First hkintosh build for Photo and Video editing

[manointosh]

Decided to go for hackintosh after 4 years of macbook.

I primarily use LR (may be 5 once released). for Image editing or video editing in future.
Not much of a gamer but better if it can be upgraded later.

Config:
i7 3770k with stock cooler ( is it enough.?)
Gigabyte Z77X-UD5H (just getting it for future proof with 2 lan and better audio and extra sata)
Sandisk extreme 250GB SDD (Not sure if I have to put Wind 8 or OSx in this or both)
Seagate barracuda 3TB HDD for files and dvdrips
Bluray burner Asus or LG or Lite on (not sure if hackintosh supports BD burning but will be nice to have for some Blu ray movies in windows)
OS : Mountain lion and Win 8 pro
TP LInk 4800 wifi adapter for wifi. ( I guess hackintosh does not support mobo built in wifi if it has)
PSU - XFX 650x-xxb9 - Modular
Corsair 500R carbide case
Crucial Sport 2x8GB kit Low profile ( Is this compatible memory.?) from the guides almost all RAMs are compatible just to be safe.

Questions:
1. Which GPU to choose GeForce GTX - 650/Ti/Boost or 660 - EVGA/Asus/MSI Geforce - Budget for GPU is 100-150 ( I can wait till video editing right.?) If I can use the integrated GPU of i7.

2. Monitor U2312M vs U2412M - 90$ difference as of now (I come from 13" MB will I really see the diff beween the 1080 vs 1200 ?)
3. Do I need CPU cooler.? what will be best for my budget.?

4. Any other cables/tools needed.? - I have a good collection of drive bits and a kit (but not a computer kit like anti static wrist etc)
5. Need a 16GB 3.0SUB too for boot /unibeast. ( will 10$ mocrocenter ones will do the trick.?) or A data's better ones.?

Any other inputs and suggestion to reduce my budget or improve performance or future proof my rig?

 

[zaptoons]

Questions:
1. Which GPU to choose GeForce GTX - 650/Ti/Boost or 660 - EVGA/Asus/MSI Geforce - Budget for GPU is 100-150 ( I can wait till video editing right.?) If I can use the integrated GPU of i7.

I say go with the best performing card you can afford. Yes, you can just use the onboard video until you're ready to upgrade to a graphics card. When using an nVidia 6xx card and Mountain Lion, you'll need to change GraphicsEnabler=no in the boot plist file just prior to installing the card.

2. Monitor U2312M vs U2412M - 90$ difference as of now (I come from 13" MB will I really see the diff beween the 1080 vs 1200 ?)

Compare the stats between the two:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007617%2050010772&IsNodeId=1&page=2&bop=And&CompareItemList=20%7C24-260-047%5E24-260-047-TS%2C24-260-055%5E24-260-055-TS&percm=24-260-047%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24%3B24-260-055%3A%24%24%24%24%24%24%24

At a glance, I don't see much difference- the panels will probably look pretty identical. One is just an inch bigger and the slightly different aspect ratio. The 178 x 178 view angles are excellent. I *never* would recommend a 24" display with lesser than that. One thing to consider: personally, I find the 8ms response time on either of these way too much. 5ms or less is far preferable for motion. (games/movies/video editing, etc.) It may not matter to you, but unless you are completely sold on Dell, I'd suggest look for a better IPS display with 5ms or less response time.

3. Do I need CPU cooler.? what will be best for my budget.?

Do you plan to overclock? If yes, then consider a third party CPU cooler. I personally prefer the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO- it's hard to find better performance and better options for a cooler at this price. ($30). No overclock? Then the stock cooler that comes with your 3770K will be fine. Worst case: don't buy a 'cheap' CPU cooler that's really a replacement for the stock. (Generally not bigger than a stock cooler, similar configuration, ultra-cheap price.) These coolers aren't meant as upgrades to stock, but as replacements or for OEM CPUs that don't include a stock cooler.

If you plan a radical overclock, then consider a watercooling solution, like the Corsair H100 or similar.

4. Any other cables/tools needed.? - I have a good collection of drive bits and a kit (but not a computer kit like anti static wrist etc)

Check that the PSU you get has all the needed cables for your drives and hardware. I find that as I add hard drives, I often need molex-to-SATA adapters and so always keep a few around.

Check how many USB 2.0 and 3.0 brackets your motherboard has vs. how many you will use for card readers/front case panel, etc. If you have extras you want to use, consider a USB port PCI bracket. Looks like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultra-4-Por..._USB_Cables_Hubs_Adapters&hash=item51a0e47437

You can get 2 port and 4 port configs. Obviously it requires an open PCI slot. I find with most builds there's always one or two slots that don't actually block slots on the board that are perfect for extra USB ports.

I've built dozens of computers and never used an anti-static wrist band. Just ground yourself for a second by touching the metal case or similar before touching your computer components.

5. Need a 16GB 3.0SUB too for boot /unibeast. ( will 10$ mocrocenter ones will do the trick.?) or A data's better ones.?

You only need 8GB USB stick for unibeast. (Though larger doesn't hurt). I've never noticed that any particular brand works better than others, so yes, the microcenter ones should work fine. I have no idea if USB 3 vs. USB 2 matters for booting unibeast. (I've always just used USB 2)

Any other inputs and suggestion to reduce my budget or improve performance or future proof my rig?

As you asked about, there is burning software in OSX for bluray. For example, Toast burns Bluray format. Also, Bluray video works in OSX also with third party software. The best is MacGo, bluray player software for Mac. Also there's now free Mac Bluray software: http://download.cnet.com/Free-Mac-Blu-ray-Player/3000-13632_4-75891746.html

I personally haven't used it.


