Need build advice (Skylake vs Haswell)

[RB1988]

Hi,

I’m trying to upgrade my desktop into a full working hackintosh. Primary target of the build is iOS App Development. So I will be using Xcode most of the time.

But I want to build a solid Hackintosh, so that I don’t have to switch to Windows for watching movies or using Photoshop.

I’m stuck between two choices. Currently most of the components in my PC is compatible with a hackintosh.

ATI Radeon HD 6850 1 GB DDR5
Samsung 840 Evo
GSkill RipJawsX 4 GB + 4 GB 1600 MHz Memory
Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo CPU Cooler
Cooler Master GX 550 Power Supply
AOC e2243Fw2k (2 HDMI Ports) Monitor
Dlink DWA 131 Nano USB Wireless Adapter

The only components that won’t work are my MoBo and Processor.
Asus M5A97 and AMD FX 6100. I tried installing El Capitan with Custom AMD Kernel.

I can install it, but it won’t boot and I’m fed up after many retries. So I’m going to buy a new Motherboard and Processor.

Now, I have found a stable 10.11.4 build from OSX86 Wiki page. http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/HCL_10.11.4

Motherboards : Asus H97-Plus / Gigabyte GA-Z97-HD3 / Gigabyte GA-Z87M-D3H

Processor : Intel Core i5-4460

My plan was to buy Intel i5-4460. Then tonymacx86 has updated the Customac build section in April.

Now the recommended processor is Skylake. But, if I opt for Skylake, I’ll have to change my CPU Cooler and Ram as well, which I think won’t be much of a difference.

Tom’s Hardware is saying, Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is compatible with LGA 1151 Socket.
Anybody tried this on Skylake?

Skylake has a definite advantage over Haswell in terms of processing power and power consumption.

DDR4 RAM also provides a performance boost, I think.

But I think 4th Gen is the most stable one for hackintosh currently. But the next upgrade of Mac is gonna unleash the full power of Skylake.

So my question is, should I stay with Haswell (i5 4460) or should I switch to a Skylake build (i5 6400 / i5 6500)? The thing is, both are priced almost same in India.

Also, will there be a problem in using PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card in PCI-E 3.0 slot?
I know its backward compatible. But, will there be any issues with mackintosh due to that?

I’m a hardcore gamer too. So I would prefer to invest in a motherboard with M.2 port and PCI Express 3.0 that supports DirectX 12 to make it future proof for 3 more years. Asus H97-Plus has M.2 slot, but it supports only DX 11.

Does El Capitan work flawlessly in Skylake? My primary focus is on a perfectly working Hackintosh. Gaming is secondary.

I have downloaded the latest El Capitan build through App Store yesterday.

Is this 10.11.4? Or do I have to install a combo update to get to 10.11.4?

Overall, the question is whether I should stick to Haswell or go of Skylake?

 

[nobodynose]

Hi,

The only components that won’t work are my MoBo and Processor.
Asus M5A97 and AMD FX 6100. I tried installing El Capitan with Custom AMD Kernel. I can install it, but it won’t boot and I’m fed up after many retries.

Just a reminder that AMD processors and custom kernels are unsupported and discussion of them prohibited on this site, per the Forum Rules.

So my question is, should I stay with Haswell (i5 4460) or should I switch to a Skylake build (i5 6400 / i5 6500)? The thing is, both are priced almost same in India.

Now that Skylake is fully supported, if both are the same price it would seem better to go with Skylake for its power vs. performance advantages.

Also, will there be a problem in using PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card in PCI-E 3.0 slot?
I know its backward compatible. But, will there be any issues with mackintosh due to that?

No.

I have downloaded the latest El Capitan build through App Store yesterday.

Is this 10.11.4? Or do I have to install a combo update to get to 10.11.4?

The latest El Capitan installer download through the App Store is 10.11.4.

 

[RB1988]

Thanks buddy...

I wasn't discussing AMD, just pointing out that the effort wasn't worth the time...

I'm gonna choose Skylake...

Which Mother Board is the best, Gigabyte, Asus or ASRock ?

 

[nobodynose]

I'm gonna choose Skylake...

Which Mother Board is the best, Gigabyte, Asus or ASRock ?

Everyone has his or her favorite, but personally I prefer Gigabyte. I don't have much experience with Asus (more with MSI), and ASRock boards tend to have quirks that make them just a little bit trickier to work with. My opinion only.