New Video Build - A few questions before I buy hardware!

Hi All,

I am seriously considering a build for a FCP7 machine, with the eventual possibility of running FCPX.
My 2009 iMac died (logic board) and this seems like a reasonable time to try a Hack build. It doesn't need to be overclocked or be a speed demon - just want something stable and relatively easy to get up and running (so I definitely plan to purchase hardware recommended on this site).

I'm looking at a modest Corei7 4Ghz build with 16gb ram, SSD, and a video card if it will help with FCP (does it matter?) and support two monitors.

I'm curious about adding firewire capability to deal with my existing external drives and importing video from an older camera. When adding a card like this, is there anything that needs to be done for OSX to recognize it?

Any suggestions for specific hardware and firewire stuff would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,

Josh

[SUCCESS]GA-Z97X-UD5H / i7 4790K / 32GB / GTX 760 / 10.9.4

Read this thread. I'm working on a machine like this. Cinema 4D, Adobe CC, Maya, 3DS, Blender etc.

Awesome, fully capable and very cost effective. Also "future proof' with upcoming Broadwell CPU compatibility.

I'd recommend it to any video/gfx editor.

Cool - thanks for the response. It's been quiet in here!

Have you purchased your hardware?

I'd be glad to assist when you start with assembly and install.

billaridoo2 said:

Have you purchased your hardware?

I'd be glad to assist when you start with assembly and install.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for offering! I'm still torn between trying to find an older MacPro (2011) for $1500ish or doing this. I no longer like the idea of the iMac because of how mine died - the video went bad. I replaced the LCD panel, but that didn't fix the problem, meaning that the issue is with the Logic Board.

Do you have firewire up and running with your setup? That is key.

Thanks again!

Josh

I don't use Firewire anymore.

this card available from Newegg

Maybe this card as a consideration?

billaridoo2 said:

I don't use Firewire anymore.

this card available from Newegg

Maybe this card as a consideration?

Click to expand...

No luck so far. Went to check out a 2012 Pro on Craigslist, which was great, but it wreaked of cigarette smoke. My wife said no way.

I'm going to keep reading about the builds, while hoping that Apple comes out with 9-series support soon.
Maybe I'll jump in one of these days - limping along on the 2009 iMac with an external monitor.

billaridoo2 said:

I don't use Firewire anymore.

this card available from Newegg

Maybe this card as a consideration?

Click to expand...

I have used that card three different hackintosh builds, of which two are snow leopard and one is mavericks. SL installs are FCP7 machines, the mavericks is FCPX. They work and show up right away. Used with external hard drives that have firewire 800, and capture from pro video cameras, and with a Behringer FCA610 Firewire audio interface. NO problems at all, the card has the TI Firewire chipset.

Cool! Thanks for the info. I'm still reading about this like crazy. Good that I won't have to worry about firewire.

I've been reading every build involving 9-series boards. Looks like there are some promising configurations out there.

Hi!

you should watch this thread...

http://www.tonymacx86.com/buying-advice/59767-firewire-800-400-card-own-100-compatibility.html

remember... the search tool is your friend