Planning a machine for Music Production

[w_bizzle]

Hi,

I am planning a Hackintosh for Music Production, compact yet powerful.

Intended to run Logic Pro, Numerology, Native Instruments apps / plug ins, AU instruments and effects and various other audio apps. Must have great FireWire 800 performance for Audio Interfaces and HDDs. A number of (preferably) bus powered USB MIDI controllers must also be supported.

After some research here are some possible components I have chosen for the core of the system:

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 (rev 1.0)
CPU: Intel Core I7-2600K
RAM: Corsair CML16GX3M4A1600C9 Low Profile Vengeance Memory 16GB 1600MHz CL9 DDR3 Four Module Kit
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200 - SATA III - 1TB - ST1000DM003

Some initial questions:

What do you think, good combination of parts or have I missed something critical?

Am I correct in thinking it´s possible to use the onboard GPU in Lion but NOT Snow Leopard?

Should I purchase a rev 1.3 board instead? What are the benefits?

Could anyone point me in the direction of good compatible Firewire 800 cards?


Possible case choices:

Antec NSK 2480 - http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=MzI=

Lian Li - http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=317&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=63

http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=516&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=63

Aerocool M40 - http://www.aerocool.us/case/m40/m40.htm

Many thanks for your help, I will of course share the build, setup and end result with the forum.

 

[fxe74]

You can check out my build here.

This works great for Audio Production. I am using Logic, Live and MaxMsp with no issues. The only problem is you would need a Firewire card with the Ti chipset if you use sleep. Currently the onboard Via chipset has problems after sleep. There is a recommendation in that thread for a good card although I have not got around to trying it myself as I do not really use sleep.

 

[w_bizzle]

Thanks fxe74. I´ll check out your thread.

 

[JGW310]

I would go with this RAM for better performance!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RF ... 00_details

 

[w_bizzle]

I would go with this RAM for better performance!! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004RF ... 00_details

Yes I considered that RAM. However as I'm planning to build into a Micro ATX case and overclock the processor (large cooler) the vertical size worries me. So because of this I think I will go for the Corsair CML16GX3M4A1600C9 LP Vengeance Memory 16GB 1600MHz CL9 DDR3 Four Module Kit.

 

[w_bizzle]

Could anyone confirm that the Intel HD 3000 Graphics will work with this setup and on which Mac OS?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Mate94]

Could anyone confirm that the Intel HD 3000 Graphics will work with this setup and on which Mac OS?

Many thanks in advance.

User Builds... the first 5 topic...

 

[w_bizzle]

Could anyone confirm that the Intel HD 3000 Graphics will work with this setup and on which Mac OS?

Many thanks in advance.

User Builds... the first 5 topic...

Thank you.

 

[w_bizzle]

Revision one.

Case, PSU, WiFi & FireWire still undecided. Selected a GPU from the Custo Mac page to avoid trouble with Intel HD 3000.

 

[Mate94]

Revision one.

Case, PSU, WiFi & FireWire still undecided. Selected a GPU from the Custo Mac page to avoid trouble with Intel HD 3000.

HD6670... it will be an experience.