budget hackintosh HTPC

[Capt Crunch]

Hi everyone.

 

I'm looking to build an HTPC hackintosh. I originally had an HP slimline which was fantastic in every respect except Vista was a total pain in the ass. All my other computers are Macs and I love them, but I haven't drank enough of the Apple kool-aid to think buying a mac mini is a good idea for the money it costs. I will be using Plex (offshoot of XBMC) and iTunes on this computer.

 

I've been researching a lot but I'd like to see if someone can make it easy for me. Here are the requirements:

 

- Small footprint. Basically it can't be a tower. It doesn't have to be incredibly small, but needs to fit with my other AV equipment.

 

- Decent looking case. Seriously, a black box would be fine, but I don't want the equivalent of a cardboard box.

 

- Must play 1080p files. Mkv, avi, whatever I throw at it.

 

- Does not need to play games of any kind.

 

- Does not require much HD space. I have a drobo.

 

- DVI or HDMI is a must

 

- 5.1 surround sound, I don't care if an external USB is the best/easiest option.

 

- Lowest possible cost, I don't need bells and whistles.

 

- working RF receiver (USB I'm assuming)

 

- gigabit ethernet, 802.11n wireless a plus

 

- Perhaps most important: EASE OF INSTALL. I want the parts to be ideal for making a hackintosh. I'm computer literate, but I don't want to be dicking around with drivers a huge amount. I've read about all the different install methods, but if possible I want to choose the most compatible hardware. I'm unsure what to get because I'm not sure what compatible stuff fits in a smaller case since apple doesn't make such a thing.

 

If possible, could any recommendations contain a link to the product on newegg or other retailer? If I go through with this I'd give back to the community by documenting the entire thing.

[Nick14]

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