Waxer Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 So, what I want to know, is what machine spec would you build to ONLY RUN OSX86? This should be grouped into price categories, based on current (at time of posting) cheapest internet prices. I'm from the UK, so these prices are in pounds, but the dollar is basically 2 to 1 for the pound at the minute (more or less), so just double the amount for dollars. This is for all price ranges, and I'm including a second hand section detailing what you could get for the money (on average) This should be quite interesting, as it could be a good guide for anyone wanting to step into the Mac world, with a compatible machine for the cheapest amount. SO: Group 1, NEW PRICES: A:Under £200 ($400) B:Under £300 ($600) C:Under £400 ($800) D:Under £500 ($1000) Group 2: SECOND HAND Any price! Just list a full tower system. I don't think it's worth going any higher, cos you might as well just go out and get a Mac! Also, this should be split into Laptop & Desktop. Try to order your replies in a logical way, so every couple of days maybe a Mod can collate the results (or me) to get a great guide. An indication of performance on tested rigs would be good as well. Please watch this space for continued posts. Thanks, Waxer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colonel Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 If you want a machine that will only run OS X, then get a Mac-Mini or a MacBook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahbau Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 I'd for the most part go with one of the configurations linked in my sig (maybe choosing a different case though). It has three of the categories you listed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waxer Posted June 19, 2007 Author Share Posted June 19, 2007 Hmnnn, not much interest in this thread I see...I thought people would really want to know what would wor easily...as far as Colonel's concerned, not sure if you get the point mate...and for the record I already have a G4 digital audio, Macbook & 20" intel Core Dui iMac, so it's not about that...cheers all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hagar Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 These threads keep popping up, they are essentially pointless, as there is no "100% compatible" and as for "the best config" that is a matter of personal taste & inclination.. Buy according to the HCL and reports of what works for others. You build what *YOU* want, there is no "best" or "100% foolproof" config. end of story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knacker Posted June 19, 2007 Share Posted June 19, 2007 Also, sarabau just basically posted the perfect answer to your question. I do wish it listed budget SLI video cards though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbmac Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 I actually like that idea of a list of recommended motherboards. some actually are quite compatible from i have read so far Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoarthing Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 Hi - am in the UK & built a system specifically to run OSX [JaS 10.4.8 install media: easy update to 10.4.9] - my requirements are specific [it is a workstation & must be inaudible] & don't fit the price-point malarkey - had most of the bits to hand bar mobo/CPU/RAM. Mobo: Asus P5W-DH Deluxe - read the long thread in this forum, uses the i975X/ICH7R chipset combo. Every onboard/boxed feature bar the remote control has some function; onboard Wi-Fi has iffy function at present. Installation relatively straightforward [disable jmicron controller & onboard sound till 'drivers' installed]. Excellent mobo for overclocking if that is your thing; have not been able to get any function for CPU/HDD powersaving features [this appears to be a commonplace irritant]. Strongly recommend the i975X - is fully supported & relatively easy to install to [has working PATA unlike some newer chipsets]. Working onboard hardware SATA RAID [i don't use this; but it is an excellent feature unavailable on a retail iMac, like the eSATA port]. Costs around £110~120 CPU/Memory: E6420/4GB 'Elixir' [ie Nanya] true PC6400 stuff. Total cost around £235 - allows easy-peasy 'clocking to 8x400 ie 3.2GHz if that's what you want. GPU/Monitor: NV43/Dell 2407WFP - full hardware acceleration outta the box at 1920x1200 - best/most compatible vidcard if buying new now probably some variety of NVidia 7600 256MB: 10.4.10/Leopard likely/certain to support NVidia 8xxx vidcards. HDDs: 16MB cache Raptor boot HDD; 7200.10 data HDD - very worthwhile speedboost from the Raptor - better to spend on this rather than a 'faster' CPU. PSU: specialist watercooled EPS12V PSU I had from a [silent] dual Opteron workstation - this sort of C2D system draws only 150~180W or so, unless you use a greedy vidcard [irrelevent unless you in fact want to game in Windows or have CAD/CAM or other serious graphics tasks in OS X]. Cooling: all passive watercooling [CPU/GPU/NBridge/SBridge/VRMs/HDDs/PSU] - nowadays you can get this sort of system fairly quiet [nearly as quiet as a retail 24" iMac ie below 25dBA] - by aircooling means - check out SilentPCReview Enclosure/keyboard/mouse: Coolermaster alloy ATCS/Mac Pro k/b & mouse [now use a MS optical mouse - you will need to buy a proper mac k/b with the UK layout - makes life a lot easier] . . the whole shooting-match with the Dell 24" LCD would cost mebbe £1200~ish [aircooled] to stick together if all bought new: a retail 24" iMac [2GB RAM] is only 25% more expensive at UK prices & looks a damn good deal unless you actually need/use 4GB memory or greater CPU/HDD performance. I have used a 24" iMac a fair bit & it is noisier than this all-passively watercooled hacintosh [tho' very quiet indeed by PC standards] & only slightly slower for most realworld tasks. So, what I want to know, is what machine spec would you build to ONLY RUN OSX86? This should be grouped into price categories, based on current (at time of posting) cheapest internet prices. I'm from the UK, so these prices are in pounds, but the dollar is basically 2 to 1 for the pound at the minute (more or less), so just double the amount for dollars. This is for all price ranges, and I'm including a second hand section detailing what you could get for the money (on average) This should be quite interesting, as it could be a good guide for anyone wanting to step into the Mac world, with a compatible machine for the cheapest amount. SO: Group 1, NEW PRICES: A:Under £200 ($400) B:Under £300 ($600) C:Under £400 ($800) D:Under £500 ($1000) Group 2: SECOND HAND Any price! Just list a full tower system. I don't think it's worth going any higher, cos you might as well just go out and get a Mac! Also, this should be split into Laptop & Desktop. Try to order your replies in a logical way, so every couple of days maybe a Mod can collate the results (or me) to get a great guide. An indication of performance on tested rigs would be good as well. Please watch this space for continued posts. Thanks, Waxer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Synaesthesia Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 If you want a machine that will only run OS X, then get a Mac-Mini or a MacBook. No, then get a PPC mac, bcoz the intel ones can run windows as well! Sorry, just had to be pedantic there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marliwahoo Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 Mini. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
splintah Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 check my sig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts