Completely new i7 build

[mathias-i]

Hi,

 

I'm new to the whole OSX86 project. My only experience is OSX running inside VMware, which was terribly slow. So have now decided to buy a new computer and install OSX on it. Neither have I ever owned or have access to a real Mac.

 

The system I have in my mind so far:

CPU: Core i7 920

MB: Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5

RAM: OCZ Gold 3 x 2GB PC3-12800 (1600Mhz)

Optical Drive: Samsung SATA (Don't know the exact model number, but as long as it is a SATA drive I should be fine, right?)

System HDD: OCZ Agility SSD 60GB

Storage HDD: WD Caviar Blue 500GB

CPU Cooler: Artic Cooling Freezer Xtreme Rev. 2

PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W

GFX: ?

 

The only part that I have doubts about is the graphics card. I want a card that is simple to configure with OSX, supports resolution 1650x1050, maybe run dual monitors and if possible be compatible with the Adobe CS4 products (Like GPU acceleration in CS4). I have thought about a Club 3D 9800GT or Leadtek WinFast PX9600 GT Heatpipe (both 512MB).

 

I don't want to invest in a retail Leopard disc if it's avoidable. Certainly not now that Snow Leopard is release this fall. I rather install a distro (Like Kalyways, iDeneb etc.). BTW, Which do you recommend for this build? The key thing is: easy to install & configure and as little performance loss as possible.

 

If anyone could provide with a link to a tutorial/guide on how to install Leopard STEP-BY-STEP I would be thankfull. And I'm willing to change a component in build if it makes the whole process a lot easier.

 

I want this to go smooth as possible. I do have a "above average" knowlegde about hardware, software etc., the thing is that it limited to Windows and PC's. Hopefully that's about to change . It's not everyday that I spend approximately $1500 on a build so I want good chances of this to succeed.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

NB. Sorry if this is a topic that comes up multiple times a day, but I rather have you send a link to a topic that could provide me any help than just ignore my topic. Thanks again.

[TomCom]

Your rig should do fine. Either graphic cards will work like a charm with an injector (NVInject, NVkush) on any distro, and will be recognized natively on a retail DVD. Prefer a 9600GT if you don't play or enjoy silence.

Personaly, I'd buy a Scythe Mugen 2 cooler. It's the best choice, costs only 40$ with a very silent PWM fan. The Arctic Cooling is not that bad, it's a good performer but it's cheap Chinese stuff with poor pre-applied thermal grease (like the one on Intel's stock heatsink) and it's so big it could be challenging to fit in.

 

I only know a guide in French for iPC 10.5.6 for this mobo, but since the most important part is still in English (Bios settings, what to check on iPC), you can give it a look if you like:

http://maconpc.niloo.fr/index.php?file=Sec...le&artid=76

 

Otherwise, there are many guides about this mobo: just help yourself with Google, right to the Insanely Mac logo at the top of the page.