First Timer: Micro ATX Box built for Photography, Media Serving

[crash_x]

Hi all,

 

I'm new with this, but I've plenty technical experience. I'm looking to run Snow Leopard 10.6.x and I've put together some hardware specs - I was hoping you all might make sure it looks alright:

 

Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L LGA 775

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Yorkfield 2.66 GHZ

Sapphire Vapor-X Radeon HD 4870 1GB

APEVIA X-QPACK Case

 

Ram, HD, DVD-R will be selected, but I understand that the CPU, GPU, and MB are really the major components. Do the items above look okay?

 

Thank you!

 

crash_x

[LogicalUser]

That mobo is a common one around here, you should be fine with it.

the CPU is the least crucial of the 3 components, you could pick any modern Intel socket 775 processor & have the same outcome

 

A 4870 should be fine, just not that specific one?

I'd stay away from the Vapor-X cards, for best results you want a dual-DVI based card, not a DVI/HDMI/VGA hybrid.

[crash_x]

That mobo is a common one around here, you should be fine with it.

the CPU is the least crucial of the 3 components, you could pick any modern Intel socket 775 processor & have the same outcome

 

A 4870 should be fine, just not that specific one?

I'd stay away from the Vapor-X cards, for best results you want a dual-DVI based card, not a DVI/HDMI/VGA hybrid.

 

Ah, OK, good to know! Thank you! Beyond that, RAM, PS, DVDR, HD, etc, make no difference, correct?

 

Thanks very much!!

[LogicalUser]

the HD and DVD burner need to be SATA

 

beyond that? Of course you'd want a quality PSU beefy enough to handle your CPU/GPU's draw, and perhaps DDR2-1066 instead of DDR2-800 RAM, but no OSX-specific concerns/requirements

 

Oh... If you will be interacting with real Macs on a network and want flawless Bonjour support you may need a cheap PCI network card. The onboard networking is functional for the most part, but not everyone seems to be able to get it 100% depending on the board & install method.

[crash_x]

the HD and DVD burner need to be SATA

 

beyond that? Of course you'd want a quality PSU beefy enough to handle your CPU/GPU's draw, and perhaps DDR2-1066 instead of DDR2-800 RAM, but no OSX-specific concerns/requirements

 

Hmm... Doesn't look like that MB supports 1066. Maybe this board instead: GA-EG45M-UD2H

[LogicalUser]

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Mother...me=GA-G41M-ES2L

 

Gigabyte mentions the board will do DDR2-1066 with an overclock

furthermore, you could always run the ram at the lower speed, it just means your getting *better* RAM that will reliably run at the faster speed.

 

not a big deal at all, but when the price difference is under $5-10 @4gb to get faster ram with better timings it seems worthwhile to mention.

[pirloui]

If you don't absolutely want / need an ATI video card, nVidia is better supported on Hackintosh.

[crash_x]

If you don't absolutely want / need an ATI video card, nVidia is better supported on Hackintosh.

 

I'm impartial either way as long as I get good performance that I don't have to pay through the nose for. Do you have a specifc nvidia recommendation that will play nicely with the configuration mentioned previously?

 

Thanks for your help!

[crash_x]

I'm impartial either way as long as I get good performance that I don't have to pay through the nose for. Do you have a specifc nvidia recommendation that will play nicely with the configuration mentioned previously?

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Ok, based on Thijmus' guide here: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=189914

 

Here's my updated hardware selection. If there's anything blaringly wrong, please point it out!!

 

1

APEVIA (ASPIRE) X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 Black Computer Case

$69.99

1

 

Athena Power AP-MP4ATX55FEP8 550W Power Supply

$119.99

 

1

G.SKILL 4GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory

$129.99

 

1

GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-UD2H Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

$129.99

 

1

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" SATA 3.0Gb/s Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

$55.99

 

1

Galaxy GeForce 9600 GT 96GFF6VIFCXX Video Card

$109.99

 

1

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor

$169.99

 

1

LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04

$28.99

 

Grand Total: $814.92

[U.C.]

Ull prolly be better of with a 8800GT/8600GT. Cheaper and better. You prolly wont need the firepower of 4870.

[LogicalUser]

$130 is absurd for 2x2GB of DDR2 800, here's the same for $80 & free shippping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820227199

 

or... quality 2x2GB DDR2-1066 RAM for $80 after rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820145256

 

 

One concern tho, have you found anyone with success with a similar low-profile video card in OSX?

I mention it only because the card has only the single DVI output, which makes it slightly more distinct from your standard 9600GT or reference 9000 series nvidia cards that Apple has used.

 

Damn, M-ATX specific parts sure are pricey... the video card & PSU would be at least 40-50% less for the same quality/performance in standard sized parts, but I guess it all depends what will fit into that case.

Personally I'd do some reading through reviews to see if you could fit in a normal PSU & video card, what other people are running inside, etc... before spending $130 on a PSU for your HTPC

[Zaap]

Ok, based on Thijmus' guide here: http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=189914

 

Here's my updated hardware selection. If there's anything blaringly wrong, please point it out!!

