kurick Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Ok, like everyone here I want to build a machine to run OSX cheaper than buying a MAC Pro from Apple. I am new to this, but after reading the Lifehacker article I want to do this. The hardware that was used for that article is what I was going to use as my road map, and that hardware is: ASUS P5W DH Deluxe motherboard $170 Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 2.2gz $125 GeForce 7300GT 4GB of RAM The hardware I allready have is: 230GB SATA hard drive 16X DVD-RW DL ATA optical drive I allready intend on replacing the GeForce 7300GT with: GeForce 8800GTS 320MB PCIe video card $200 However, I am a PC gamer, and I want to build this system to dual boot OSX and XP or Vista so I can play games, and I want to try to build it as future proof as possible. With that in mind, I am thinking of upgrading the motherboard and processor. But I am not much of a hacker, and from the way the Lifehacker article spelled things out, the motherboard was the most important part of this build for compatability issues. I want the install with the kalyway install disc to be as easy as possible. Has anyone built a machine with my usage in mind, or does anyone have any recomendations for me? Thanks Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuietOC Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 The hardware I allready have is:230GB SATA hard drive 16X DVD-RW DL ATA optical drive I allready intend on replacing the GeForce 7300GT with: GeForce 8800GTS 320MB PCIe video card $200 However, I am a PC gamer, and I want to build this system to dual boot OSX and XP or Vista so I can play games, and I want to try to build it as future proof as possible. Abit IP35-E $60-$70 when there is a rebate Intel Pentium Dual Core E2140 $73 2GB DDR2 800 $35 WD3200AAKS-00B3AO (single platter version) $75 Samsung SH-S203B SATA Burner $29 A 8800GT or HD 3850 would be a better gaming card than that GTS. I would lean towards the cheaper HD 3850 as likely uses even less power than the 7300GT when not running games. Finding the 320GB platter Western Digital might take a little effort. I bought my 250GB per platter 500GB Hitachi P7K500 just before WD announced those. The Hitachi is fast, quiet, and cheap--recommended. There is an issue with vanilla ICH7/8/9 motherboards (like the IP35-E) and running 4GB or more memory in OSX. The Abit IP35 (no -E) has the supported ICH9R southbridge and firewire. My other recommendation is a nice heatsink like the Scythe Ninja=noiseless CPU cooling. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-631253 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurick Posted February 18, 2008 Author Share Posted February 18, 2008 QuietOC, thanks for the response. Will the HD 3850 work well as a MAC card? I was sticking with the 8800 because the that is a card that you can configure a MAC Pro with, so I figured the MAC support would be very good. As far as the GT vs. the GTS? The jump in price to the GT is so substantial, I wanted to keep the price of video card down as much as could, while still getting a goo gaming card. Do I really need to spend the extra $100-$200 dollars for the GT i your opinion? Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-631315 Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuietOC Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 Will the HD 3850 work well as a MAC card? I was sticking with the 8800 because the that is a card that you can configure a MAC Pro with, so I figured the MAC support would be very good. OSX support for both is a hack, but I think there is a thread on this forum where they got the HD 38x0 to work. The 8800GT has settled down to $235 or so for the 512MB version. I had the 256MB version for a while. I am also not sure if the G92 cards are working in OSX, so the old 8800GTS (G80) might be your only choice. For Windows gaming though you'd want G92. If you have a fairly low resolution display and don't want to run Crysis you can get by with a cheaper card like a X1950GT/8600GT/7900GS/7600GT even my ancient X800GTO does pretty well. The HD 3850 will just use a whole lot less electricity than any of those, and for ~$150 is the best bang-for-the-buck for gaming right now. Oh look 512MB version on sale. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-631344 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtotho Posted February 18, 2008 Share Posted February 18, 2008 i can reccomend the p5w dh.. it runs perfect for me with vanilla. I have the 8800gts 640mb.. runs great in leopard.. and i can play most games on highest settings in windows. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-631364 Share on other sites More sharing options...
