$295 "PovoMac" — The Cheapest "Hackintosh" Ever!

[Adrian B]

No, I don't have access to a Mac.

Due to some hardware that Apple has used in the past being incompatible with some of the modern version of OSX. Apple checks some basic hardware details before allowing you to download Mountain Lion. In order to be able to get to the App store , the hardware must be running OSX 10.6.8

The first thing to have a look at is this video - it lays out the steps required in getting to the App Store to download Mountain Lion.



Q.) Can I just use Snow Leopard?
A.) Snow Leopard only supports hardware that was available up to 10.6.8 release, then Apple released 10.7 which supported new hardware.

After that has been completed, you then use this guide for Mountain Lion : http://www.tonymacx86.com/61-unibeast-install-os-x-mountain-lion-any-supported-intel-based-pc.html

I hope that this gives you a better understanding of the process that is required.

EDIT - One other VERY important fact is that OSX does not support VGA, you will need to use DVI-D or HDMI


Adrian B

 

[Unnamed890]

Thank you very much for the info. Now, I'm waiting for the components to be delivered.

 

[syla13z]

Thank you very much TRS96 Happy user of "spring 2k13" setup (150 euros without memory + a hdd instead of ssd) ! (worked like a charm, with a strange keyboard though thats normal for a mac)

 

[amrittrivedir]

Hi i am using same configuration like you. installed mountain lion then multibeast after restart i installed my 210 graphics card after that my none of usb port not working mouse pointer not even showing. now i want to install mountain lion again but it is just hangs at ethernet mac address please help bro.

 

[amolwagh]

Very interested in building this PovoMac, but the problem here is very limited number of choices when it comes to hardware.

I have following options for processors and MOBOs, can you suggest me the best combo that will work?

I am ok with G530 but would prefer if any of these work with G2010.

Processor -

Intel G530 - http://www.flipkart.com/intel-g530/...ssor&ref=7ed24d99-8ce8-4615-bec8-9375116f8f68
Intel G2010 - http://www.flipkart.com/intel-g2010...ssor&ref=59f05df6-32b0-4df9-892a-231ac1f3d0a4

Motherboards -

Gigabyte GA-H61M-DS2
http://www.flipkart.com/gigabyte-ga...6VJK&ref=9ecc9caf-957d-4856-9c0f-b4cbfb1af8e8
Gigabyte GA-H61-S2P
http://www.flipkart.com/gigabyte-ga...HBUB&ref=9ecc9caf-957d-4856-9c0f-b4cbfb1af8e8
Gigabyte GA-H61-S1
http://www.flipkart.com/gigabyte-ga...HQDC&ref=9ecc9caf-957d-4856-9c0f-b4cbfb1af8e8
Gigabyte GA-H61-d2H
http://www.flipkart.com/gigabyte-ga...ZYRX&ref=9ecc9caf-957d-4856-9c0f-b4cbfb1af8e8

Also have this one available locally - [FONT=Helvetica neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]GIGABYTE GA-H61M-HD2 LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI Micro ATX Motherboard[/FONT]


All other parts like graphics card, HDD and RAM are available as suggested by most of the users.

 

[joshuaauger]

Does anyone use beamer with their PovoMac? I have a G1610 with a GT210 in it but can't seem to see my apple tv… anyone have any luck?

 

[macscm]

Hi Adrian,


I need your advice about building cheap hackintosh. I am looking for a cheap mobo(50-65$) that can work with Haswell processer.
Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[trs96]

http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-6Gbps-Motherboards-GA-B85M-D3H/dp/B00D1A5OR0/

This is about the lowest price compatible Haswell board available. You get a lot for
80 dollars. Well worth the investment.

 

[Adrian B]

Hi Adrian,


I need your advice about building cheap hackintosh. I am looking for a cheap mobo(50-65$) that can work with Haswell processer.
Thanks in advance for the advice.

For PovoMac Haswell - look at GA-B85M-HD3 at around $80 US
mATX form factor, ALC887 audio & Realtek 8111F LAN - its great value for money and suits a more compact case.
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4568#ov
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128608&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=4902415&SID=

I do not know of a cheaper suitable board at present


Adrian B

 

[Stork]

The only problem is the GA-B85M-HD3 motherboard only has an on-board VGA and HDMI graphics ports. Since VGA is not supported by Apple's OS X, you'll need to use the HDMI to connect to your monitor. Giving you a heads up before you run into trouble.

I'm assuming you'll use an i3/i5/i7 Haswell processor that will support Intel's Integrated Graphics HD4600. For general purpose computing, an i3-4330 or i3-4340 would do the job nicely. See the bottom of the table here in the tonymacx86 Buyer's Guide for October 2013.