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CustoMacMini that will simply work

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Mar 28, 2011
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Motherboard
MSI GE72 7RD Apache-Clover
CPU
i7-7700HQ/HM175
Graphics
HD630, 1920x1080
I am looking to change from Windows to OS X. I was thinking about buying a late 2012 Mac Mini Server edition, which are available from 500-600 USD and it will simply work out of the box without any worries of it breaking in future updates or anything like that.

I also have an option of creating a Custom Mac Mini. Very much capable of doing that esp. since I have installed OS X on my MSI GE72 laptop recently but here's the thing. I want something which will not require me to tinker with anything or having to worry about updating anything. I want the simplest possible install and maintenance experience. A golden build WITHOUT DSDTs that is.

Can someone suggest the most basic of setups that will just work out of the box with minimal tinkering involved? i.e. Something that involves only running Multibeast once after installation.
 
One of these by HP is as close as you'll get to a plain vanilla macOS install and post install.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C19JAU4/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA7RB70Z4907&cm_re=8300_i7-3770S-_-1VK-001E-0J197-_-Product

Make sure to get the i7-3770S version as you'll need the HD4000 graphics.

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...the-hp-6300-pro-8300-elite-desktop-pc.243272/

The only thing that takes a little extra effort is getting onboard Realtek ALC221 audio working.
If you want easy, just install any mac compatible USB audio solution.

The tiny 60mm fans in these are not as quiet as a Mac Mini so if that is an issue just replace one or both with a Noctua 60mm PWM fan. They can be found on Newegg or Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXTANZ4/?tag=tonymacx86com-20

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=1DR-002N-00002&cm_re=noctua_60x25mm_PWM-_-1DR-002N-00002-_-Product

If this CustoMac will be in a closet somewhere and used as a server you obviously don't need to replace fans. If it will sit right on your desk near the monitor then spend the extra 15 dollars to cool your CPU with a quiet Noctua fan.
 
Last edited:
wow, thanks! Searched it here and it seems, I might be able to get this for as low as $250!
 
wow, thanks! Searched it here and it seems, I might be able to get this for as low as $250!
Yes, you can find lower prices on these. Again, you must get the HD4000 CPU version as you can't install a dedicated graphics card in these. HD2500 is not supported.

Ivy Bridge HD 4000 Graphics CPUs

Intel Core i7 3770

Intel Core i7 3770S

Intel Core i5 3475S

Intel Core i3 3245

Intel Core i3 3225
 
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