 

A couple of things- the case comes with a 420W PSU that's actually plenty of power for the build. I've used this case and PSU in many builds and all of those machines are still working great with the original PSU. You can switch to a full length PSU in this case if you prefer though, but $120 seems way too much for that. There's no need to get a mATX specific PSU. Just note: with a full length PSU, you must use the smaller length DVD-R or the PSU wiring won't fit. (Most DVD-Rs these days are the smaller length, so you should be good).

 

(Are those US prices? Because I agree, the RAM is way over-priced).

 

Unless you really need 8GB of RAM capacity, you're not gaining anything with the GA-EG45M-UD2H vs. the far cheaper G41 board. The onboard graphics are useless in OSX. Also, BOTH boards only support DDR2 1066 with an overclock- they're exactly the same in that regard. The G45 has 4 RAM slots compared to two- that's the only thing gained.

 

You don't need mATX specific parts in the QPACK case- it's not low profile. Full size ATX parts work fine with the exception of tall third party CPU coolers. If you click the link in my sig to my ES2L build tutorial, I have pictures of setting up a system in that exact case for reference. In the last picture in particular, you can clearly see the space you have between a full-sized PSU and the DVD-R drive.

[tinush]

Ull prolly be better of with a 8800GT/8600GT. Cheaper and better. You prolly wont need the firepower of 4870.

 

Hi there,

 

the 8800gt is a very nice card and also works native with dsdt (same as 9600gt) but it uses allot of power (idle 200w full 280w) compared to the 9600gt (idle 150w full 230w) see tweaktown for ref.

the 8600gt is very slow 1/3 of the 9600gt

 

@Crash_X, please bye a decent psu, at least 550w (min SR 28A 12v, 25A 5v)

for the dvd drive do not get a tsst version

http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=171929

 

T.

[LogicalUser]

"but it uses allot of power (idle 200w full 280w) compared to the 9600gt (idle 150w full 230w) see tweaktown for ref."

 

There is no way whatsoever that a 9600GT can draw 230w under full load, or anything close to 150w at idle.

Nor could even a massively overclocked 9800GTX+ draws 280w under load. I'd bet even many dual-SLI setups draw less than 280watts for the cards @ full load.

 

Any power consumption figures that high are not for any specific component, but for an entire assembled system, measured by the total draw from the wall using specialized meters. Of course, that means they include the CPU, one or more HDs, fans, DVD drive & aftermarket heatsink fan. One needs to look much closer at what they are comparing to gleam any meaningful info from power draw figures.

 

Plus, when glancing at power consumption figures in reviews, you'll notice some rather beefy & overclocked test systems:

 

http://images.hardwarecanucks.com/image/sk.../ROUNDUP-68.jpg

Yeah... an idle draw between 155 and 174, full load draw between 227 and 270 watts, but.... glance at their test setup

 

Intel Core 2 Quad Extreme QX9770 @ 3.852Ghz

a QX9770 under full load by itself can draw over 120 watts at 3.2ghz, and 170watts at 4ghz

 

even a more modest Q6600 OC'ed to 3ghz can draw 65 watts at idle & 150watt at full load, a full 50% higher draw than at its stock clock speed/voltage

 

furthermore, while I agree with purchasing a quality PSU, +550watt & single rail 28A +12v seems like overkill for a single 9600GT or 9800GT & Q8400.

 

Realistically, even with modest overclocking & a bunch of fans/drives he wont break 350w of actual draw.

Without overclocking the stock 420watt PSU should be just enough for a 9600GT, but a 9800GT will require a PSU with a PCI-E power connector

[tinush]

"but it uses allot of power (idle 200w full 280w) compared to the 9600gt (idle 150w full 230w) see tweaktown for ref."

 

There is no way whatsoever that a 9600GT can draw 230w under full load, or anything close to 150w at idle.

Nor could even a massively overclocked 9800GTX+ draws 280w under load. I'd bet even many dual-SLI setups draw less than 280watts for the cards @ full load.

 

yes you are correct, tweaktown uses overclocked systems in there test

but the difference is 50w idle/load, my mistake was't clear in my post

 

As for the psu, what do you suggest for a system like this?

 

T.

[Zaap]

Personally, I'd recommend something like the Corsair 450VX. Plenty of power, and it's 80+. Way cheaper than that rip off PSU that's really not much more than the same PSU that comes with the case with more watts. I also forgot to add, the original PSU requires atleast one additional molex-to-SATA connector as it only has one.

 

I've used the similar board, same case, a Corsair 400W PSU, and 8600GTX graphic card w PCIe power, all with plenty of room to spare.

 

I'd also highly recommend ditching the low-profile 9600GT as well. There is no need for it with the cube-case, as height of cards in that case isn't an issue, length is, and it seems to me that card might be a smidge too long. It will definitely require the included full-height PCI bracket.

 

Perhaps substitute something like this XFX 9600GT that has dual DVI ports, and is cheaper.

[LogicalUser]

With a max of 2 HDs/1 DVD-RW, a 9600GT, & stock clocked Q8400 at full GPU & CPU load all he'd really need is a PSU actually capable of providing a continuous 275-300 watts or so. The 9800GT likely around 50watts more.

