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- Nov 17, 2009
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- Motherboard
- Z370N WIFI
- CPU
- i7 8700K
- Graphics
- HD 630
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Building a system from parts is a lot of fun and a mini-ITX build is a great way to start your journey. With that in mind, we are proud to announce that our CustoMac Mini build post is finally here! This time we've put together two mini-ITX builds using Intel Ivy Bridge CPUs with HD 4000 graphics and 7-series motherboards.
For these builds we're recommending Gigabyte's new H77N-WIFI AND Z77N-WIFI, which are the most compatible mini-ITX boards available and don't require a DSDT. Both motherboards have full analog and digital audio features, dual Gigabit LAN ports and USB 3.0. They also include a mini-PCIe card slot with an Intel mini-PCIe card capable of both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Please note that only the bluetooth features of this card are available under OS X. We're currently testing a few mini-PCIe card alternates for these boards, but for now we recommend the TP-Link PCIe card below for native Wi-Fi support.
CustoMac Mini
CustoMac Mini Deluxe
The CustoMac Mini "Deluxe" is a no-compromise build featuring a Z77 mini-ITX motherboard and a quad-core Ivy Bridge CPU. The BitFenix Prodigy case is a unique way of thinking about a mini-ITX system, as it's not exactly small. It's about the size of a mATX case, making room for up to 8 hard drives, and a full sized graphics card. The Z77 motherboard is also capable of overclocking if you use a "K" CPU, and there is even room for a water cooler for the CPU.
Alternate Cases
Accessories
Remember, when building your own rig, it's easy to get frustrated- don't give up! There are users with similar specs at tonymacx86.com to help you out if you get stuck. Oh, and don't forget, if you end up buying anything, click through one of the links here. That way, you'll be supporting the site, as well as getting the best prices. Thanks in advance! Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Related Posts:
Building a CustoMac: Buyer's Guide 2012 (H77/Z77)
Building a CustoMac: CustoMac Mini 2011 (H67)
Building a Sandy Bridge CustoMac: Buyer's Guide (Z68)
Building a CustoMac: 3 Updated Builds (P55/H55)
Building a CustoMac: CustoMac Pro 2010 (X58)
Building a CustoMac: CustoMac Mini 2010 (H55)
CustoMac.com MultiBeast.com UniBeast.com
For these builds we're recommending Gigabyte's new H77N-WIFI AND Z77N-WIFI, which are the most compatible mini-ITX boards available and don't require a DSDT. Both motherboards have full analog and digital audio features, dual Gigabit LAN ports and USB 3.0. They also include a mini-PCIe card slot with an Intel mini-PCIe card capable of both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Please note that only the bluetooth features of this card are available under OS X. We're currently testing a few mini-PCIe card alternates for these boards, but for now we recommend the TP-Link PCIe card below for native Wi-Fi support.
The CustoMac Mini is a bare-bones CustoMac in a shoebox sized case featuring a H77 mini-iTX motherboard and a dual-core Ivy Bridge processor. The graphics are integrated, so there's no need for a power-hungry discrete graphics card. The case also includes a power-efficient power supply unit. Less parts, less power, less heat, less cost.
CPU | Intel Core i3-3225 | Amazon Newegg | |
Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-H77N-WIFI | Amazon Newegg | |
RAM Options | 8GB Corsair 1600Mhz DDR3 16GB Corsair 1600Mhz DDR3 | Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg | |
Case + Power Supply | Apex MI-008 (w/ 250W Power Supply) | Amazon Newegg | |
Storage Options | Seagate Barracuda SATA 6Gb/s 1TB HDD SanDisk Extreme SATA 6Gb/s 120GB SSD 240GB SSD | Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg | |
Wifi Card | TP-Link PCI Express Wifi Adapter (TL-WDN4800) Works Natively! | Amazon Newegg | |
Operating System | Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion | Mac App Store |
CustoMac Mini Deluxe
The CustoMac Mini "Deluxe" is a no-compromise build featuring a Z77 mini-ITX motherboard and a quad-core Ivy Bridge CPU. The BitFenix Prodigy case is a unique way of thinking about a mini-ITX system, as it's not exactly small. It's about the size of a mATX case, making room for up to 8 hard drives, and a full sized graphics card. The Z77 motherboard is also capable of overclocking if you use a "K" CPU, and there is even room for a water cooler for the CPU.
CPU Options | Intel Core i5 3570K Intel Core i7-3770 Intel Core i7-3770K | Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg | |
Motherboard | Gigabyte Z77N-WIFI | Amazon Newegg | |
RAM Options | 8GB Corsair 1600Mhz DDR3 16GB Corsair 1600Mhz DDR3 | Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg | |
Case | BitFenix Prodigy (No Power Supply) | White Amazon Newegg Black Amazon Newegg | |
Power Supply | Corsair 650TX Modular | Amazon Newegg | |
Graphics Card (Optional) | GeForce GT 640 GeForce GTX 650 GeForce GTX 660 Ti GeForce GTX 670 GeForce GTX 680 | Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg | |
Storage Options | Seagate Barracuda SATA 6Gb/s 1TB HDD SanDisk Extreme SATA 6Gb/s 120GB SSD 240GB SSD | Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg Amazon Newegg | |
CPU Cooler (Optional) | Corsair H60 Hydro Series Liquid Cooler | Amazon Newegg | |
Operating System | Mac OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion | Mac App Store |
Alternate Cases
CoolerMaster Elite 120 (No Power Supply) | Amazon Newegg | |
Thermaltake Element Q (w/ 200W Power Supply) | Amazon Newegg | |
Silverstone Sugo SG07B (w/ 600W Power Supply) | Amazon Newegg |
Accessories
8GB USB Flash Drive | Amazon Newegg | |
Optical Drive | Amazon Newegg | |
Apple Wired Keyboard | Amazon | |
Apple Wireless Keyboard (Bluetooth) | Amazon | |
Logitech Wireless Keyboard (USB) | Amazon Newegg | |
Apple Magic Trackpad | Amazon | |
Apple Magic Mouse | Amazon | |
IOGear Bluetooth Adapter GBU521 Bluetooth 4.0 (Wakes from Sleep) | Amazon Newegg | |
TP-Link PCI Express Wifi Adapter (TL-WDN4800) Works Natively! | Amazon Newegg |
Remember, when building your own rig, it's easy to get frustrated- don't give up! There are users with similar specs at tonymacx86.com to help you out if you get stuck. Oh, and don't forget, if you end up buying anything, click through one of the links here. That way, you'll be supporting the site, as well as getting the best prices. Thanks in advance! Good luck, and let us know how it goes!
Building a CustoMac: Buyer's Guide 2012 (H77/Z77)
Building a CustoMac: CustoMac Mini 2011 (H67)
Building a Sandy Bridge CustoMac: Buyer's Guide (Z68)
Building a CustoMac: 3 Updated Builds (P55/H55)
Building a CustoMac: CustoMac Pro 2010 (X58)
Building a CustoMac: CustoMac Mini 2010 (H55)
CustoMac.com MultiBeast.com UniBeast.com
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