So I don't jump into nhtagmamber's thread please suggest what I need for a MAC system. I've built several MS PC platforms since DOS 4.0 but I'm FTFU with the MS bullshit. The MAC command line will take some adjustment but I'll manage.

Mainly,
Motherboard?
Processor and fan?
RAM, see motherboard?
Graphics card?
HD,what interface?
Anything else I'm not considering...
Thanks

Google 'hackintosh' to use off-the-shelf components (specific ones) with OSX.

You really can't build a Mac like you can a PC, they are proprietary systems.

I'll be glad to help you. I've built 3 hackintoshes and have 2 of them running at home. Contact me by email.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
You really can't build a Mac like you can a PC, they are proprietary systems.

Explain please, details appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by Alpine79830:

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
You really can't build a Mac like you can a PC, they are proprietary systems.

Explain please, details appreciated.

It's been my experience and understanding that you can't just buy a motherboard, processor, RAM, etc and put it together like a PC. You typically have to buy a complete system built by Apple.

quote:

Originally posted by Alpine79830:

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
You really can't build a Mac like you can a PC, they are proprietary systems.

Explain please, details appreciated.

Sure you can. I suggest starting here:

Tonymacx86

It's not always straightforward and requires some tinkering and computer skills, but it can be done.

Both of mine run flawlessly and blow away an iMac (and in most respects a Mac Pro) for half the cost or less. Plus, you get to customize it exactly like you want it.

It's a fun and rewarding project.

quote:

Originally posted by wxdave:

quote:

Originally posted by Alpine79830:

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:
You really can't build a Mac like you can a PC, they are proprietary systems.

Explain please, details appreciated.

Sure you can. I suggest starting here:

Tonymacx86

It's not always straightforward and requires some tinkering and computer skills, but it can be done.

Both of mine run flawlessly and blow away an iMac (and in most respects a Mac Pro) for half the cost or less. Plus, you get to customize it exactly like you want it.

It's a fun and rewarding project.

Thanks! I have a few skills mad can tinker.

Macs use less other vendors parts but Macs are high quality. Its really the operating system that defines them. Buy a Mac and there is the one operating system. The seven year old kids use it as well s engineers and scientists.
During Job's period of not being with Apple there was several clones made with different internals but ran the Apple OS__ and a couple were faster.
I'm sure you will be able to build a computer that will run Apple's OS. Its been done before.

Keep in mind that building a Hackintosh violates Apple's EULA for Mac OS, and is considered piracy by them. Apple will attempt to break your system with updates, but it doesn't take long to get the latest version of Mac OS up and running.

MacOS is an all-you-can-eat buffet with the food kept perpetually "updated" and fresh. It's intended for the Mac Resort guests that paid for their stay.

Sneaking in the side door with a look-alike plate and helping yourself is wrong.

No?...

From what I read and I do not know if it is just "Hearsay", but YES Hackintoshs are against their EULA, however APPLE seems to look the other way as they know that a high percentage of people that build or experience Hackintoshs will eventually purchase a real Apple computer. Again just from what I read somewhere. Years ago, I was heavily into the Hachintosh scene and just ended up purchasing a refurbished MacBook Pro and iMac 27. God Bless

The morality of building a hackintosh or CustoMac is something people need to decide for themselves. EULA or what not. I have a house full of apple gear, from watches to iPads, phones to MacBooks. They don't go after people that put MacOS on alternative hardware or make it especially difficult to do so. My offer stands to help anyone on the forum who wants to do it. It's a blast to play with.

Sure you can.

Hackintosh boxes are popular in the music production world.

Stable and effective, once it's up and running, though they are known to be a PITA if and when you need to do an OS update. But they definitely work, and have for years (since Apple switched to Intel architecture). I know a couple of folks who are a few years deep into them, and intentionally don't update the OS as a stable version x.x is exactly what they want for Pro Tools or otherwise.

Wow, I am way behind the times then. Back from about 1999-2009 when I was building PC's right and left for friends and family, the idea of building a Mac like you would a PC was just not possible. It looks like all that changed when they went to Intel processors.

I stand corrected!

^ 2006 was the transition.

quote:

The first generation Intel-based Macintoshes were released in January 2006 with Mac OS X 10.4.4 Tiger, and Steve Jobs announced the last models to switch in August 2006, with the Mac Pro available immediately and with the Intel Xserve available by October 2006.[4] The Xserve servers were available in December 2006.[5]

Just a note:

MAC = media access control

Mac = Macintosh



And yes, technically a hackintosh violates the EULA, but Apple generally looks the other way. I have many friends running hackintoshes that wouldn't have bought an Apple computer; Apple knows they buy software through the App Store, music/tv/movies/apps through the iTunes store...etc.

I have a dual boot Mac/pc built from a dell. You just need all the same parts Apple used.

If you are interested in an older gen Mac mini I have one I'm not using.

Apple went to intel processors in 2005/2006.

Now they are nothing more than Intel boxes running UNIX/Linux machines with a proprietary interface.

The tricky part is unlike windows PC the operating system only comes with driver support for the the limited number of parts that apple sells.

The hackintosh trick is to put it together parts that are supported by the OS. Or be able to write your own drivers (or have friends that will).

As for the the EULA, historically, roll your own, apple ignores you.

Put them together and sell them, expect apple to come knocking at your door with lawyers.