 

Of course, many PSUs advertise generous peak wattage figures and not real-world numbers, (or just flat out lie) so for cheap/bundled PSUs you generally need what is marketed as a 400-500+ watt PSU to be sure it can provide a decent amount of juice over time.

 

Power supply review sites can be very useful, they help cut through the branding & marketing gimmicks to see who actually manufactured the PSU, its efficiency, and if that "500 watt" PSU craps out when passing 275w, 325w, 375w or 450w of total draw, or only functions as advertised at very low ambient temps.

 

IMO if the 420watt PSU that comes with the case is of decent quality it should be able to handle a 9600GT + Q8400 without issue.

 

As for purchasing a better PSU for a beefier video card, I've always found 80 PLUS certification to be a good feature to start with in determining quality, in general they offer far more realistic wattage ratings & modern construction.

 

I'd probably pick one of these, at least what with the current sales:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817139008

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817182159

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817139003

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817341016

[tinush]

I'd probably pick one of these, at least what with the current sales:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817139008

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817182159

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817139003

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817341016

 

Thnx LogicalUser for helping us out.

the Ozc is available at my locale store for a reasonable price

 

T.

[crash_x]

Thnx LogicalUser for helping us out.

the Ozc is available at my locale store for a reasonable price

 

T.

 

Okay - based on a number of suggestions here, I have made a few changes. First, I have swapped out the video card I had selected with a more powerful ATI card which specifies a 500W PSU requirement. I have added cheaper Corsair RAM and I've added the 500W 80PLUS PSU. I would like to keep the motherboard I've selected because I will likely add more RAM in the future. Here are the new specs. Any issues here??

 

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory Model CMD4GX2M2A1066C5 $98

 

OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 $65

 

APEVIA X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 Black Aluminum 1.0 w/ ABS plastic front panel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 420W Power Supply $70

 

GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-UD2H LGA 775 Intel G45 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard $130

 

SAPPHIRE 100279-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card $170

 

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Yorkfield 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q8400 $170

 

Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $56

 

LITE-ON CD/DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 $29

 

Grand Total: ~$820.00 USD

[jaybomba]

Can you keep us posted with your progress?

 

I've been meaning to get that same motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-UD2H) instead of the G31M-ES2L for upgradability options. Yes it's almost as pricey as the full size EP45 boards but its the only feature-packed matx board that will fit my case Thermaltake Lanbox.

[crash_x]

Can you keep us posted with your progress?

 

I've been meaning to get that same motherboard (GIGABYTE GA-EG45M-UD2H) instead of the G31M-ES2L for upgradability options. Yes it's almost as pricey as the full size EP45 boards but its the only feature-packed matx board that will fit my case Thermaltake Lanbox.

 

Hi Jaybomba,

 

I actually ended up buying a Thermaltake Lanbox as well. Same motherboard that you indication w/ Core2Quad 9400 and 4 gigs of Dual Channel RAM. Vid card is an EVGA nVidia GTS 250.

 

The install went very cleanly. In fact the only thing that didn't work (and continues not to, though I am closing in on a solution) is sound. 64 bit kernel works (though may inhibit sound until a fix is released). Everything else has been working like a charm. The system boots in about 30 seconds (including the AHCI loading piece).

 

It's fantastic.

 

-crash

[jaybomba]

That's great. I actually got my components together just last night and I am in the process of hacking it now. I played safe and using an Inno3d iChill 8800 GT instead of the latest 250 video card saved myself some cash. The specs are almost the same.

 

I'm loving the Lanbox though I think I may have to use a better and nice low-profile cpu cooler to get the temps down once I start rendering files and videos on this machine.

 

What method did you use? Thijmus'? Give me ideas as to your methods and progress so we can compare notes. Does sleep work well? Ethernet after sleep? Bonjour? Time machine?

[crash_x]

That's great. I actually got my components together just last night and I am in the process of hacking it now. I played safe and using an Inno3d iChill 8800 GT instead of the latest 250 video card saved myself some cash. The specs are almost the same.

 

I'm loving the Lanbox though I think I may have to use a better and nice low-profile cpu cooler to get the temps down once I start rendering files and videos on this machine.

 

What method did you use? Thijmus'? Give me ideas as to your methods and progress so we can compare notes. Does sleep work well? Ethernet after sleep? Bonjour? Time machine?

 

I used most of what Thijmus did. There are a few caveats. The first is that sound ONLY works on 32-bit kernel mode at the moment. The problem that I had is that when I set the kernel flags to boot into 32 bit mode, the system would not start. The solution is to install XCode off of the OS X install disk so that the 32-bit kernel extensions are all installed into your 64 bit environment. Do that before you attempt to get the sounds working.

 

After that, and using all of Thijmus' kexts, everything seems to work. I have not yet tested Bonjour or Time Machine, but Time Machine loads and I have had no network issues. I am under the impression both work.

 

Also, Sleep S3 works perfectly, as does video acceleration, etc.

 

You should be good. Let me know if you have any trouble. The Lanbox is sweeeet!!!