discmeister Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 Hi everyone, I'm building up a Hackintosh for a work colleague next week. My previous machines have been Gigabyte P35 based - EP35 DS3P and P35 DS3P - and they've used boot-132 mini ISOs, bootloader and full retail installs. I'm keen to do this again, because it gives a nice, clean vanilla install. But these mobos aren't available any more, it seems. I've been trawling around the net and this site and come up with a couple of options. I'm just wondering if anyone has used either of these two mobos for a boot-132 retail install? I can't seem to find ISOs for them... GA-G31M-ES2L (about £35 in the UK) GA-EP45-UD3R (about £105 in the UK) Big difference in price, as you can see. I know the UD3R has been recommended, but if the G31M-ES2L is as 'compatible' as people seem to say on these forums, I just wonder why there's not an pre-booter ISO available for it... Just curious. Hope someone can help! Discy Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
r8f5e7 Posted June 24, 2009 Share Posted June 24, 2009 Both boards work great, probably two of the most compatible mobos. The only difference for you is the maximum amount of RAM. Do you want more than 4GB? Then you have to take the UD3R. Otherwise, go for the ES2L. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/#findComment-1184897 Share on other sites More sharing options...
discmeister Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 Thanks for that. I am tempted to save the £70 and go for the ES2L. I'm just a little worried, though, because whereas there is a guide and an ISO for a retail install with a UD3x, I've yet to find one for the ES2L. Lots of people say it's mega-compatible - but where are they getting their miniboot ISOs from? Discy Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/#findComment-1185596 Share on other sites More sharing options...
r8f5e7 Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Thanks for that. I am tempted to save the £70 and go for the ES2L. I'm just a little worried, though, because whereas there is a guide and an ISO for a retail install with a UD3x, I've yet to find one for the ES2L. Lots of people say it's mega-compatible - but where are they getting their miniboot ISOs from? Discy You download PCWiz slimbuild boot CD creator and make one 132 iso yourself. All you need to boot into your retail leopard are the basic kexts like OpenHaltRestart, dsmos, Disabler etc. The ES2L is VERY easy you won't need a guide for that. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/#findComment-1185619 Share on other sites More sharing options...
discmeister Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 Er... okay. I think I might give it a go - unless my mate decides he wants a bit of headroom when it comes to upgrades etc, I'll go for the ES2L. I guess I could start with my own P35-DS3P mini-ISO and see where I go from there. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/#findComment-1185628 Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomCom Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 I found yesterday a very detailed step-by-step retail install guide for the EP45-UD3P I've ordered. It's more expensive mobo than a ES2L, but it's also one of the best P45 motherboards, especially for OC. Weaksauce guide: http://leopardsoup.pbworks.com/ud3p Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/#findComment-1185774 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaap Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Big difference in price, as you can see. I know the UD3R has been recommended, but if the G31M-ES2L is as 'compatible' as people seem to say on these forums, I just wonder why there's not an pre-booter ISO available for it... ...and after a miraculous round-the-globe search (ending, as usual, just a few threads away) it finally emerges. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/#findComment-1185800 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Vstr Posted June 25, 2009 Share Posted June 25, 2009 Thanks for the link Zaap ! That's finally, what we need to set it up on this board ! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/#findComment-1185810 Share on other sites More sharing options...
discmeister Posted June 25, 2009 Author Share Posted June 25, 2009 Thanks for the link. I tend to stick to, and trust, Insanely Mac on these things. But I guess the OX86 world is expanding all the time... Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/172124-good-mobo-for-hackintosh-retail-install/#findComment-1185832 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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