- Joined
- Nov 26, 2016
- Messages
- 11
- Motherboard
- Gigabyte GA-Z170X Designare
Kuke's Build: Z170X Designare - i7-6700K - GTX 950
Components
Intel Core i7 6700K CPU
Corsair H105 CPU Cooler
GIGABYTE Designare Z170x Motherboard
Ballistix Sport LT 16GB RAM
GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 950 Xtreme Graphics Card
Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD (x2)
Seagate 7200RPM 1TB HDD
Corsair AX760 Power Supply
NZXT H440 Mid Tower Case
Fenvi Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/Handoff/Continuity Card
Comments
Introduction
After my MacBook Pro gave out on me in the middle of a recording session with a client, I figured a CustoMac was worth the research. It took a lot of work to get my machine up and running with no hiccups but it was worth it. The only issues I see with this machine are slight problems with my audio interface as well as an occasional kernel panic at start up that requires a restart to fix. These same issues with my interface occurred with my MacBook Pro and a cold reboot is all that is necessary.
The Build
The primary focus of this build was to create a well equipped Pro Tools rig that can handle large sessions with no errors as well as video editing and post production with Adobe software such as Premiere and After Effects. On the more casual side, I wanted to use Windows for occasional music production and gaming. As of today my machine is stable as ever with working Graphics, Audio, Wi-Fi, BT, Handoff, USB-C, Sleep, and even iMessage.
My studio is dependent on Avid's Mbox 3 Pro audio interface which, as some of you may know, uses a legacy FireWire connection. Previously, this FireWire cable worked on Sierra via an adapter for the TB2 port on my old MacBook Pro. My only chance for success was to throw another TB3 adapter on the TB2 adapter that connected to my Mbox's FireWire port. (I know, I know.)
If anyone has read up on successful USB-C/TB3 builds, they require a driver to be installed on a Windows partition that activates the port on your Z170 board. Once this is worked out, you may use USB-C devices on your CustoMac.
Installation
Refer to the typical OS install instructions here. I installed Windows on one SSD and got my rig working 100% on that OS first before I installed Sierra.
If you are using a similar build and would like to get USB-C working, check out this guide.
When using NVIDIA graphic acceleration, check out this guide here to start.
Conclusion
My machine has been working with no issues after trouble shooting and browsing the forum. As far as audio, once I installed the Mbox 3 Pro drivers for my audio interface I had no issues. Occasionally I get a kernel panic on start up but upon restart there is no issue. Should anyone have any idea how this is fixed please let me know. Every system is different and requires different methods to get up and running. If anyone has any questions about my build please ask me. I would love to help however I can.