Budget Sierra Build for January 2017

[trs96]

If your Mac or CustoMac is too old to run Sierra here's a low cost option to help you get Sierra on some compatible hardware.

Elite 8300 SFF with I3-3220 - 4GB ram- 250 GB HDD - $167 @ Newegg.com (Professionally refurbished)
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883283859&ignorebbr=1

Evga GT710 LP graphics card $33 shipped AR @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16814487221
If you want to run an older version of OS X get the L.P. GT610 graphics card or a low profile 750 Ti GPU.
The GT710 doesn't have support in Mavericks, El Capitan or Yosemite.

SYBA usb audio adapter $7.49 @Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812186035&cm_re=syba_usb_audio-_-12-186-035-_-Product

For just $207.49 USD you can get a fully working Sierra system. Install with a Clover UEFI Unibeast Drive. Follow PastryChef's Elite 8300 User Build for the install. This 8300 comes with Windows 10 Pro installed. You can dual boot if you'd like to. If not wipe the existing drive and install macOS Sierra. The Windows 10 Product key is saved in the UEFI if you ever want to reinstall 10.

This is not meant to be a gaming or video editing system but if you were to add more ram and a better graphics card you could easily do those two things. This is a budget internet surfing system that performs great with Sierra installed. If you want to go even lower budget you can buy the HP 6300 Pro SFF and use that instead. Currently around $154.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5HA55S7807

Enjoy Sierra on your new CustoMac.

 

[DanielDalton]

wow, thanks for the useful information.)

 

[Alanjb132]

If your Mac or CustoMac is too old to run Sierra here's a low cost option to help you get Sierra on some compatible hardware.

Elite 8300 SFF with I3-3220 - 8GB ram- 250 GB HDD - $171.60 @ Newegg.com (Professionally refurbished)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5HA4H62540&cm_re=HP_8300_Elite_INTEL_Core_i3-_-9SIA5HA4H62540-_-Product

Evga GT710 LP graphics card $33 shipped AR @ Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16814487221

SYBA usb audio adapter $4.99 with Promo Code @Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812186035&cm_re=syba_usb_audio-_-12-186-035-_-Product

For just over $209 USD you can get a fully working Sierra system. Install with a Clover UEFI Unibeast Drive. Follow PastryChef's Elite 8300 User Build for the install. This 8300 comes with Windows 10 Pro installed. You can dual boot if you'd like to. If not wipe the existing drive and install macOS Sierra. The Windows 10 Product key is saved in the UEFI if you ever want to reinstall 10.

This is not meant to be a gaming or video editing system but if you were to add more ram and a better graphics card you could easily do those two things. This is a budget internet surfing system that performs great with Sierra installed.

Enjoy Sierra on your new CustoMac.

to bad they are sold out

 

[trs96]

to bad they are sold out

Here's another for a similar price and specs.
https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA5HA4H62504

 

[mrgoatee]

There are quite a few HP Elite 8300 sff options on eBay as well. This one doesn't have a hard drive, and only has 4 gb of ram, but it's $83 shipped... https://is.gd/Df3RGY

 

[mrgoatee]

For a budget setup, you could sell the i3-3220 for about $35, pick up a used i3-3225 (with Intel HD4000 graphics) for about $10 more, and you wouldn't need the graphics card.

 

[trs96]

There are quite a few HP Elite 8300 sff options on eBay as well. This one doesn't have a hard drive, and only has 4 gb of ram, but it's $83 shipped... https://is.gd/Df3RGY

There are a lot of these available on Ebay. The condition of the case is usually not as good, they are generally of the scratch and dent variety. If you buy from a reputable seller it should be completely functional. Also make sure to read the fine print about their return policy and warranty, if they offer one.