Jmpa's Mini Build: i3 3225 | H77N-WIFI | HD4000

[jmpa]

Jmpa's Mini Build: i3 3225 | H77N-WIFI | HD4000

Components

Apple OS X Mountain Lion @ Mac Apps Store
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-mountain-lion/id537386512?mt=12

GIGABYTE GA-H77N-WIFI LGA 1155
http://www.amazon.es/dp/B009GB87KO/

INTEL I3-3225 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000
http://www.amazon.es/dp/B008F65MR2/

CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile Desktop Memory Model
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

INTEL 330 Series - SSD, 2.5", 60 GB
http://www.amazon.es/dp/B007P3RMLK/

LIAN LI PC-Q09A Case with 120w external PSU (not avaiable right now on amazon/newegg)
http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/produc...ex=414&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=63&g=f


Already Owned

SEAGATE MOMENTUS 5400.6 500GB 5400RPM 8MB SATA II 2.5
http://www.amazon.es/dp/B0035G0J2A/


Comments

This was my 3rd custom mac. I initially build a Sandy Bridge (Z68) ATX and micro ATX size for work purposes. I got so surprised and satisfied how these systems work that made me build a smaller one for daily use.
So I decided build the CustoMac Mini from Buyer's Guide. I chose that case because I wanted a small size pc and a quiet build. That case comes with 120w external psu (no noise at all) and I enjoyed a lot the layout and how it looks.

I really like the h77 gigabyte mini itx motherboard. It have nice specifications and works great in Windows7/8 and ML.
I am using HD4000 and so far it's working very well, no problems at all and seems has more than enough power for the purposes of that mini build.
I'm also still using the stock Intel cooler. I may go for a silent cooler because the stock Intel is a little noisy (thinking in buy Noctua NH-L9i).

Installation

Installation was really simple. What I did:
1. Build the machine.
2. Connect the UniBeast USB stick at USB 2.0 ports
3. Load Default Settings on BIOS. I just change:
- Profile1 - to make my 8gb ram work at 1600mhz (instead of default 1333mhz)
- Intel Virtualization Technology - Enable (to be able to use Parallels)
- EHCI Hand-off - enabled
More details follow that guide - http://www.tonymacx86.com/99-quick-guide-configuring-uefi-gigabyte-s-7-series-lga-1155-boards.html
4. Install OS X.
5. Launch MultiBeast. Select the following options:

MultiBeast Configuration

Conclusions/Results

I am really happy how that build works. Everything is working great, like sleep/wake, audio, ethernet. I got surprised by the high Geekbench score.

Issue:
Delay to recognize USB mouse and keyboard (about 5 seconds) when it boot or wake from sleep. I made some tests and I found it is related with Ethernet ports. If you don't have Ethernet cable that delay will happen. If you plug the Ethernet cable to the 1st Ethernet port on motherboard it will also happen. But if you use the 2nd Ethernet port on motherboard, like in DBP Build (see link below) you will NOT notice that delay on USB. Another fix is connect USB mouse and keyboard on USB 3.0 ports.
http://www.tonymacx86.com/user-buil...d-core-i3-3225-ga-h77n-wifi-2.html#post531052

Photos

 

[FNwoz]

Just wanted to say thanks for the trick of plugging into the second Network port. I was having the exact same issue and just dealing with it. I am running an almost identical setup to you except I have the Z77N. Also my ram is 2133. I was able to increase my ram speed to 2000 just by turning it up on the regular ram settings (not profile 1 or XMP). My geek bench was 8630 which I was impressed with. I will probably post my build this weekend. Have you tested audio over HDMI? I believe you need DSDT for that. That is the only thing I haven't done.

 

[jmpa]

Just wanted to say thanks for the trick of plugging into the second Network port. I was having the exact same issue and just dealing with it. I am running an almost identical setup to you except I have the Z77N. Also my ram is 2133. I was able to increase my ram speed to 2000 just by turning it up on the regular ram settings (not profile 1 or XMP). My geek bench was 8630 which I was impressed with. I will probably post my build this weekend. Have you tested audio over HDMI? I believe you need DSDT for that. That is the only thing I haven't done.

Glad that trick also worked with you
I didn't test HDMI audio yet. Definitely you need DSDT (you can found it here in DSDT Database).

 

[loginfailed]

Delay to recognize usb mouse and keyboard (about 5 seconds) when it boot or wake from sleep. I made some tests and I found it is related with ethernet ports. If you don't have ethernet cable that delay will happen. If you plug the ethernet cable to the 1st ethernet port on motherboard it will also happen. But if you use the 2nd ethernet port on motherboard, like in DBP Build (see link below) you will NOT notice that delay on usb. Another fix is connect usb mouse and keyboard on USB 3.0 ports.

Thanks. I had built my machine a while back and its had the same symptom. Until now. I appreciate it.

 

[DBP]

Very cute: my choice of LAN port was completely arbitrary!

 

[jmpa]

Very cute: my choice of LAN port was completely arbitrary!

Lol DBP, I read all your guides (are really good btw) and on that one you didn't seem to have any delay on usb. So I thought, let's try on same ethernet port as you, and it worked

 

[cvnn00]

I built a computer for a friend just yesterday with the same MB and CPU, the result was excellent! Even updated to 10.8.2 without any problem!

 

[lweithers]

I was having some trouble with BIOS settings and MultiBeast was failing to finish until I read this thread.

Reloaded the optimal BIOS settings made the tweaks suggested and then ran MultiBeast with the settings below and all went smoothly.

Many thanks

LW

i3 3225
Gigabyte H77N - HD400
SanDisk Extreme 120 SSD
Corsair Vengeance RAM
Coolermaster Elite 120 Case ( nice imo)

 

[vitok]

waw nice build. im ordering parts right now and wanted to go with apple long time ago but its expanse to buy good mac, thanks to you guys ill build my own mac. will keep you guys updated.

 

[hermiot]

I've read that WOL is not available with this board. Have you tried?
Thanks!