Any MR members build your own computer?

[E.intheC]

We have a 4 year old desktop that has seen better days, and we're looking to upgrade to a Mac. I love that new 27inch iMac, and the Pro is even better.


However, Apple computers are expensive! Not just for the bottom line, but the hardware per $$ is a bit ridiculous. I've been researching, and it looks like you can get 3-4x the hardware for the price if you build your own and run Mac OS-X software. It's a risk, and the option to bring your computer to an Apple Store for repairs goes away, but I'm strongly considering it. I don't want to run Windows. That's not an option at this point.


The last time I built a PC was back in 2001 or so, and my buddy and I built my College-rig. Anyway.. who else builds their own computers?

 

[stbarnabas]

Me

 

[Brando457]

I build all my owner computers, have been since a freshman in high school so about 14/15 years.

With youtube and other guides, the process is easy for the most part. The fact you do not want to use windows though limits you because in essence you'll be running a "hackintosh". I would research various build guides to see what hardware is compatible.

Personally I've always used windows and am currently using 8.1 on my gaming/main pc & windows 7 on my htpc.

Any questions I can answer let me know.

 

[Edv]

IF it's not water cool it's not a real computer OC's all the way to it burns.

 

[duromega]

Eric you can built a computer and run Mac OS X with no problems but you will need specific hardware for that, I did it back-then when I was a teen and couldn't afford a Macintosh probably now hackingtosh runs better back then it wasn't so stable

I run windows on my macbook (some times I need it)
but if I were you I go for a used iMac so save headaches and time running hackingtosh

 

[E.intheC]

Thanks for the replies. I have a question --is it possible to buy a legal copy (not update) of the Mac OS? I have been searching with no luck. Please don't suggest any pirated options because it's not happening.

I've been following the customac site and have an idea regarding the hardware.

It might be a good idea to spend the extra $$ and just buy an iMac but it's a lot of money.

 

[duromega]

I have an original copy of Mac OS X you can have

 

[BioMan]

Yeah don't skimp on that, get a used Mac and buy the upgrades or get them however you can, it's worth it

 

[n3hihz]

I've been building my own computers for 12 years now.

I think it's kind of like reefing. Confusing at first but once you understand possibility is endless

 

[E.intheC]

Are you guys finding issues with reliability and overall stability when you build your own computer?

I'm also looking at windows 8/8.1 but that OS has its problems as well.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Is it really an upgrade to go from PC to Mac? I think not!

 

[bertyboy69]

if you really want to use the mac os , which i personally think is silly but to all thier own , then spend the money and get the imac , hackintosh is more for a tinkerer or someone who just wants to fool around , its most likely nit going to be 100% stable and not really worth it. ive hackintoshed a few laptops and built a full desktop none run as smoothly as an imac does , if you want good hardware speed reliability expanadability and good price then build an awesome pc and run windows , if you want to run mac osx get the shiny expensive machine

 

[n3hihz]

The first computer I built is a P4 and it's still running. Super slow considering the standard now lol once upon a time it's was a beast.
The only issue I had was the first time I attached the heat sink to the processor I didn't spread the thermo paste out well. Which cause it not to disperse heat properly.
So it overheated and shut off. It was an easy fix.
Beauty of pentium and their shut off system to protect your hardware.
AMD if not properly cool will hear up until it melts something.

Personally think building your own is better. No Dell installing some shitty promo program you didn't want, that's running in the background and taking up memory etc.

Never had a stability, reliability, or performance issue. If anything my computer has out done my brother's dell, gateway, and hp.

 

[n3hihz]

Didn't really read the Mac OS part. Personally I've change Mac OS and it's a pain for me. Actually rigged an old Mac to run windows as a program. Windows guy here.

 

[Widdy]

The first computer I built is a P4 and it's still running.

Nothing like be carbon dated first thing in the morning after a long weekend. I feel so old.

+1 too majority of what has been said. Hackintosh works, great for a tinkerer or a proof of concept. I run OSX just fine under VMware, but not ideal for primary desktop. Get a bonafide Mac or stick with Windows.

To answers E's question, stable as a rock. I don't get into the specifics of watercooling or CAS Latency of RAM anymore, those days are over for me. I threw a hodgepodge of parts together so I can play Diablo 3, that was 2 years ago. Solid, only thing I changed since was upgrading the original 120GB SSD to a 250GB model.

G'luck with your decision!

 

[E.intheC]

It looks like windows 8.1 has a desktop option (so you don't have to look at the tiles if you don't want). That makes it much more desirable.

 

[E.intheC]

Nothing like be carbon dated first thing in the morning after a long weekend. I feel so old.

+1 too majority of what has been said. Hackintosh works, great for a tinkerer or a proof of concept. I run OSX just fine under VMware, but not ideal for primary desktop. Get a bonafide Mac or stick with Windows.

To answers E's question, stable as a rock. I don't get into the specifics of watercooling or CAS Latency of RAM anymore, those days are over for me. I threw a hodgepodge of parts together so I can play Diablo 3, that was 2 years ago. Solid, only thing I changed since was upgrading the original 120GB SSD to a 250GB model.

G'luck with your decision!

Widdy, we were typing at the same time.

So, windows it is! I think anyway. ... lol.

Is anyone else using solid state drives for storage? I heard they are much faster but they're also way more expensive. Thoughts?

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Talk about aging yourself quickly, I remember building my Pentium 2, upgrading it several times to make it current.

 

[rookie07]

Sorry to change the topic of the thread.... Anybody else use Prodigy back in the day?

 

[E.intheC]

I remember when there was a difference between a celeron processor and etc. That was a while ago.