Hardware reco! Goal is to maximize compatibility for this dev box

Hi Forum,

Would love some help putting together an Intel-proc based "Mac". I've owned loads of MacBook Airs, Pros, etc. but never a desktop. Rather than pick up a Mac Mini I was hoping to try this route.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!


I'd like:

1. Proc
   1. Was thinking of building around is the Intel Core i5-4690K Devin's Canyon (only ~$200) but other suggestions welcome -- especially if they are more compatible.
2. RAM
   1. At least 16GB of RAM, preferably 32GB
3. Disk(s)
   1. A fast (SSD, etc.) but not necessarily huge drive (256GB is fine or 1/2TB, depending on price).
   2. Don't really care about any other drives though if there's room I'd probably throw in a DVD burner for Xbox 360/"One" Games.
4. Video
   1. Decent graphics card -- mostly will be using the box to develop (full stack) but playing the occasional game would be fun (though low-graphic demand games such as StarCraft II, etc.).
   2. Port on motherboard to be able to connect my 27" Apple Cinema Display (the version before the ThunderBolt, uses Mini DisplayPort though I suspect I'll need an adapter?).
5. Case
   1. Was thinking of buying a Mac Mini so that's the form factor I like. Obviously this won't be nearly as compact but smaller the better (within reason, don't want to struggle to assemble it).

Thanks guys!

There are many options in the buyers guide for you to look at. If you need further information then just ask. There are some build suggestions that can be used as a drop off point. Different motherboards and Graphics cards can be used from the lists available. Wifi is optional - the wifi modules that are supplied are with some motherboards need to be change to work with OS X. You will find a lot more information in the Network part of the forum.

http://www.tonymacx86.com/building-customac-buyers-guide-november-2014.html
http://www.tonymacx86.com/network/
http://www.tonymacx86.com/multi-booting/
http://www.tonymacx86.com/graphics/

Great, thanks for the recommendations. I have reviewed the list and have some follow-up questions:

1. Motherboard / Video Card
   1. My video demands are not high. Besides writing code in an IDE, I'll probably watch the occasional Netflix show. Given this, I'd like to save money by buying a motherboard w/onboard video.
   2. For all of the motherboards listed here (Motherboards): if they have a video card onboard does inclusion in this list mean the video is supported by OS X?
2. Mini-DP
   1. I'd like to use my Apple Cinema (27") Display with this computer. Will I have the best results if I find a video card that has this input? Or will I be just as well off getting some sort of adapter?

Thanks again!

PatrickSF said:

Great, thanks for the recommendations. I have reviewed the list and have some follow-up questions:

1. Motherboard / Video Card
   1. My video demands are not high. Besides writing code in an IDE, I'll probably watch the occasional Netflix show. Given this, I'd like to save money by buying a motherboard w/onboard video.
   2. For all of the motherboards listed here (Motherboards): if they have a video card onboard does inclusion in this list mean the video is supported by OS X?
2. Mini-DP
   1. I'd like to use my Apple Cinema (27") Display with this computer. Will I have the best results if I find a video card that has this input? Or will I be just as well off getting some sort of adapter?

Thanks again!

Click to expand...

1 The board itself has video ports, but does not actually have gfx capability. The CPU is what actually has the GPU onboard. Just select a board/CPU combo that has support for gfx in OS X. i.e. SB boards and CPU with 3000 series GPU / IB boards and CPU with 4000 series GPU / Haswell board and CPU with 4000/5000 GPU.
2. If you get a DP to mDP active adapter, the display will work. Alternatively, you can google for a supported discrete PCIe GPU that has mDP ports.