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[success] Tagus Thunderbolt WebDev Station: GA-Z77MX-D3H TH (rev. 1.0) / Core i5 3570K / 16GB RAM

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Sep 9, 2012
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Motherboard
Asus Z97-A
CPU
Intel Celeron G1840
Graphics
EVGA GTX 750 Ti + Asus EX II Thunderbolt -> LG 34UM95
Mac
  1. iMac
Mobile Phone
  1. Android
  2. iOS
[UPDATE] Tagus Thunderbolt WebDev Station: GA-Z77MX-D3H TH (rev. 1.0) / Core i5 3570K / 16GB RAM

nfilg's Tagus Thunderbolt WebDev Station: GA-Z77MX-D3H TH (rev. 1.0) / Core i5 3570K / 16GB RAM

sZ77MX-D3H-TH-Rev1-0-B-1.jpg
Components
List of the components - Some are from CCLonline and Computer Universe, prices for EU buyers. It's a bit tricky to find this motherboard in the US. Identifier 27-inch iMac13,2Mid 2012 Assembled in EU.

Apple OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.3 @ Mac Apps Store
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-mountain-lion/id537386512?ls=1&mt=12

Gigabyte GA-Z77MX-D3H TH (rev. 1.0 for ethernet to work)
http://www.cclonline.com/product/88...Gigabyte-GA-Z77MX-D3H-TH-Motherboard/MBD0415/
http://www.computeruniverse.net/en/products/90488280/gigabyte-z77mx-d3h-th-sockel-1155-matx.asp

Intel Core i5 3570k (overclocked @ 4.5)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SZ0E1K/

Arctic Cooling Arctic MX-4 Thermal Compound (worry free thermal paste)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045JCFLY

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO CPU cooler
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005O65JXI/

Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (overclocked @ 1800MHz)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006EWUO22/

Mushkin Chronos Deluxe 240 GB SATA 6.0 Gb-s 2.5-Inch Solid State Drive (the deluxe version is a great buy)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0057VOVE8/

Corsair TX850M Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Bronze
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Enthusiast-Modular-Bronze-TX850M/dp/B005E98EI2/

TP-Link Wireless N Dual Band PCI Express Adapter with 3 x 2dBi Antenna (TL-WDN4800)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007GMPZ0A

BitFenix Prodigy Arctic White / White Steel / Plastic Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811345017


Already Owned:

Apple Thunderbolt Display Everything works under Mountain Lion 10.8.2 - Monitor speakers, Camera, Ethernet, USB 2 ports.
Apple trackpad and Apple wireless keyboard and a Razer copperhead USB mouse
Targus USB Bluetooth® 2.0 Adapter, 100M – ACB20EU Version: 19.89 Cambridge Silicon Radio Ltd.
Audio - Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 USB Interface Version: 1.0 Texas Instruments Japan

Hama SuperSpeed microSD/SD Card Reader USB 3.0 Black (To install Mountain Lion. Used micro SD 8GB. I use micro sd's, to swap from smartphone, camera and computer)
[AMAZON-uk]http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005VPJVFY/[/AMAZON-uk]

2 mechanical disks:
1st 320gb for temporary files, iTunes settings and downloads keeping the Mushkin ssd, just for the OSx
2nd 500gb for windows 8

Synology NAS
Two Seagate Barracuda ST2000DM001 2TB 7200 RPM 64MB - Synology Diskstation Hybrid RAID.

The NAS is for iTunes settings, Time Machine backups and other work files.
More about time machine backups on the NAS: [video=youtube;rLWOcs15Ye0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLWOcs15Ye0[/video]


Comments

Installation Guide:
The method I have followed.
http://www.tonymacx86.com/61-unibeast-install-os-x-mountain-lion-any-supported-intel-based-pc.html

Mountain Lion MultiBeast 5.3.0 settings
Mbeast-2013.jpg

After Rebooting from Multibeast 5.3.0, went to the Extra folder and changed the file org.chameleon.Boot.plist to this:
<key>EthernetBuiltIn</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>GenerateCStates</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>GeneratePStates</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>GraphicsEnabler</key>
<string>yes</string>
<key>Graphics Mode</key>
<string>2560x1440x32</string>
<key>Kernel</key>
<string>mach_kernel</string>
<key>Kernel Flags</key>
<string>darkwake=0</string>
<key>Legacy Logo</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>Timeout</key>
<string>2</string>
<key>UseKernelCache</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>Quiet Boot</key>
<string>Yes</string>
<key>Theme</key>
<string>Apple</string>


