Barebone System Advice

[~The_Dude~]

I am a n00b looking to make a hackintosh just for developing iPhone apps. I use a 630i in my main machine and was planning to install 10.6 on another HDD and just switch between windows and Mac. However it seems that all the hardware on my machine may not be supported. So I figured I would just get a cheep Atom system with the least amount of hardware possible to make things a bit smoother.

 

Here is what I am thinking, MSI Wind PC .

 

I am curious if anyone has had a successful system build using this motherboard or system and if there are any tutorials that are specific to this system. I have done a bit of searching and have found a lot of info, but at my current knowledge leaves me a bit overwhelmed. Mainly I am curious of any kexts, and other "things I may need" Also does running the system on an SSD have any negative impact?

 

Also would this tutorial fit the needs of my build? http://forum.voodooprojects.org/index.php/topic,911.0.html

 

Thank you for any kind help you guys may have. Also when I get this system up (if I do) I will make a video tutorial to go along with my build.

 

Specs

 

Brand MSI

Model Wind PC

Color Black

 

CPU Supported

CPU Type Intel 1.6GHz Atom processor on board

FSB 533MHz

 

Chipset:

North Bridge Intel 945GC

South Bridge ICH7

 

Memory Supported:

Memory slot 1 x 200Pin

Memory Type Supported DDR2 533/400

Max Memory Supported 2GB

 

Expansion Slots:

Other 1 x CF Slot

 

Storage:

Serial ATA 2 x SATA 3.0Gb/s

 

Graphics:

Onboard Video Intel GMA 950

 

Audio:

Onboard Audio Realtek ALC858

Channel 8 Channel

 

Communications:

LAN Realtek 8111C(10/100/1000Mbps)

Max LAN Speed 10/100/1000Mbps

 

Extension Bays:

3.5" Internal Bays 1

5.25" External Bays 1

 

Front Panel Ports:

Front USB 2

Front Audio Ports 2 jacks

Card Reader SD/MMC/MS/XD

 

Back Panel Ports:

VGA 1 x D-sub

Rear USB 4

RJ45 1

Rear Audio Ports 6 jacks

 

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[Zaap]

I would HIGHLY recommend not getting that barebones, and going instead with an Intel D945GCLF2- based system. It's a bit of a rip-off for the MSI system, since you're only getting a single-core Atom and a memory limit of DDR2/533, rather than a dual-core Atom and DDR2/667. It may not seem like a lot, but it makes a big difference in performance- the dual-core Atom is very usable, though not all that speedy. A single core Atom on the other hand, is IMHO, unbearably slow. That system for that price just isn't worth it, IMHO.

 

Check out my sub $300 Atom guide here.

 

The crucial parts on my list are still available. Just get the D945GCLF2 motherboard and put it in any mini-ITX case. I'd use the same RAM I listed, as it's the fastest available for this type of system. Choose whatever drives you want, and follow my guide for a perfectly working Leopard install. (My system from the guide is still plugging away with no problems running 10.5.8) I know SL runs on this system, but that I haven't tried.

 

A dual-core Atom would probably suit your needs without making you want to rip your hair out with slowness like a single-core Atom definitely will.

 

On the other hand, if you can stand a mATX sized system, I'd highly recommend going instead with a Gigabyte G31M-ES2L based system. All told, with a decent dual-core 775 CPU and supported graphic card, it'll cost a bit more than $300 (though a working system can be built in that range) but run rings around any Atom-based system.

[~The_Dude~]

Hey thanks for the input. I do appreciate it. I was able to build a similar system with different memory in my newegg cart for a dollar more. (I may wait for a shell shocker deal before I buy).

 

On another note do you know if this system with the ION chipset would be any hassle? I saw the 230 was in the hardware list but not fully functional. Currious if the 330 would be any different. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16856173001

 

For about 80$ more I may get a noticeable performance gain that may be worth it. Plus that system is super compact and comes with much of what I would need.

 

Any thoughts? Thanks again.

 

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