DJKnight99 Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Hello everyone! This is an edit to my last post whereby I've pretty much answered most of my own questions! This is my first ever computer build, let alone hackintosh. I'm relatively proficient with computers but I still have a lot to learn! Basically I'm looking to build a 'Hack Pro' with plenty of grunt and storage to use as an Audio workstation running Logic Pro, Pro Tools and various other plug ins and music software. I've decided on a 2.83GHz Intel Core 2 Quad with 4GB of RAM (maybe 8 if I can afford it) and 4 internal hard drives. One for OS X, another for an identical clone of OS X, the third will be for Windows, either XP or maybe Vista (I need them for C++ programming) and a fourth and final as a windows back up. The mac drive and clone should be 500GB each but the windows ones can be a lot smaller, say 80-160GB depending on the price I can find them for. I still have a few questions though.. I've read that the motherboard and GPU are generally the hardest things to get right when building a hackintosh. So I have picked a couple that you guys have said work well. The Gigabyte EP45-UD3P as a mobo but I'm not sure on GPU, any suggestions on your configurations and what seems to work the best? I don't need anything top spec but HD would be nice so I can hook up a HD display and use my Xbox on it as well. Also, I take it the specific type of RAM, optical drives, internal card readers and hard drives etc doesn't really matter, as long as the connections are correct for the mobo of course? Or will the system reject certain brands/types? Are there certain ones that are better to go for than others in that respect? Errm Oh yeah one more thing, external sound cards. Because I'm going to be using it for Music production and recording I will be using various external audio interfaces. Firewire or USB usually. Will this be a problem? I've heard that the built in sound cards are giving a lot of people grief, and if I can't get my equipment to work with my new build then there's no point! Thanks for your help! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/180993-so-many-questions-so-little-time/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaap Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Video cards: almost any nVidia 7xxx, 8xxx or 9xxx GT/GTS/GTX variant will work. You do need a Core Image/Quartz Extreme compatible card for Logic and other Pro apps- to say nothing of just having any kind of decent user experience in OSX. Suggestions: low range: 7200GS, 7300GT mid range: 8600GT/GTS, 9500GT (really the same as the 8600) 9400GT higher range: 8800/9600/9800- GT/GTS/GTX+ RAM: I'd recommend using a good match for the UD3P board. IE: decent spec 1066mhz, like this. Any external audio device with OSX support should work fine on a Hackintosh as well. Built in sound on the UD3P works fairly okay- mostly people have had trouble with updates 'breaking' it and then having to re-hack it. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/180993-so-many-questions-so-little-time/#findComment-1232257 Share on other sites More sharing options...
noNix Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 Snow Leopard / 10.6 is expected out in the next few weeks and Apple's system requirements are higher than those for 10.5, so you might want to go with at least an 8800GT which is the minimum requirement to get Open CL working. To de-code H.264 video in hardware the requirement is at least a 9400M, so it is probably best to go for one of the high end cards that Zaap recommends. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/180993-so-many-questions-so-little-time/#findComment-1232508 Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJKnight99 Posted August 23, 2009 Author Share Posted August 23, 2009 Thanks for the suggestions! So I think I'm going to go for an Asus 9600GT (512MB) Based on your recommendations. I've found some RAM here that appears to be similar to what you suggested. Would that be suitable? My build then so far looks something like this - Intel Q8400 (Core 2 Quad) 2.66GHz Gigabyte EP45-UD3R Asus 9600GT (512MB) Kingston Hyprex DDR2 RAM (1066MHz, 2x2GB) 4GB 2x Seagate Barracudas (7200RPM) 500GB each 1x WD Caviar Blue (7200RPM) 160GB EZ Cool Alpine 7103H Case (Look just like a Mac Pro, check it out!) DLink DWA-547 Wi-Fi Card Samsung SH-S223Q Optical Drive Then I'm probably going to add a 22" Full HD display and wired keyboard/mouse. What do you think?? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/180993-so-many-questions-so-little-time/#findComment-1232859 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaap Posted August 23, 2009 Share Posted August 23, 2009 I don't see any problems. Even the wireless card is reported working. Should make for a very nice system! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/180993-so-many-questions-so-little-time/#findComment-1233139 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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