One thing that needs to be tweaked:
Sound on the back of this mobo panel will work with voodoo drivers but I don't use it.
The thunderbolt display has good speakers. If you search I think there is a solution for audio to work on the back of the mobo without voodoo. I got a Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 USB Interface that connects to a old pioneer amplifier to shake the walls.http://www.guitarcenter.com/Behringer-Guitar-Link-UCG102-USB-Interface-241228-i1175566.gc

After a clean install of Mountain Lion 10.8.3 USB 2 and 3 work on the front panel.(Using the generic USB 3 kext)
http://www.osx86.net/view/3740-ga_z77x_ud3h,son_est_usb3_via_vl_801.html
Only USB 3 devices will work on the front panel. USB 2 and 3 works on all mobo's back panel.(working now on 10.8.3)

10.8.3 Install Notes if you run into problems rebooting after a fresh unibest/multibeast install:
http://www.tonymacx86.com/os-x-updates/92678-10-8-3-can-no-longer-boot-3.html Originally Posted by slimlemon

...rebooted -> F12 -> from the Unibeast ML USB-HDD -> select system ML using -x (safe mode) ->now reboots in Safe Mode...
...move to Trash from System/Library/Extensions both AppleHDA.kext and HDAenabler.kext. Also moved /Extras/ folder to Trash...
...full reinstall Multibeast 5.2.1 with all my previous settings (as per TonyMac guide)...shut down...
...again, reboot -> F12 -> this time, boot into Unibeast ML on USB-HDD -> Repair Permissions on system disc...
...now, reboot normally.

Other thoughts:
Gigabyte GA-Z77MX-D3H TH and i5 3570K
Bios was updated in windows 7 to F5 before installing Mountain Lion - F6 still beta
Wake from Sleep works via apple Bluetooth Keyboard and the temps for the i5 3570k overclocked @ 4.5 show a combined of 44ºC

Corsair TX850M Watt ATX/EPS Modular 80 PLUS Bronze
(A bit of an overkill but if mac Pro cames out in 2013 with new controllers it will work great with any Dgpu card)

Corsair Carbide Series White 500R Mid Tower Computer Case
(Probably will get a smaller one later, then again if I buy a Dgpu card for a second monitor, this case will keep things cool)

Build Pics - GeekBench running 10.8.3:

……………………………………………………………

Apple Thunderbolt Display Note:
Intel i5 3570k Igpu HD4000 runs fine Photoshop CS6, for web content creation, multiple spaces and browsers, tested The Witcher II Assassins Of Kings on the ATD and it worked with medium settings.
I do web development and simple After effects compositions. Next year I will probably buy a Macbook air and use it with the ATD.
My 2 cents:
If you really want a ATD using a Dgpu card, probably is better to wait for the new Mac pro with thunderbolt controllers, at the moment is not a simple matter of changing the identifier to a rMBP for example.
If you are a video editor and need a monitor now to render complex and long videos on OSx, the Apple cinema display with display port is the easy solution to get the power from a dPGU card.
Remember you will not have the power of a Dgpu on mac OSx, this is only possible on windows OS with Lucid Virtu and this software will bottleneck some graphics cards.


thunderboltcontroller_hostsysteminterface_600px.png


http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...gd80,3205.html

Z77-blockdiagram.jpg


http://www.anandtech.com/show/5771/the-intel-ivy-bridge-core-i7-3770k-review/5

……………………………………………………………

DIY eGPU experiences (see thunderbolt examples, I will try this if I change my ATX case) http://forum.notebookreview.com/e-gpu-external-graphics-discussion/418851-diy-egpu-experiences.html[/U]
About the mobo GIGABYTE GA-Z77MX-D3H TH (Cactus Ridge)
https://thunderbolttechnology.net/product/gigabyte-ga-z77mx-d3h-th
• Chipset: Intel® Z77 Express Chipset
• CPU: Supports LGA1155 3rd/2nd Generation Corei7/i5/i3/Pentium/Celeron Processors
• Memory: 4 DIMMs, max. 32GB, Dual Channel DDR3 1866(O.C.) support
• VGA Output: Dual Thunderbolt/HDMI/DVI/RGB
• Multi-GPU Support: 2-way SLI & 2-way CrossFireX & LucidLogix Virtu MVP
……………………………………………………………

