SmallOffice463 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Like many others, I am new to building a Mac-compatible box. In addition, I have not built an Intel machine in years. If you can spare a minute, please have a look at my proposed components and let me know what you think. Wish List @ Newegg I plan to build this computer for a freelance graphics designer (Adobe InDesign). There will be no gaming nor overclocking. Reliablility is key. BTW, are the cpu fan headers 4-pin PWN or 3-pin? Can you recommend a quiet cpu heatsink/fan? Thanks in advance. SO Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/76237-help-with-new-build/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmallOffice463 Posted December 15, 2007 Author Share Posted December 15, 2007 It appears that the motherboard has a 4-pin PWM cpu fan header. So I am thinking of getting the ZEROtherm BTF90 92mm Silent UFO CPU Cooler. Another question... Would it be possible to do an install with only a SATA DVD drive? I would prefer to limit the number of ribbon cables to help improve the air flow, however, I have no idea if you can properly boot from the SATA DVD-ROM drive. If not, perhaps I could do the install with a spare IDE DVD drive and install a SATA DVD drive after loading the OS. Thanks SO Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/76237-help-with-new-build/#findComment-538710 Share on other sites More sharing options...
socal swimmer Posted December 15, 2007 Share Posted December 15, 2007 Hey make sure you stay AWAY from IDE DVD drives. They have problems. Stick to SATA DVD drives. Many people have said that the BAd Axe 2 (the one you chose) works well. I used the GA P35-DS3P, which works 100%. In addition, I wrote a full install guide. I also used the Antec Sonata III for my case. It has lots of bays (3 for cd/dvd, 2 for floppy, 4 for hard drive) and its really quiet. good luck! Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/76237-help-with-new-build/#findComment-538731 Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmallOffice463 Posted December 15, 2007 Author Share Posted December 15, 2007 socal swimmer, I appreciate your tips. I added a SATA DVD to the configuration. I actually have an original Antec Sonata collecting dust on the shelf. The only thing I could say is that once you go aluminum, you never go back. I am having a tought time deciding between motherboards. After reading the boards, I have the impression that the Bad Axe 2 is a bit more proven than the GA P35-DS3P. It is important to me not to run into any major compatibility issues. I will do some more research. (In addition, I need to consider that the GA P35-DS3P is probably not compatible with the up-side down mounting in the Lian Li case.) Your full-install instructions look fantastic. I am sure that they are going to come in handy. Thanks for saving me a major headache. SO Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/76237-help-with-new-build/#findComment-538762 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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