Newb Questions: Longtime OSX user, considering hackintosh, need info

[cash68]

Hey all. Cool forum. I've heard a lot about hackintoshes the past few years, but up until 2 months ago, I was pretty content with my REAL powermac system, and modifying it (link here: http://forums.macnn.com/73/mac-modificatio...silver-project/ ) I also have one of the most modified 1st gen imacs in the world, link here: http://forums.macnn.com/73/mac-modificatio...e-1st-gen-imac/

 

However, eventually I just ran out of room... I couldn't upgrade the quicksilver system anymore, and it was no longer suiting my needs since I am going to be needing the ability to run the occasional windows program next semester. So, I parted out my system, and sold the entire thing on ebay. Except the case. I'm not sure what to do with that yet. If I did follow through with a hackie I'd probably build it in that case.

 

Anyway, I've never been a big fan of windows. I can use it, I just never really liked it. I've had macs since about 1993 or so. I WAS planning on snagging a 24" iMac with a 7600GT to use as my primary machine, but now I'm having second thoughts as I'm reading more about this hackintosh stuff.

 

To cut it short, here are my questions (And I've seen the hardware compatability list):

 

1. Is it possible to BUILD a system specifically for osx86, so that {censored} just works? I do have the technical know-how to futz with things, and follow complicated directions, but I just DONT LIKE DOING IT. I understand installing osx on a hackintosh is a PITA, but once it's installed, from what I've read it is very fast, very stable, and works great.

 

2. I would be using OSX 99.999999% of the time. I would install windows on another partition, and only use it for 2-3 programs which I need on a very occasional basis. However, I would need to switch inbetween the two.

 

3. One of the reasons I wanted the 24" iMac was that I'm also going to be selling my TV, and using my machine as the hub... it will be my main machine, and the home theater. I currently have a pretty badass sound system with an optical dolby digital/dts decoder... do any hackintoshes have working optical audio out? How well does 'front row' work on a hack? Are there any decent remotes that work with frontrow on a hack? But yeah, the big thing is the optical output via osx86... I want to be able to use OSX, pop in a dvd, launch front row, and have optical audio from the DVD sent to my decoder. Is this possible?

 

4. Again, the only thing I have right now is a modded quicksilver case, a keyboard, and a mouse. I'd have to buy everything, so I can tailor this machine specifically towards what works best. If I did do this, I would most definitely get a core2duo chip, probaly a 2.13ghz... not sure about the mobo... given my requirements, I was hoping someone could steer me towards the one that 'just works', if any.

 

5. Can I use my apple pro keyboard? Will the volume/eject buttons and everything still work?

 

6. Basically, I just want a mac. The only reason I'm really looking into this is to SAVE MONEY. I don't need 15 hard drives, two graphics cards slots, bla bla bla bla. I just want a decently fast mac, with a GOOD graphics card. Unfortunately, the only way to get a good graphics card in apple's present lineup is to either spring for the 24" iMac, or go broke paying for a mac pro, and still having to purchase a screen and everything, which is defintiely out of the question. If apple offered a 'headless imac' with a graphics slot, I'd own one already. But they don't.

 

Thanks for reading this long post, I'm really really thankful for any help I get! Thank you in advance!

 

- Ca$h

Edited January 8, 2007 by cash68

[jarodsix]

Well, considering your points 1,2 and 3 you should get a real mac. That would save you all the trouble with every single OS update.

 

1. the idea of "most compatible HW" changes as the OS progresses forwards. What worked perfectly today might not work that well tomorrow (if at all). Wait for MWSF and Leopard.

 

2. most of the time on OSX - that means your working environment will be based here. You don't want to risk screwing it up every month experimenting with osx86 update releases (unless you set up test paritions = work work work)

 

3. frontrow is the example of point #1. worked yesterday today people reporting probs (untill someone fixes it). Don't know about optical. Maybe you could use USB sound card (w/optical out) in the worst case.

For a home theater system a mac mini could do the job. But for some real work mini is not enough even for me.

 

5. don't know, probably yes.

6. Agreed. We need a headless mac. Money is the point in the end.

 

4. Building your own hackmac is a great project. If you don't need it to be "100%" stable for work and stuff go ahead. You don't want the components very expensive, because as I said compatible HW might change. Also you MUST be willing to spend time making it work, otherwise this is a lost case.

[cash68]

Drat. Well, hopefully apple releases a headless iMac, but I doubt it. They want anybody who wants a 'decent' videocard to shell out the big bucks for the mac pro, which is complete overkill for me. I only need 1 hd, I only want 1 dual core cpu, I don't need a ton of expandability, just a graphics card slot, and optical audio out.

 

Argh. Damn you apple.

 

Also... what's with the 1,2,3,5,6,4?

Edited January 8, 2007 by cash68