time of purchase, but right now the 700MHz over-clocked Zotac card listed above should perform almost as well as the 8800GTS. But when I finally get around to purchasing these parts, the cards may be very close in price, as I found an MSI NX8800GTS for $150 after rebate. The MSI card isn't listed on the wiki osx86 HCL, but I did find other threads where users were able to get this card to work properly.

 

Take Vista as OS for dualboot, more easy to dualboot (with easybcd) and very powerful with your big Quad core monster. x64 version as possible...

Sounds good -- I think I'll install Vista. I've read the x64 isn't really all that valuable unless you have particular 64 bit applications in mind, but the 8GB of recognized RAM may help....

 

Thanks again!

[FrankOS_Scripting]

No problem Mr. Miser

If you prefered, x86 is also very valuable. But your cores won't work at full capavity. Consider that 64 bits vis 32 bits is a losing of 10-15%~.

Antec 900 is not noisier more than a Sonata, it's just a feeling about the fans you see and very open case but at all, I'm very excited! And for the 8800 GTS, one of my friend had to use one and he had no problem. Only EFI string but it's a minor thing at all! And for gaming, I can give 10 on 10 for it. And DX10 run smoothly!

[luh3417]

The stuff I like is in my sig below.

 

Make sure to use two 2GB RAM sticks, not four 1GB which can overheat.

 

I thought the ASUS DVD burner is the one that got the award on Newegg.

 

What's wrong with the onboard ethernet. What's wrong with bumping up to a higher Gigabyte mobo with builtin firewire.

 

I agree with the q6600 over the 2 core solutions and over the 45nm q9450.

 

Consider the Gigabyte 8800GT with the factory installed zalman, it runs cool.

 

If you can wait 2 months the new x58 chipset and CPUs may make everything that exists now obsolete.

 

HTH

[Hagar]

ARGH! will people *please* stop posting these?

 

This forum is a place for *you* to look up the answers, not to post your questions (which are almost identical to the preceding 3000 "will this work" posts) and expect others to look it up for you.

 

As deleting these topics became too much work, they have been dumped in "Buying Guides Thoughts, & Recommendations" - in fact see this sticky which you clearly haven't read.

 

I'm moving this there, but honestly, noobs posting the same {censored}e because they can't be bothered to read through what's posted, and more noobs chiming in with answers.. I despair.

[Mac Miser]

ARGH! will people *please* stop posting these?

 

This forum is a place for *you* to look up the answers, not to post your questions (which are almost identical to the preceding 3000 "will this work" posts) and expect others to look it up for you.

 

As deleting these topics became too much work, they have been dumped in "Buying Guides Thoughts, & Recommendations" - in fact see this sticky which you clearly haven't read.

 

I'm moving this there, but honestly, noobs posting the same {censored}e because they can't be bothered to read through what's posted, and more noobs chiming in with answers.. I despair.

 

Hagar,

 

Thank you for pointing me to the right forum sub-folder. The Hardware forum didn't quite seem like the right place, but I didn't see this Buying Thoughts forum earlier. I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you. In my defense, I just want to note that I spent a fair amount of time researching these components, I *can* be bothered to read through what's posted, and am not expecting others to look anything up for me. I tried to pose discrete questions so as not to make this a generic "hey whadda ya think?", and my larger hope is to provide other users with something I wasn't able to find: a list of parts for a complete, quiet hackintosh system in the ~$1,500 price range.

 

Thanks again for putting me in the right place, and I'll endeavor to keep up with this post to make it as informative as possible.

[Usal]

For a case I love the ANTEC Solo. I have found them for $20 after rebate at Fry's a couple times.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811129018

[Zaap]

Mac Miser,

All of your hardware picks look spot-on to me. I've used a lot of the same parts in my own builds (exact RAM, processor, mobo, Firewire card, etc.) so I know first hand that you've got 100% compatibility on all the critical parts.

 

The only minor thing is, do you really need the extra PCI LAN card, as I believe built in LAN works just fine, but what the heck, it's only $8 and doesn't hurt anything.

 

As for TV tuners on the Mac side, from my own personal use, I highly recommend forgetting an internal PCI solution- which I don't know of for the Mac- and biting the bullet on an HDHomerun. Mine works beautifully with EyeTV, and one device provides two tuner sources with HD on every computer/HTPC in the house, rather than separate cards in each of them, making it very cost-effective.

 

Please keep us posted on how your build and install goes.

 

(Wow, just had a minor earthquake here in Los Angeles as I posted this- the walls were shaking!)

[Mac Miser]

Mac Miser,

All of your hardware picks look spot-on to me. I've used a lot of the same parts in my own builds (exact RAM, processor, mobo, Firewire card, etc.) so I know first hand that you've got 100% compatibility on all the critical parts.

Thanks -- I recall seeing your guide at one point, so it's very possible that some of these components came from your suggestions!

 

The only minor thing is, do you really need the extra PCI LAN card, as I believe built in LAN works just fine, but what the heck, it's only $8 and doesn't hurt anything.

I've updated the original post -- you're right, there's no reason for the LAN card to take up my PCI slot.

 

As for TV tuners on the Mac side, from my own personal use, I highly recommend forgetting an internal PCI solution- which I don't know of for the Mac- and biting the bullet on an HDHomerun. Mine works beautifully with EyeTV, and one device provides two tuner sources with HD on every computer/HTPC in the house, rather than separate cards in each of them, making it very cost-effective.

I may very well do this. I have a long-term goal of setting up some kind of AppleTV/EyeTV/HTPC system/network I-don't-know-what, but that's going to take some more research, and is probably 3-6 months down the road.

 

Thanks for the suggestion, and I'll do my best to keep this updated when I finally build the system.

[zarac]

$390 LCD 24" Acer P243WAid HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor [any thoughts? 22" won't offer 1080HD video]

you want to check out this one. it offers 1920x1200 on 22".

reviews say it's quite good. i'm considering it.

[Mac Miser]

For a case I love the ANTEC Solo. I have found them for $20 after rebate at Fry's a couple times.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16811129018

Looks like a great Micro ATX substitution for the Antec Sonata 550. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Gantlett]

Which would be the best OSX86 DVD release to use with this board?

[Mac Miser]

In my original post, I referenced/linked three other threads that discuss their Gigabyte GA-P35-based installations in great detail, and each uses Kalyway. Most go to 10.5.2, but PCWiz updated to 10.5.4.

[Gantlett]

Thank you (they were well hidden )

 

Will read.

[Mac Miser]

Update: I made the buy! I made some changes for budget reasons -- I cut out the firewire, usb, keyboard, monitor, speakers. I also went down to the DSL mobo instead, since it was $40 less. Will update everyone later this week when I get around to putting it all together!