Showing posts with label Core i3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Core i3. Show all posts

New CustoMac Buyer's Guide 2012 Coming Soon

Posted by tonymacx86 on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
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Since the introduction of Ivy Bridge Macs last week, we've been getting lots of requests to update our CustoMac Recommended Builds and Buyer's Guide. Have no fear- it's coming soon! We're holding off on recommending specific Ivy Bridge rigs until the support is truly native and in the general release of the operating system. This will make things much easier for everyone- especially first time builders. Keep in mind that although Ivy Bridge support is in the builds of the new Macs, it could be weeks before it's actually hassle-free to install on these rigs. We also think that there are some really exciting new boards coming out very soon incorporating Thunderbolt.

If you have an itchy trigger finger, check out some awesome new builds in the Golden Builds section and the User Builds section of the forum. We also posted a few or our early Ivy Bridge CPU and motherboard recommendations here.

-tonymacx86 & MacMan

Related Posts: 
tonymacx86 Build - GA-Z77-DS3H - Core i7-3770 - GTX 550 Ti [Ivy Bridge]
MacMan Build - GA-X79-UD5 - Core i7-3820 - GTX 560 Ti [Socket 2011]
Building a Sandy Bridge CustoMac: Buyer's Guide
BridgeHelper 5.0: Native Ivy Bridge Kernel & Power Management, USB 3.0, and Intel HD 4000
Apple Reveals 2012 Mac Laptops: How This Helps Us
UniBeast.com   MultiBeast.com   CustoMac.com
For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!

MultiBeast 4.2 Update

Posted by tonymacx86 on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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Today MultiBeast was updated to version 4.2 for Lion. The latest version is now available at tonymacx86.com/downloads. 

Please do not upload or redistribute MultiBeast to any other sites. 

Full list of changes:
  • Added TRIM Enabler to Drivers & Bootloaders > Kexts & Enablers > Disk
  • Added AppleRTC Patch for CMOS Reset to Drivers & Bootloaders > Kexts & Enablers > Miscellaneous (Only needed for previous installs)
  • Updated Chimera to v1.7.0
  • Updated USB 3.0 kext to v1.0.8
  • Updated FakeSMC Plugins > AMD RADEON Plugin
  • Updated FakeSMC Plugins > NVIDIA Plugin
  • Added AppleRTC Patch for CMOS Reset to EasyBeast
  • Added AppleRTC Patch for CMOS Reset to UserDSDT
  • Added AppleRTC Patch for CMOS Reset to Extension Migration Tool
If this utility has helped you, please consider a contribution to support further MultiBeast development. Thanks in advance, and enjoy!  If you have Bug Reports or Feature Requests, please let us know in the MultiBeast section of the forum.

-tonymacx86 & MacMan
For discussions on this and other topics, register today at tonymacx86.com!

Building a Sandy Bridge CustoMac: Buyer's Guide

Posted by tonymacx86 on Friday, November 18, 2011
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Building a custom computer for Mac OS X can be a very rewarding experience, When you choose compatible hardware, the results can be astonishing. Based on our research, all of the components listed in this guide are compatible with Mac OS X. Included are bare bones builds and individual items through which you can design your own custom rig. All builds are fully compatible with UniBeast, have pre-edited DSDTs available in our DSDT Database.

CustoMac Mini 2011
A lower power CustoMac mini-ITX build in a shoebox-sized case with integrated graphics and a dual-core CPU. Size and quietness makes it a great HTPC. Check out the full build post here.

CPU Intel Core i3-2105 Amazon  Newegg
Motherboard Gigabyte
GA-H67N-USB3-B3		  Amazon  Newegg
Alternate Motherboard Gigabyte
GA-H61N-USB3		  Amazon  Newegg
RAM CORSAIR 8GB DDR3 Amazon  Newegg 
Case + Power Supply APEX MI-008 Mini-ITX  Amazon  Newegg

CustoMac Budget Build
A mATX midsized desktop build featuring budget-minded parts. Contains a dual-core CPU, mATX form factor, and integrated graphics.