Special thanks to (and reference links):
The tonymacx86 Forum
Going Bald Forum's moderator
Tjodolv's Build Description:
http://www.tonymacx86.com/user-buil...-3570-ga-z77mx-d3h-th-16gb-ram-gtx-660ti.html
Inmike09's Build Description[:
http://www.tonymacx86.com/user-buil...77mx-d3h-i5-3570k-16-gb-ram-gtx-560-1-gb.html
Einsteiniac's Thunderbolt Display Thread:
http://www.tonymacx86.com/mountain-...-thunderbolt-display-ga-z77-up5-th-works.html
Dean Wray's YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=PT&hl=en&client=mv-google&v=RDw3RhLWAjE&nomobile=1
tweaktown.com Thunderbolt Information:
http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyt...-thunderbolt-pcie-gpu-only-windows-shows.html
videoguys.com:
http://www.videoguys.com/blog/K/nvi...ntosh/0x9641714653255f956a5a8c1f1b0d778e.aspx
LucidLogix:
http://www.lucidlogix.com

http://wiki.osx86project.org/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

http://www.groths.org/


UPDATE: Thunderbolt display and this mobo works fine on the latest apple os release. Tested on the 8-13-2013 Clean install 10.8.4 and I transferred my OSX settings from time machine, USB 2 and 3 are working now on the front panel, build still very stable after almost 6 months. Very happy with my first build, and all the support/learning from other tonymac's forum members.
Bios Settings Simple OC Profile: View attachment 59190

UPDATE MAVERICKS: Installed Mavericks, everything is ok, only issue was USB 3 now its working with the latest GenericUSBXHCI 1.2.7 (installed with kext util after multiBeast) before it only worked if usb was plugged before booting the machine.http://sourceforge.net/projects/genericusbxhci/files/

UPDATE MAVERICKS 10.9.5 : This will be my last update with this build, which is still running great after two years(currently with 10.9.5) I bought a: EVGA GTX 750 Ti Superclocked 2GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487024
I will use this build in 2015 for casual gaming (steam machine) and as a media server. I will build a new hackintosh when intel's skylake comes out, in the meantime I will use mid 2014 rMBP for work.

p.s. hackintosh is a great way to do your own "refurbishing"!!


build-2013.jpg
 
Nice Build bro. But Want to ask u something. Now I have a dual display working with Z77X UP5 TH.
Both Displays work like a charm. I Know that the Thunderbolt displays work with Internal GPU HD4000.
How to get the GPU power thing??
 
How to get the GPU power thing??
You want to get the power of a Dgpu trough the thunderbolt port or you can´t get your Dgpu to work, only the iGpu HD4000?
 
You want to get the power of a Dgpu trough the thunderbolt port or you can´t get your Dgpu to work, only the iGpu HD4000?

I have 2 Displays working with TB port. the only thing that worries me is the Dgpu. I want to know whether I can Get the Thunderbolt Ports with DGpu.
I mean when I connect my MiniDP Displays It shows up HD4000 , but I want it to use my Gpu card.i.e GT640.
 
I have 2 Displays working with TB port. the only thing that worries me is the Dgpu. I want to know whether I can Get the Thunderbolt Ports with DGpu.
I mean when I connect my MiniDP Displays It shows up HD4000 , but I want it to use my Gpu card.i.e GT640.

My mobo is different but it should be possible, have a look around Tmac and ask other users with the GA-Z77X-UP5 TH. I will try a friend's old GTX480 later to see how it works. I'am waiting for apple to release a new Mac Pro and 10.8.3 Mlion and see what they do with the thunderbolt port and Dgpus options, then I will get a new Dgpu. If they release a new Mac Pro :)

These guys are talking about it:
http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/topic/284645-mdpthunderbolt-question/
 
I think u should go for 6870 coz it has 2 Minidp ports.
 
I think u should go for 6870 coz it has 2 Minidp ports.
Thanks for the advice! Yes some amd cards have Minidp, just waiting to see if 10.8.3 really comes with radeon 7 series card support and then I will see if I get a 6 series or a 7, the HD4000 Igpu can handle the work I do at the moment. Yet I am not sure the miniDport will work on ATdisplay, its not just a matter of form factor.

This guy tested a AMD Radeon HD 7970 GHz:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1505726
 
Nice build, and cool MoBo.. hopefully we'll see more of them like it in the near future.

Have you tested with thunderbolt capable harddrives by any chance?
 
Hi, nice work :headbang: but i have a question.
HOW DID YOU FIT AN mATX mobo in Bitfenix Prodigy wich is a mini-ITX case...? :eek: :eek:
 
I have this same board was wondering has Mac OS X ever freeze up on you. I have had moments when the computer just locks up and I have to restart. I could be in the middle of something and I am forced to start over due to this one issue.
 
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