Please Help me build an Intel i7 system!

cylack · #1 03-09-2009, 02:32 AM

I'm a newb when it comes to the Osx86 but not to Mac OS. Currently running a MacBook Pro Core Duo and am going to build a custom Intel i7 "Nehalem" 920 rig. If you are building from scratch and looking to put together an i7 system that would run around $1200 and (obviously) run OS X with no problems, what components would you choose? I can buy the i7 920 at my local Microcenter in Columbus, Ohio for around $230. What OS X distro would you choose? I've been reading ideneb is the easiest to install for the i7 to work. If you currently have a working i7 system, please recommend:

Motherboard (Gigabyte?)
Video Card (mid to high end modern card good for gaming would be nice)
Internal Wireless Card that supports 802.n
Sound Card
OS X distro (would like a distro that could be upgraded, but easiest install is first priority)

Thanks!

sdh · #2 03-09-2009, 09:41 PM

Hello InfiniteMac hackers!

I've been a Mac user since 2002 and could not live without OS X but Apple's hardware prices got me to looking into this site. I've been to insanelymac and read a bit and the x86 solution seems golden. As the previous poster I'm interested in a i7 setup with a beast of graphics card and speedy ram. Does anyone have any experiences with this processor, and maybe suggestions on good hardware to make the setup as easy as possible?

I hope somone in this great community can help me an cylack out.

EDIT:

Alright cylak, I've managed to figure out some stuff.
For the motherboard you should use Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 X58 because the people at insanelymac are recommending this as a standard, you'll simply get most support with it. I was planning on getting a 1GB GTX 285 video card but as it turns out it's not going to happen (yet), they have no full support at this point. Snow Leopard is probably going to fix this with some GT200 drivers. Many have gotten 512mb 9800gt to work, but I'm unsure about the 1gb so I'll have to keep lurking the forums (I would be grateful if someone could recommend a 1gb PhysX card that works). For installation methods check this out > http://www.insanelymac.com/forum/ind...owtopic=149505