For your OS's, I would recommend keep your main SSD for OSX only. Use OSX to partition your 3TB drive so that part of it is for Windows. (Partition it using DOS format in Mac) and keep the rest OSXEJ format. When you install Windows, unplug every hard drive except for the 3TB and reformat your DOS partition as NTFS and install Windows. By removing all other drives, Windows will install its bootloader and other files to the one drive, not mess with your OSX drive. Once Windows is up and booting, you can put the OSX drive back in the system, set it as default, and the Chimera bootloader will boot either OS.

Of course, if its within your budget, ideally you could have Windows on its own SSD, and share the 3TB drive between the two. (Formatted in either DOS or exFAT or NTFS -using Mac drivers- or partitioned for for both OSes)

Also, I always recommend keeping a small backup clone partition (30GB or so) for OSX on either the 3TB drive or the SSD. On this you can clone your working install of OSX using Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper and avoid problems with updates, as well as have a backdoor back into your system should something go wrong.

 

[manointosh]

Thanks a ton zaptoon for quick and detailed reply. (that is good thing about tonymac )

1. I will not be overclocking anytime soon (may be if I see video editing sluggish) after 6 months.

2. My Mobo has 4 USB3.0 and 3 usb 3.0 header (case will use one header) - hope usb 3.0 will work fine in hackintosh ( I have few 3.0 HDD, reader and so planning for 3.0 flash drive).

3. I will hold off on video card for now will use stock GPU and CPU cooler. (Sure I am not going for replacement FAN) will remember Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO when I am in market for this. (Slick deal alert)

4. My work is mainly Photo Editing , Video then movies last Games - I guess 8ms response is ok for monitor. (last 2 I have Sammy 46" 3D LED tv monitor is backup just in case kids/wife occupies TV ) . Is there any better IPS panel 23/24" in price range 175-275$ ?

5. SSD - Read that having both OS in same drive is not recommended so I will have SSD for Mac OSx (primary)
win 8 in a 500GB partition in HDD, 2 TB for files and rest for OSx backup ( will keep a separate backup in external HDD / DVD)

6. Will 650W PSU be enough to add 2 HDDs , one GPU and a CPU cooler and may be 2 LEDs or fans.

Mobo I will be picking up tomorrow from microcenter. - Is UD5H a over kill for my needs .? (I am inclined to be bite future proof on such PC build - may be for next 5 years not much upgrades except for HDD , 16GB Memory)

I have most parts except BD Burner, OS, Monitor
Most like

 

[zaptoons]

2. My Mobo has 4 USB3.0 and 3 usb 3.0 header (case will use one header) - hope usb 3.0 will work fine in hackintosh ( I have few 3.0 HDD, reader and so planning for 3.0 flash drive).

As long as you install the right drivers with Unibeast, USB3 should work fine. This is why I recommend check out the user build and golden build forums for UD5H builds, and note the unibeast settings people have used with the same hardware in order to have everything fully working.

4. My work is mainly Photo Editing , Video then movies last Games - I guess 8ms response is ok for monitor. (last 2 I have Sammy 46" 3D LED tv monitor is backup just in case kids/wife occupies TV ) . Is there any better IPS panel 23/24" in price range 175-275$ ?

For photo editing, the response time doesn't matter. Even for video editing, you'll be fine. It's really a nitpick on my part. There are similar/better monitors in that price range, but monitors are such a personal choice I avoid making any firm recommendations. (Personally, I prefer NEC monitors. I've had the mix of color accuracy, response time, and decent price). If microcenter or other stores have that model monitor vs. others, I say let your own eyes be the judge. The one stat I'd urge you not to compromise on most is the 178 h and v viewing angels.

6. Will 650W PSU be enough to add 2 HDDs , one GPU and a CPU cooler and may be 2 LEDs or fans.

That's plenty of power for that, and even with a modest overclock.

Is UD5H a over kill for my needs .? (I am inclined to be bite future proof on such PC build - may be for next 5 years not much upgrades except for HDD , 16GB Memory)

Not at all overkill- in fact, I think it's a perfect match for your needs, and plenty of room for upgrades to keep it future proof.

Good luck with your build!

 

[manointosh]

thanks zaptoons for nice guidance.

Fell sick and got busy with some outings..

I have followed and installed latest installs and able to do setup decent working setup for now.
after 5 re-installs a at-least 20 reboots. (lost track after that )

Any how here are the end of war results

1. Hackintosh boots without unibeast USB and no manual entries.
2. Internal Graphics HD4000 working
3. Front LEDs,Power button , USB 3.0 (works for 2.0 yet to test 3.0 speeds), Sound ports working
4. Back sound port working and USB working
5. TP Link Wifi working fine

Not tested
- BD drive and bluray (yet to install), burning etc.
- 3TB HDD (Y t install)
- Ethernet ports and its speed.
- Airplay , Timemachine backup etc.
- CPU Speed and temperatures.

Not working
- None as of now.

On the way

Ordered Asus PA248Q ( lets see if I am satisfied with this else I will go with dell)
Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

Other Items
1. My boot time is arnd 15 sec - Is this regular any way to improve.? Will check port build also.
2. Shutdown/Restart time is even longer like 20 sec or so. - Improvement suggestions here.
Will try disabling the boot screen and other screen if possible

Now start learning tips n tricks of Mountain Lion (I am currently in Snow Leopard)