Building a ITXMac

[sp1200]

Awesome. Looks like a great HTPC build.

Thanks for everyone's work. Keep it up.

 

[beamscout]

Budget ITXMac $441.53 +shipping:

This will be my first build as well. I've taken your original budget itx and changed the video card and HD. Wondering if someone could take a look and see if im missing something and if something in this configuration is unnecessary (overkill). Also, should I add a cooler? (sorry if this has an obvious answer, it is my first build)

I'm still trying to decide on a case (microATX mid size is fine) I just dont know how much power I will need for this build with the hardware changes i made. The Rosewill you suggested looks good, how loud is it? Id like something energy efficient and quiet, even if I have to drop a little more cash.

I would really appreciate any help in deciding what to put in this build, I dont wanna screw anything up, or drop cash where its not necessary. It's main function will be a htpc (hopefully up to 1080p) and media center.

Here we go:

Zotac H55ITX-A-E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813500043

EVGA GeForce GT 240 1GB 128-bit DDR3 (has a fan, is it loud? wanting to use the hdmi out and try to get audio too)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130537

Intel Core i3-530
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819115222

Kingston ValueRAM 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 1333 (I'll upgrade to 4GB later)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820134812

Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6822148433

LITE-ON Black SATA 24X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827106335

 

[tonymacx86]

I'd go with a Gigabyte H55N-USB3 instead of the Zotac board- it's fully enabled with a DSDT in our Database. Check out this build:

viewtopic.php?f=54&t=4802

 

[beamscout]

Thanks Tony!
That Zotac is such a beast I thought I'd give it a go, but since its my first build i'll go with the fully enabled Gigabyte. I'll save the Zotac for my next one

Thanks for taking the time to look at my build! I love the one you posted but I wouldn't mind having a little more room in the case for an extra HDD later on. Something quiet and energy efficient. Any suggestions there?

 

[Metalcored00d]

Hey all

I've followed the budget ITX build tips and now have a fully working hackintosh running 10.6.7 (so far no succes on 10.6.8, but I'll try that later, when I have a full backup of my HDD)

Anywayz, here are my specs; (I tried to follow the budget ITX build as closely as possible)
* Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce 8400GS
* Kingston ValueRam 4GB
* Intel core i3 540
* Zotac H55-A-E wifi
* LG dvd-writer
* Tacens ixion 300watt case

Install guide:
1) To get the installation on my SL boot DVD running, I had to enter -x -v PCIRootUID=1 in iBoot.
2) Once installed succesfully, I had to enter the -x -v PCIRootUID=1 command once more in iBoot (This way you do not have the fancy "welcome to os x" video, but you get to the setup of your account immediately.
3) When you finally get to your desktop, download and install the 10.6.7 combo update and DO NOT REBOOT YET
4) Run the latest Multibeast (3.7.2) and choose:
- Easybeast
- System utilities
- Drivers - Network - Hnac's AppleIntel1000e Ethernet
Install but DO NOT REBOOT YET
5) Google "AppleHDA_1.8.7f1_ALC888_LayoutID_888" to download working audio kexts. The first link you'll find should be mediafire with a zip file! There are 2 files, AppleHDA and HDAEnabler, install both in /Extra/Extensions.
6) Locate NVDANV50Hal.kext in /System/Library/Extensions. Once you found it, double click it and choose "show contents". A folder will appear. Copy info.plist to your desktop. Open the copied info.plist with texteditor and add 0x10c310de underneath IOPCIPrimaryMatch.
It should now look something like this:
<key>IOPCIPrimaryMatch</key>
<string>
0x10c310de
0x00f010de&amp;0xfff0ffff
0x019010de&amp;0xfff0ffff
0x040010de&amp;0xfff0ffff
0x042010de&amp;0xfff0ffff
0x05e010de&amp;0xfff8ffff
0x05f010de&amp;0xfff0ffff
0x060010de&amp;0xffe0ffff
0x062010de&amp;0xffe0ffff
0x064010de&amp;0xffe0ffff
0x06e010de&amp;0xfff0ffff
0x086010de&amp;0xffe0ffff
0x08a010de&amp;0xffe0ffff
0x0a2010de&amp;0xffa0ffff
0x0ca010de&amp;0xffe0ffff
</string>
7) Repair permissions using something like pfix
8) Reboot and enjoy your mac ^^

 

[Nichod]

I decided to add a few updates to this thread and my posts. I'll be going through and editing what has changed as far as hardware availability is concerned. Please feel free to post any itx builds that you've done and a link to installation guide and I'll add it.

 

[Going Bald]

Have built it and tested it - viewtopic.php?f=22&t=62676

Still need to finish the write-up for the User Builds threads.

Great little case with handy handle and the P8Z77-I Mini-ITX board is definitely a winner for a high power build. I thought about using an i7 ivy bridge but decided to go with the i5 due to cooling considerations.