This project has been coming for a while. im a linux guy at heart, but work with Windows much of the day. Well since experiencing Vista on my wifes laptop (thank god my workplace sticks with XP) I know my future for a good GUI lies with either Linux or Apple. Being too tight to just splash out a couple of Thousand $$ to get into Mac to see if I like it I decided a try before I buy. So browsing the local weekly sale at one my favourite local online computer retailers (http://www.ncix.com) I saw an Intel Mini-ITX board and case/PSU, and some RAM…. Figuring I already had A SATA drive and DVD drive for A total extra outlay of $155 im up and running with OSX…
The machine I built is based on the intel Atom D945GCLF2 Mini ITX Motherboard with a dual core Atom chip.
Intel Mini ITX motherboard
It comes as one complete unit with integrated GMA950 gfx chip. Only has a space for 1 DIMM, so I added a 2GB stick. It has 2 SATA and 1 PATA device, onboard sound, graphics, network and USB. Every thing worked on the OSX install, the only thing not working is the mic in on the soundcard. I also dropped in an old cheapo firewire card in the single PCI slot and it was supported!
As to how I installed OSX on this device, I used the really handy guide at http://forum.insanelymac.com/index.php?showtopic=113623 This guide got me a fully working 10.5.4 install and ive been playing with it ever since.
Doesnt look like an Apple
The case my deal came with was a little bit of a tight fit, but with patience I fitted everything in. Noise is low and heat is manageable too. The case is strong to stand an LCD monitor on. Doesn’t look like an Apple but hey that’s not what this about.
So final conclusions, performance probably way below current Mac standards. Compatibility, so far seems about 99% and it serving its purpose, its slowly convincing me of the merit of Macs without risking a serious amount of hard earned cash on the deal. Do I feel guilty? Not a bit, Apple has a long way to go to earn my trust and my $$$. I had the misfortune to be forced to use Macs a couple of time in the mid to early 90s….. I’m breaking a lifelong vow NEVER to use a Mac again. So old bad scars take a long time to mend. But i’m saving for a Mac Pro now…..
October 20, 2008 at 12:57 am
This is quite an interesting project.
What kind of performance do you get from the Atom 330 – in the Finder, for Internet browsing, video playing?
October 20, 2008 at 1:16 am
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October 20, 2008 at 8:28 am
The performance so far is pretty good. I dont have any intensive software such as video editing stuff, but for browsing it awesome. Streams youtube just fine, I can play my Xvid videos with VLC perfectly. And bootup time is so fast, compared to my Dual core Athlon 64 with 2GB of OCZ Ram ETC running XP…this thing is up and running lightning fast. Xbench doesn’t rate this thing that highly, ( I can get figures later) but in real world response its a great little machine. And having 2 SATa and PATA, ive got two drives internally, one being the timemachine backup, no nasty USB external to worry about.
November 4, 2008 at 7:59 am
Hi!
I’m trying to install osx on the same MB that you have.
I’ve download a osx86 install dvd, 10.5.2, I used the guide you have linked, but after the installation the system doesn’t work, I’ve a kernel panic related, seems, to the video card.
Could you tell me which iso did you use to install osx?
Thanks a lot,
Sergej
PS: greetings from italy
November 7, 2008 at 10:23 pm
The isntall I used was Kalyway 10.5.2 DVD image. I did also select the customize button and select the GMA950 drivers…..
November 8, 2008 at 1:49 am
Ok, thanks.
Two questions: did you also update to 10.5.3, and kernel update?
And what about resolution? I have only 1024×768, but I’ve a 19” widescreen monitor, that use 1440×900…
Thanks,
Sergej
November 8, 2008 at 10:11 am
I followed the guide I linked to pretty much to the letter. I did the 10.5.2 DVD, with the customizations required (time machine fix etc) I applied the 10.5.3 update, without the Kernel options. I downloaded the GMA950 patch (follow the link on that article) and applied it, gave me all my resolutions I needed. I then applied the 10.5.4 update as specified (and re-applied the GMA950 patch), and have a fully working 10.5.4 system.
November 8, 2008 at 11:03 am
Ok, thanks. On my pc this doesn’t work.. After the installation of the combo update, and the kernel, I can’t boot…
December 6, 2008 at 1:00 pm
did you do the update -x when rebooting after the 5.3 update?