- Joined
- May 13, 2013
- Messages
- 8
- Motherboard
- Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H
- CPU
- Intel i7-3770K
- Mac
- Classic Mac
- Mobile Phone
Hello!
I will be starting my first hackintosh build in the next couple months, and have been spending some time doing research into potential build options.
I'm building this machine primarily for video editing (Premiere and After Effects) and 3D modeling and rendering (Blender and Maya). Most of my questions are mainly about my core components (MB, CPU, and GPU), because that is where I am looking for bang-for-my-buck with the type of work I will be doing. I won't use my machine for gaming.
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H or Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5 TH - I am leaning toward the UD5H, because I have read that the wireless and bluetooth do not work (and I would buy a wireless card if I need one, but I'll probably use ethernet), and it is $65 cheaper. I am also hesitant to pay extra for Thunderbolt. I will not have any Thunderbolt displays, but I would like to know if anyone thinks this is worth having (and worth the price tag).
CPU
Intel i7 3770K - This seemed to be generally agreed upon in most builds, but I was wondering why the i7 3820 is $45 cheaper, and if it is worth paying the extra for the 3770K
GPU
This is probably the area where I have the most questions. I want to take advantage of an nVidia card for use with Adobe programs. In my research I found many discussions that seemed to conclude that the GTX 5-series is better for 3D work, however, most of these discussions took place towards the end of last year, and it seems very difficult to find 5-series cards now. Also, the CustoMac: Buyers Guide April 2013 only lists 6-series GPUs. For my purposes should I be looking at the 6-series, or would I be better served looking elsewhere?
In the 6-series, right now I'm looking at the GTX 660 (2 GB or 3 GB) and GTX 660 Ti (2 GB or 3 GB). For the kind of work that I am planning on doing (video editing and 3D), would I benefit more from sticking with a 660 and going with 3 GB or from upping to a 660 Ti and only having 2 GB? Considering the 2-3 GB difference is only about $30, I mainly want to know if the Ti is worth the extra $65-$75.
Also, from the builds I have seen, I am planning on going with EVGA. Any other thoughts on that?
RAM
Corsair Vengeance Blue 16 GB - My only question here is whether to go for the low profile version. This is the RAM i have seen listed for many other builds, but I have read a few posts that say the high profile can get in the way of fans. Any advice here would be appreciated.
SSD
SanDisk Extreme 120 GB - For OS and Applications.
HDD
WesternDigital Green 2 TB - For storage.
Misc.
DVD/Blu-Ray Drive - I'll decide on this later, but any input is appreciated!
Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Advanced - Looks aren't an important detail, but I did like this case and it seems to be a good case.
Power Supply - Also not decided on yet, but I'll figure that out once the core components have been decided. (But once again, any input is greatly appreciated!)
Firewire Card - Found this on No Film School's build, and I'll need it for camcorder video transfer.
Thanks in advance for any answers or guidance!
-Jordan
I will be starting my first hackintosh build in the next couple months, and have been spending some time doing research into potential build options.
I'm building this machine primarily for video editing (Premiere and After Effects) and 3D modeling and rendering (Blender and Maya). Most of my questions are mainly about my core components (MB, CPU, and GPU), because that is where I am looking for bang-for-my-buck with the type of work I will be doing. I won't use my machine for gaming.
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H or Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UP5 TH - I am leaning toward the UD5H, because I have read that the wireless and bluetooth do not work (and I would buy a wireless card if I need one, but I'll probably use ethernet), and it is $65 cheaper. I am also hesitant to pay extra for Thunderbolt. I will not have any Thunderbolt displays, but I would like to know if anyone thinks this is worth having (and worth the price tag).
CPU
Intel i7 3770K - This seemed to be generally agreed upon in most builds, but I was wondering why the i7 3820 is $45 cheaper, and if it is worth paying the extra for the 3770K
GPU
This is probably the area where I have the most questions. I want to take advantage of an nVidia card for use with Adobe programs. In my research I found many discussions that seemed to conclude that the GTX 5-series is better for 3D work, however, most of these discussions took place towards the end of last year, and it seems very difficult to find 5-series cards now. Also, the CustoMac: Buyers Guide April 2013 only lists 6-series GPUs. For my purposes should I be looking at the 6-series, or would I be better served looking elsewhere?
In the 6-series, right now I'm looking at the GTX 660 (2 GB or 3 GB) and GTX 660 Ti (2 GB or 3 GB). For the kind of work that I am planning on doing (video editing and 3D), would I benefit more from sticking with a 660 and going with 3 GB or from upping to a 660 Ti and only having 2 GB? Considering the 2-3 GB difference is only about $30, I mainly want to know if the Ti is worth the extra $65-$75.
Also, from the builds I have seen, I am planning on going with EVGA. Any other thoughts on that?
RAM
Corsair Vengeance Blue 16 GB - My only question here is whether to go for the low profile version. This is the RAM i have seen listed for many other builds, but I have read a few posts that say the high profile can get in the way of fans. Any advice here would be appreciated.
SSD
SanDisk Extreme 120 GB - For OS and Applications.
HDD
WesternDigital Green 2 TB - For storage.
Misc.
DVD/Blu-Ray Drive - I'll decide on this later, but any input is appreciated!
Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 Advanced - Looks aren't an important detail, but I did like this case and it seems to be a good case.
Power Supply - Also not decided on yet, but I'll figure that out once the core components have been decided. (But once again, any input is greatly appreciated!)
Firewire Card - Found this on No Film School's build, and I'll need it for camcorder video transfer.
Thanks in advance for any answers or guidance!
-Jordan