crackintosh Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 how much is your budget? for gaming an E8400 wolfdale would be a good choice or even the 8200. since you want future proof i would go wolfdale and an x38 mobo...the gigabyte can be had under 200. if you insist on goin with a P35 chipset mobo go with the abit IP35 which is currently on sale at newegg for $90 Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-631630 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurick Posted February 19, 2008 Author Share Posted February 19, 2008 My budget is $600-800. With that I need at minimum: Motherboard Processor Ram Video Card Here are the parts I currently have to use: Case 230gb SATA Drive 16x DVD-RW DL ATA optical drive. Crackintosh: I like your recomendations for processor and MB. Do you know if a kalyway install will work with me doing anything extra? I am afraid if I have to do any hacking then I am going to run into trouble, I am not to good at any of that stuff. QuietOC: The 8800GTS (even G80) seems to do much better than the HD 3850, according to Toms Hardware Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-631664 Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuietOC Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 QuietOC: The 8800GTS (even G80) seems to do much better than the HD 3850, according to Toms Hardware I confess I was using Crysis as my benchmark where the 3850>8800GTS320. The HD 3850 is the slowest of the fast cards, but it is also the cheapest Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-631727 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurick Posted February 19, 2008 Author Share Posted February 19, 2008 Will the Gigabyte GA-X38 even work with OS X (kalyway)? I don't see it on any of the compatibility lists.Well there is nothing wrong with using Crysis as a benchmark. I can see that is it basically the same as the 8800GTS in this regards. If thats the case and I decide to go the cheaper route, this might be the winner.Thanks for all your help. I am trying to figure out how to create a public wish list on Newegg, then I'd like to post the 2 configurations that I am thinking about and see what everyone thinks. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-631730 Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuietOC Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 Will the Gigabyte GA-X38 even work with OS X (kalyway)? I don't see it on any of the compatibility lists. The X38 chipset doesn't really give any additional performance over a P35 chipset. You might want to find a board with a ICH9R southbridge for full AHCI support if you want to run 4GB or more memory in OSX. Most games are much more limited by the video card than any other component. You'd be better spending an extra $100 on a GeForce 8800GTS 512MB, than spending more on other components. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-632298 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mister_doodi Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 If your budget is limited try buying an open box item from newegg. It's missing all the accessories but all you really need is a $10 backplate you can buy from ebay. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....amp;Order=PRICE X38 won't be future proof because X48 is coming out next month and then next year both will be extinct because 775 socket will be discontinued. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-632976 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurick Posted February 19, 2008 Author Share Posted February 19, 2008 I guess future proofing this thing is not going to be too feasible. With that, and my budget in mind, I think i am going to go with the basic hardware recommendations from the Life Hacker article, except since gaming is a concern of mine I am going to go with the 8800GT. That should get me the most gaming horse power for my dollar. Thank you everyone for your recommendations. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-633009 Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuietOC Posted February 19, 2008 Share Posted February 19, 2008 If your budget is limited try buying an open box item from newegg. It's missing all the accessories but all you really need is a $10 backplate you can buy from ebay. Open Box items are very risky at Newegg. 3 out of my last 3 ASUS open box items have had issues--I returned 2 of them. I am still using my $40 M2A-VM--it only occassionally overheats when using the built-in X1200 video. This one did come with all the accessories except the back plate (which isn't important anyway.) Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-633071 Share on other sites More sharing options...
byusinger84 Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Hey there. I used to work at a computer store and I can tell you some good deals that are going on right now. They may be a little more than what you are looking for, but in the end your system will be ready for a few extra years of work than will any of the cheapy stuff. A lot of people come into my store saying that they bought something online and had problems with it, etc. If you are near a PC Club (western half of the US), then I suggest stopping in or checking their website: www.pcclub.com (this isn't a plug since I don't even work there anymore ) At any rate, this is what I did for my brother: P5W DH Q6600 4 Gig XMS2 Corsair 8800 GTS 320 There's obviously more that we bought, but this is what you were interested in. If you are wanting to game, and not running Vista, 2 gigs of RAM should be more than enough for your needs on XP. Otherwise, 4 Gigs are preferable. I just got for my computer a 4 gig Pack of 2-2gig sticks (bought 2 for a total of 8 Gigs) for around $100 each pack. It's Patriot DDR2 800 with timings of 5-5-5-12. If you don't know what that means, that's ok, but just so you know that's pretty good for the memory density. Anyway, here's what I would do if I were you. Abit IP35 eVGA 8800 GT 2 Gig DDR2 800 E4500 (don't go cheapy and get the e2000 series chips) Last but not least, you need a power supply that is actually reliable. Don't skip out on this. I've seen it a million times where the person wants to save a buck or two, but in the end comes back a couple months later with a fried board and a fried power supply. I'd get something like the Enermax 535 for $69. Here's links to those products: http://www.pcclub.com/product_details.cfm?itemno=A1938256 $129 CPU http://www.pcclub.com/product_details.cfm?itemno=A9602864 $229 8800GT http://www.pcclub.com/product_details.cfm?itemno=A4330522 $39 for 2 gigs after rebates. GREAT deal. http://www.pcclub.com/product_details.cfm?itemno=A6250971 $69 after a rebate and Enermax is a good brand. Quiet, sturdy, and reliable. http://www.pcclub.com/product_details.cfm?itemno=A4841007 $159 after a $25 rebate. This is actually the Pro version, but it was only $10-20 more than the regular one. These are nice SOLID boards and will last you a long time. After all that, you'd be around $625 so it's definately in your range. You said you wanted to future proof this, well there you have it. Good parts, and good prices. PC Club also warrenties their stuff for a full year through them for free which is nice. After working with computers since I can remember, one thing I've learned is spending a tiny bit more up front can mean the difference in headaches down the road. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-634273 Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuietOC Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 Last but not least, you need a power supply that is actually reliable. Don't skip out on this. I've seen it a million times where the person wants to save a buck or two, but in the end comes back a couple months later with a fried board and a fried power supply. I'd get something like the Enermax 535 for $69. Well, people actually test power supplies, and my $20 In Win 300W aren't junk--at best they approach 80% efficiency, but that is not horrible. I didn't find any thorough testing of that Enermax you mention, but hopefully it is okay. The Antec Earthwatts EA380 is better than my In Wins and was available for as cheap as $5 AR recently. It is actually made by Seasonic and is up to 85% efficient. I do prefer a larger fan, however. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-634453 Share on other sites More sharing options...
byusinger84 Posted February 20, 2008 Share Posted February 20, 2008 That's all fine and good, but I'd rather not take my chances without experience or reviews of things. I've personally used a TON of Enermax products and they've always been very reliable. At any rate, it was just a suggestion to the guy. There are lots of choices. That just happened to be one that I was familiar with that was a good price. Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-634551 Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurick Posted March 3, 2008 Author Share Posted March 3, 2008 I have bought the hardware and assembled the machine, but I can't get OS X installed. I created a thread, I was wondering if someone can help me out with some advice. http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?sho...mp;#entry650690 Link to comment https://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/88473-best-bang-for-buck-hardware-to-run-os-x-and-windows-for-gamming/#findComment-652466 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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