CustoMac Mini Questions - First Hackintosh build

[fidesachates]

Hi all,

As the title suggests, this is my first hackintosh build. The build I'm considering is the from http://www.tonymacx86.com/393-building-customac-buyer-s-guide-october-2013.html#mini (Not the deluxe build, but the basic one with Apex MI 008 case). I have a few questions regarding this build. I've tried very hard to do the proper research as many answers before posting so hopefully nothing I've posted is obviously asked already.

1. Is there anything that would prevent me from putting two 120 GB SSD with the help of http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997007 into the case internal 3.5 bay? Are there concerns with psu, mobo support, or something else I've overlooked? My end goal is to install one OS on each disk (I'm not concerned with storage space as I have plenty elsewhere).

2. Will this build support streaming at 1020p from Netflix and Hulu and videos I have stored on my NAS? Maybe if I add in an optical drive, play a blu ray disk? Note that I did find another poster ask this question, but no one answered him so I'm reposting for my own and future benefit.

3. Will the power supply support http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1330T94751?

4. The suggested 120 GB ssd listed on the buyer's guide is out of stock on newegg, but I was wondering if I could use any random 120 GB ssd? Something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107

Thanks so much in advance for any help. I hope to be building my first hackintosh soon!

 

[Adrian B]

Hi all,

As the title suggests, this is my first hackintosh build. The build I'm considering is the from http://www.tonymacx86.com/393-building-customac-buyer-s-guide-october-2013.html#mini (Not the deluxe build, but the basic one with Apex MI 008 case). I have a few questions regarding this build. I've tried very hard to do the proper research as many answers before posting so hopefully nothing I've posted is obviously asked already.

1. Is there anything that would prevent me from putting two 120 GB SSD with the help of http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997007 into the case internal 3.5 bay? Are there concerns with psu, mobo support, or something else I've overlooked? My end goal is to install one OS on each disk (I'm not concerned with storage space as I have plenty elsewhere).

That should be fine, see here: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article905-page4.html

2. Will this build support streaming at 1020p from Netflix and Hulu and videos I have stored on my NAS? Maybe if I add in an optical drive, play a blu ray disk? Note that I did find another poster ask this question, but no one answered him so I'm reposting for my own and future benefit.

I have no personal experience here. My understanding from those in the know has always been it is best to use an i7 for streaming, that does not keen that an i3 cannot do it, just that the i7 is the most capable add fit for purpose. Try to do some more research here to satisfy yourself before spending any money.

3. Will the power supply support http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1330T94751?

Yes, no problems :thumb up:

4. The suggested 120 GB ssd listed on the buyer's guide is out of stock on newegg, but I was wondering if I could use any random 120 GB ssd? Something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107

Yes you can use the Kingston SSD in your link - others have used the same model. Make sure the firmware is the latest version.



Adrian B

 

[nobodynose]

Hi all,

As the title suggests, this is my first hackintosh build. The build I'm considering is the from http://www.tonymacx86.com/393-building-customac-buyer-s-guide-october-2013.html#mini (Not the deluxe build, but the basic one with Apex MI 008 case). I have a few questions regarding this build. I've tried very hard to do the proper research as many answers before posting so hopefully nothing I've posted is obviously asked already.

1. Is there anything that would prevent me from putting two 120 GB SSD with the help of http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997007 into the case internal 3.5 bay? Are there concerns with psu, mobo support, or something else I've overlooked? My end goal is to install one OS on each disk (I'm not concerned with storage space as I have plenty elsewhere).

There are no concerns with the PSU or motherboard, but I have personal experience with that particular bracket. I found it bulky and difficult to work with. It will work, but there are plenty of alternatives as well.

2. Will this build support streaming at 1020p from Netflix and Hulu and videos I have stored on my NAS? Maybe if I add in an optical drive, play a blu ray disk? Note that I did find another poster ask this question, but no one answered him so I'm reposting for my own and future benefit.

The i3 has more than enough CPU and graphics power to support 1080p streaming. As long as your network is fast enough, you should have no problems. (I say that because I live in an adobe home with some 16" thick interior walls, and tend to have a lot of wifi problems.)

3. Will the power supply support http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1330T94751?

I don't think you'll have any problems with the power supply adding an optical drive to that system, but I strongly recommend getting a roomier case. Again speaking from personal experience, the Apex MI-008 case is TINY - there is very little room for airflow, cable routing, or even for your hands while you're putting the system together. Airflow is a particular concern when you add an optical drive, because it partially covers the CPU fan. I like the CoolerMaster Elite 130 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119286). And since it doesn't come with a power supply, it gives you the opportunity to buy a better one than the one that comes with the Apex case. I recommend a modular PSU such as this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159087 (a great deal at $24.99 after MIR) -- it will reduce cable clutter in your system.

4. The suggested 120 GB ssd listed on the buyer's guide is out of stock on newegg, but I was wondering if I could use any random 120 GB ssd? Something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107

Yes, any SSD should work fine. I haven't heard much about the Kingston SSDs, but why not go for the HyperX model for better rated performance at the same price as the SSDNow? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820239045)

 

[fidesachates]

Thank you both for your advice. I will do the research you each have suggested and report back in case any future wanderers are curious.

Thanks again!

 

[Going Bald]

Thank you both for your advice. I will do the research you each have suggested and report back in case any future wanderers are curious.

Thanks again!

I have had good success with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997013 bracket and 2 Samsung 840 Pro SSDs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147192