I have interest in building a CustoMac Pro 2012

[flopperr999]

Hey all, long time lurker, trying to understand what it takes to make a build and was looking to see if there was any things I should know before taking the plunge. I was really happy with the first release of ML (I've used it on my MBP since day one) and have had little to zero problems.

In light of the release of the Buyer's Guide this morning, I think it's safe to say that I'll be sticking to just that:

OS: OSX Mountain Lion
Mac App Store

CPU: Intel Core i7 3700
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SZ0EHE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20

MOBO: GA-Z77X-UD5H
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007R21JK4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20

GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 560
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KZHRAM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20

RAM: (x2)
16GB Corsair
1600Mhz DDR3
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EWUO22/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20

HDD & SSD:
Seagate Barracuda
SATA 6Gb/s
1TB HDD
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IZN3YI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20

SanDisk Extreme
SATA 6Gb/s
120GB SSD
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EKJCWM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20

CASE:
Corsair Carbide
500R
http://www.amazon.com/gp/B005E983JW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20
If i change my mind, I just have to make sure it supports ATX form factor right?

PSU:
Corsair 650watt
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LVUPZQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20

Wifi Card:
TP-Link PCI Express
Wifi Adapter
(TL-WDN4800)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007GMPZ0A/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20



If you haven't noticed, this is basically an exact copy of the guide that came out today. I've chosen these parts because I want to nearly guarantee that that these will work. Hopefully those with knowledge can shed some light on the parts I've chosen, perhaps recommend better ones.

My main concern is selecting the best motherboard. For instance in the guide, Tony has selected three motherboards, and I would like to know what I am gaining/missing out on by not choosing the other two:
GA-Z77X-UP4-TH
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LTB3KS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20
GA-Z77X-UP5-TH
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LTB3QW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20


About the CPU, I think I'm happy with my choice because I don't really have an interest in overclocking this machine, so I've opted out from the unlocked core.


Just a couple of questions:
I should be able to run three monitors with the GPU correct? 2 dvi and 1 hdmi mini?

Is there an explicit guide to properly assembling these parts? I would prefer not to be on my own 0.0

Is configuring the HDD and SSD as hard at it sounds?

Will I have an option for Thunderbolt devices?

How about compatible Audio, and possibly ethernet if the wifi card isn't best suited for me?

Thank you all very much for your help!!

flopperr999

 

[KidCastro]

If Tony recommends it, it will work 100% so go for it.

 

[Mate94]

The build is good.

1st answer: No, on OS X only two monitors work on GTX 5xx series cards.
2nd answer: Any IT shops in the near are available?
3rd answer: Nope.
4th answer: With this motherboard you won't.
5th...: They are the best.

 

[flopperr999]

Thanks for the response Mate. Just a couple more questions:

Time machine compatibly?
Sleep working?
Thermal paste included with processor?

Finally, are there any other recommended boards in the buyers guide that support thunderbolt?

Thanks so much

Flopperr999
(on my iPhone, sorry for spelling errors)

 

[thelostswede]

Sleep works, no idea about timemachine and the stock CPU cooler comes with thermal paste on it, but I'd get a better cooler, as it's a piece of junk.

The GA-Z77X-UP5 TH works quite nicely with OS X, but do note that you can't hot-plug Thunderbolt devices, at least not yet. It's also a rather expensive board compared to the UD5H.

 

[flopperr999]

Thank you for the quick response. Any CPU coolers to recommend? Thank you very much

 

[flopperr999]

Sorry, mispost here, meant to post in my other thread...move along... (or answer my question above..hehe)

But I can assure you this is not a bump...sorry mods, feel free to delete this post if you'd like.

 

[Coupz]

Thank you for the quick response. Any CPU coolers to recommend? Thank you very much

Almost every aftermarket cooler is better in terms of noise.

Hyper Evo 212+ is recommended here. Noctua is pricy but reaaaaallly good.

 

[flopperr999]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO

This one here?

Thank you

 

[jester969]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO

This one here?

Thank you

That is the EVO edition. Just a upgraded product from the Hyper 212 Plus

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065