CPUIntel Core i3-2105Amazon  Newegg
MotherboardGigabyte
GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3		Amazon  Newegg
 RAMCORSAIR 8GB DDR3Amazon  Newegg
Case
Cooler Master 341 Amazon  Newegg
Power SupplyCorsair 430w Amazon  Newegg

CustoMac Pro Builds
These full sized ATX builds have quad-core CPUs, maxed out RAM, and lots of expandability. Well suited for any demanding uses. We've also included a high-end graphics card.

CPUIntel Core i5-2500KAmazon  Newegg
MotherboardGigabyte
GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3		Amazon  Newegg
Graphics Card
AMD Radeon HD 6850
Amazon  Newegg
Case Corsair Carbide Series 400RAmazon  Newegg
 RAM16GB Corsair 1600Mhz DDR3Amazon  Newegg 
Power Supply
Corsair 650watt Amazon  Newegg

This specialized high-end build features a mSATA slot on the board, which you can actually use as a system drive if you get a compatible mSATA SSD.

CPUIntel Core i7-2600KAmazon  Newegg
MotherboardGigabyte
GA-Z68XP-UD3		Amazon  Newegg
Graphics Card
AMD Radeon HD 6870
 Amazon  Newegg
mSATA SSD
 60GB OCZ Nocti Series SATA 3Gb/s
Amazon  Newegg
Case
Corsair Carbide Series 400R
Amazon  Newegg
RAM16GB Corsair 1600Mhz DDR3Amazon  Newegg 
Power Supply
Corsair 650watt Amazon  Newegg

Operating System
The world's most advanced operating system is available at a bargain price. Purchase Mac OS X Lion via the Mac App Store, Apple.com, or any retail Apple Store location.

 Mac OS X Lion ApplicationMac App Store
Mac OS X Lion USB Thumb DriveApple.com

Graphics Cards
One of the most important components in a custom build is the graphics card. If you're building a CustoMac, it's an especially tricky decision. Not only do you have to worry about what will be a good performer for the cost, but you also have to be informed what is fully supported, and what is not.

The following graphics card examples are all natively compatible with Mac OS X Lion without modifying drivers. Each gives a range of port options, install compatibility, and are known to work with minimal configuration. They may not be the most powerful or newest cards available, however they are undoubtedly smart and safe options. Be sure to check case dimensions before purchasing, as some higher end cards are very long. Please note that older cards may not be available, and that standard layout, or "reference design" cards are most compatible. 


Note: NVIDIA GeForce 4xx and 5xx cards will need the Combo OpenCL Enabler available in the latest MultiBeast. Details here.

NVIDIA GeForce
9400 GT		Amazon  Newegg
 NVIDIA GeForce
9500 GT		Amazon  Newegg
NVIDIA GeForce
9600 GT		Amazon
NVIDIA GeForce
9800 GT
(NO HDMI)		Amazon
NVIDIA GeForce
GT 210		Amazon  Newegg
NVIDIA GeForce
GT 220		Amazon  Newegg
NVIDIA GeForce
GT 240		Amazon  Newegg 
NVIDIA GeForce
GTS 250
(NO HDMI)		Amazon  Newegg
NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 260		Amazon  Newegg
NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 275		Amazon
NVIDIA GeForce
GTX 285		Amazon
GeForce GT 430Amazon  Newegg
GeForce GTS 450Amazon  Newegg
GeForce GTX 460Amazon  Newegg
GeForce GTX 470Amazon  Newegg
GeForce GTX 480Amazon  Newegg 
GeForce GT 520Amazon  Newegg
GeForce GTX 550tiAmazon  Newegg
 GeForce GTX 560Amazon  Newegg
GeForce GTX 560tiAmazon  Newegg
GeForce GTX 570Amazon  Newegg
GeForce GTX 580Amazon  Newegg
NVIDIA 
Quadro FX 4000
 for Mac		Amazon 
NVIDIA
Quadro FX 4800 
for Mac		Amazon 
 ATI Radeon 
HD 5570		Amazon  Newegg
 ATI Radeon 
HD 5770 		 Newegg
ATI Radeon 
HD 5850 		Amazon
ATI Radeon 
HD 5870 		Amazon
AMD Radeon 
HD 6670 		Amazon
AMD Radeon 
HD 6850 		Amazon  Newegg
AMD Radeon 
HD 6870		 Amazon  Newegg


Motherboards
These Socket 1155 Z68 motherboards are all good choices with compatible audio, networking, and a range of port options. 

