- Joined
- Aug 23, 2013
- Messages
- 19
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- Classic Mac
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Hi everyone,
Like everyone here, I'd like to build a hackintosh. I currently have an iMac and a Macbook Air. The iMac is '08 and needs to be replaced. A new Mac's pricetag is a bit too steep for my budget - just spent a lot on a new bass, tube amp and cabinet. Thought the iMac would keep up a bit longer, but it starts to feel slow.
So my bf recommended this community. He built one too and says it saved him about €1000,- on a €2800,- iMac equivalent. The timeframe I had in mind is with the release of Mavericks, since I was told it would support Haswell and I'd like to get the newest stuff so it'll last a bit longer (and will probably be supported longer too). Also, the newest OS X version I have is Lion, so I'd like to know if it's possible to buy Mavericks from Lion or if it's necessary to get Mountain Lion first (which would be a waste of €20,-). I know they always teach us to only upgrade when you know all you stuff is supported, but I want to have something new that will last a while aka. Haswell, which requires Mavericks...
It is going to be used mainly for audio recording and editing, mostly in Logic Pro but also in Pro Tools, Ableton, etc. Occasional video editing will also be done, so a good graphics card is required. Apart from that, enough RAM to allow for around 10-20 tracks in Logic. Since I also use mainstage, it seems that I would need a processor capable of a jamming session.
I'd go for the Haswell-variant of my bf's processor and most of his hardware, so it would be (I'm not really a pro in this though):
- Intel i7-4770 (not the K-model).
- 16GB RAM 1600MHz
- Samsung 840 Pro 128GB SSD + 1TB "storage" drive.
- Nvidia GTX 770 (which is said to be the same as my bf's 680, only newer and cheaper)
I also have a large audio rig, which does have room for a HTPC case. The Fractal Design node 605 looks really nice and fits in my rig, so if all other components fit inside it, my desk would remain uncluttered (apart from a DAW controller and screen that is). They also sell a platinum-certified 600W power supply, which should be enough for the selected components. Also, it only spins the fan at higher loads, so it's quieter.
The only thing I don't have a clue about is the motherboard. All my equipment is external, so I only need a slot for the graphics and enough USB ports. Firewire would be nice too. An additional requirement seems to be the micro-ATX form factor, since I will need an optical drive (case only supports µATX in combination with slim optical drive). This is my main concern and what I'll need suggestions for.
This is also the thing that is most unclear on the forum: some say all UEFI motherboards are compatible, but others say only Gigabyte boards are.. Can anyone please explain this? I have a technical background (bachelors degree in technical/electronics for audio production), but apart from using it, software isn't my cup of tea.
Never built a computer in my life (my dad usually gets a new iMac every 2-3 years and my brother, sister and I got the old ones), but I have taken apart and repaired quite a few DAWs, amps, pre-amps, instruments, and other audio equipment (which is also my job - I'm a studio recording technician and we repair our own equipment).
Basically I want to say I'll be able to build it, but the software won't be as easy for me.
So, thanks in advance for any help and/or suggestions.
(And also for providing tools for software-noobs like me )
Greetings,
Charlotte (Ericidi).
Like everyone here, I'd like to build a hackintosh. I currently have an iMac and a Macbook Air. The iMac is '08 and needs to be replaced. A new Mac's pricetag is a bit too steep for my budget - just spent a lot on a new bass, tube amp and cabinet. Thought the iMac would keep up a bit longer, but it starts to feel slow.
So my bf recommended this community. He built one too and says it saved him about €1000,- on a €2800,- iMac equivalent. The timeframe I had in mind is with the release of Mavericks, since I was told it would support Haswell and I'd like to get the newest stuff so it'll last a bit longer (and will probably be supported longer too). Also, the newest OS X version I have is Lion, so I'd like to know if it's possible to buy Mavericks from Lion or if it's necessary to get Mountain Lion first (which would be a waste of €20,-). I know they always teach us to only upgrade when you know all you stuff is supported, but I want to have something new that will last a while aka. Haswell, which requires Mavericks...
It is going to be used mainly for audio recording and editing, mostly in Logic Pro but also in Pro Tools, Ableton, etc. Occasional video editing will also be done, so a good graphics card is required. Apart from that, enough RAM to allow for around 10-20 tracks in Logic. Since I also use mainstage, it seems that I would need a processor capable of a jamming session.
I'd go for the Haswell-variant of my bf's processor and most of his hardware, so it would be (I'm not really a pro in this though):
- Intel i7-4770 (not the K-model).
- 16GB RAM 1600MHz
- Samsung 840 Pro 128GB SSD + 1TB "storage" drive.
- Nvidia GTX 770 (which is said to be the same as my bf's 680, only newer and cheaper)
I also have a large audio rig, which does have room for a HTPC case. The Fractal Design node 605 looks really nice and fits in my rig, so if all other components fit inside it, my desk would remain uncluttered (apart from a DAW controller and screen that is). They also sell a platinum-certified 600W power supply, which should be enough for the selected components. Also, it only spins the fan at higher loads, so it's quieter.
The only thing I don't have a clue about is the motherboard. All my equipment is external, so I only need a slot for the graphics and enough USB ports. Firewire would be nice too. An additional requirement seems to be the micro-ATX form factor, since I will need an optical drive (case only supports µATX in combination with slim optical drive). This is my main concern and what I'll need suggestions for.
This is also the thing that is most unclear on the forum: some say all UEFI motherboards are compatible, but others say only Gigabyte boards are.. Can anyone please explain this? I have a technical background (bachelors degree in technical/electronics for audio production), but apart from using it, software isn't my cup of tea.
Never built a computer in my life (my dad usually gets a new iMac every 2-3 years and my brother, sister and I got the old ones), but I have taken apart and repaired quite a few DAWs, amps, pre-amps, instruments, and other audio equipment (which is also my job - I'm a studio recording technician and we repair our own equipment).
Basically I want to say I'll be able to build it, but the software won't be as easy for me.
So, thanks in advance for any help and/or suggestions.
(And also for providing tools for software-noobs like me )
Greetings,
Charlotte (Ericidi).