tonymacx86 Build - GA-H55N-USB3 - Core i3-530 (Mini-ITX)

[tonymacx86]

tonymacx86 Build - GA-H55N-USB3 - Core i3-530 - GT 240

Mac OS X version 10.6 Snow Leopard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AMHWP8?ie=UTF8

GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003QSAT36?ie=UTF8

EVGA nVidia GeForce GT 240 1 GB DDR3 VGA/DVI/HDMI PCI-Express Video Card 01G-P3-1236-LR
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002WRIBO6?ie=UTF8

Intel Core i3 Processor i3-530 2.93GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I3530
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030DN1GO?ie=UTF8

LITE-ON Slimline CD/DVD Burner DL-8ATS
NOTE: Closest I could find to my actual model- DS8A4S.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6827106322

StarTech.com Female Slimline SATA to SATA Adapter with Power - Serial ATA adapter - Slimline Serial ATA (F) - 22 pin Serial ATA (M)
IMPORTANT- You will need this to use the full-sized SATA power with the slimiine CD/DVD.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002O1W6ZK?ie=UTF8

OCZ DDR3 PC3-10666 Gold Low Voltage Dual Channel OCZ3G1333LV4GK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MOQNHG?ie=UTF8

SilverStone SG05B Mini-ITX/DTX Motherboard Plastic Front Panel Case (Black)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0025VKQ60?ie=UTF8

About This Build:
This entire system was generously donated to me by leftbrain so I could work on trying to get it optimized. Check out this thread for details and updates on my progress with the build.
http://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/customac-mini-install-guide-ga-h55n-usb3-gt-240.10888/

It has a few updated components that Gigabyte is using in all of their new revs. ALC892 Audio functions normally with ALC8xxHDA. The Realtek 8111E Ethernet chip requires Lnx2Mac's RealtekRTL81xx.kext

Comments:
Working 100% in 32/64 bit mode. It's a Mini-ITX sized board (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-ITX). The size is awesome- never had a tiny computer before- it's about the size of a shoebox.


LifeHacker Build: 2011-06-27
LifeHacker has published a video guide and full installation method for the CustoMac Mini! check it out here:

LifeHacker: How to Build a Hackintosh Mini for a Less Expensive, Faster Mac (Based on tonymacx86's CustoMac Mini)
http://lifehacker.com/5815715/how-to-bu ... s-than-600

 

[javimdq]

Hi Tony,

Great build. I have in mind building something like this. I have only one question. As there is no normal PCI slot (I see one PCI-e used for the nvidia card), what solution can be used for wireless USB Airport in native mode if possible?

Other option is to get an Airport Express and connect it using LAN.

Thanks!

 

[Lnx2Mac]

That's a sweet build...

Obviously, you wouldn't need to throw in a Mugen-2 to the 530 (though it would look funny in this tiny board )...

I use the Scythe Big Shuriken on my GA-H55M-S2H + i3-530, and I love it !

Silent as the Mugen-2... A perfect match for an HTPC !

 

[longtom]

Wow, great, thinking to built also something like this....

 

[trugoy]

Hi, I am a just registered to this board.

First of all, I wish to thank you for all your efforts towards a seamless osx installation.

I read your experience with this motherboard and I am really interested in installing a similar configuration (to be sincere I'd like to substitute the VGA with a more up-to-date version such as an Asus ENGT240/DI/512MD3 512MB,PCI-E,DVI,HDMI ).

I haven't any specific experience about installing an hackintosh, but I just bought OSX 10.6.3 in an Apple Store.

In order to install it, can you explain with bios version have you used?
And shall I use your boot image as explain in iBoot + MultiBeast http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2010/04/iboot-multibeast-install-mac-os-x-on.html guide?

Or shall I boot with OS X directly without using your cd as a boot medium?

Thank you in advance!

 

[mikebw]

Nice small build, but no Firewire? What would it take to get FW in a case this size? Are there really no mini-ITX motherboards with on board IEEE 1394?

 

[klische]

The Amazon links to a PCI graphics card. This motherboard required a PCI-Express graphics card.

Just FYI.

 

[tonymacx86]

The Amazon links to a PCI graphics card. This motherboard required a PCI-Express graphics card.

Just FYI.

Thanks! Fixed it

SPARKLE SFPX94GT1024U2 GeForce 9400 GT 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EXC5VO?ie=UTF8

 

[uninc]

Where is the F6 BIOS update? I noticed the available DSDT is for F6? On the gigabyte website latest BIOS reads F5. I'm confused.

 

[klische]

uninc, you're not looking under H55N-USB3, you're looking under something else