Gigabyte
GA-Z68A-D3H-B3		ATX, VGA, DVI, HDMI,
USB 3.0		Amazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68M-D2H		mATX, VGA, DVI, HDMIAmazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3		mATX, VGA, DVI, HDMI,
USB 3.0		Amazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3		mATX, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DP,
USB 3.0, eSATA, 		Amazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68P-DS3		ATX, HDMI, eSATAAmazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3 		ATX,VGA, DVI, HDMI, DP,
USB 3.0 		Amazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68X-UD7-B3		ATX, No Onboard Video,
USB 3.0, eSATA, 2x PCIe x16		Amazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68XP-UD3		ATX, HDMI,
mSATA, USB 3.0, FireWire		Amazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68XP-UD3-iSSD		ATX, HDMI,
mSATA + SSD,
USB 3.0, FireWire		Amazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
 GA-Z68XP-UD4
ATX, HDMI,
USB 3.0, eSATA, FireWire 		Amazon  Newegg
Gigabyte
GA-Z68XP-UD5		ATX, HDMI
USB 3.0, eSATA, FireWire 		Amazon  Newegg

CPUs
We recommend Sandy Bridge Socket 1155 CPUs with HD 3000 integrated graphics, even if getting a separate graphics card. 

Intel Core i3-2105
3.1Ghz		2 Cores / 4 ThreadsAmazon  Newegg 
Intel Core i3-2125
3.3Ghz		2 Cores / 4 ThreadsAmazon  Newegg
Intel Core i5-2405S
2.5Ghz		4 Cores / 4 Threads, TurboAmazon  Newegg
Intel Core i5-2500K
3.3Ghz		4 Cores / 4 Threads, Turbo
Unlocked for Overclocking		Amazon  Newegg
Intel Core i7-2600K
3.4Ghz		4 Cores / 8 Threads, Turbo
Unlocked for Overclocking		Amazon  Newegg
Intel Core i7-2700K
3.5Ghz		4 Cores / 8 Threads, Turbo
Unlocked for Overclocking		 Amazon  Newegg

Drives
Hard drives are unusually expensive right now, making SSDs a good bet for some users. If you have an older drive to use with your build, it would be wise to hold off for a month or two. Choose a 1TB or less hard drive if planning to use Chimera/Chameleon as your bootloader.

500GBHitachi Deskstar
SATA 3Gb/s		Amazon  Newegg
500GB
Seagate Barracuda
SATA 6Gb/s		Amazon  Newegg
1TBSeagate Barracuda
SATA 6Gb/s		Amazon  Newegg
60GB Corsair Force Series 3
 SATA 6Gb/s		 Amazon  Newegg
120GB Corsair Force Series 3
 SATA 6Gb/s		 Amazon  Newegg
240GB Corsair Force Series 3
 SATA 6Gb/s		 Amazon  Newegg
120GBOCZ Agility 3
SATA 6Gb/s		Amazon
240GBOCZ Agility 3
SATA 6Gb/s		Amazon
8GBUSB Flash DriveAmazon  Newegg
Optical 
Drive		 Sony Optiarc Amazon  Newegg

Accessories
Apple Wired KeyboardAmazon
Apple Wireless Keyboard
Amazon
Apple Magic Trackpad
Amazon
Apple Magic Mouse
Amazon
Jabra A320S USB
Bluetooth Adapter
Amazon
Mini-PCIe to PCI-e Adapter
(For Native Wifi Card)
Broadcom Mini-PCIe Card Not Included
Amazon

Remember, when building your own rig, it's easy to get frustrated- don't give up! There are users with similar specs in the tonymacx86 Forum to help you out if you get stuck. 

Oh, and don't forget, if you end up buying anything, click through one of the links here. That way, you'll be supporting the site, as well as getting the best prices. Thanks in advance! 

Good luck, and let us know how it goes!