[Toshi]

Newer OS X install method since the last time I looked, iBoot:

http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2010/04/iboot-multibeast-install-mac-os-x-on.html

 

[Toshi]

… and a supposedly supported nice configuration!

http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2010/08/building-customac-customac-pro-2010.html

Some verification from the comments that it works:

The setup is working beautifully (all components are the same as in the list). Motherboard was rev 2-0.

I followed these 2 guides for dual boot to Win7 and Snow Leopard.

Guide 1 (Setup):
http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2010/04/iboot-multibeast-install-mac-os-x-on.html

Guide 2 (Dual Boot Guide): http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2009/11/dual-boot-windows-7-and-os-x-snow.html

Guide 3 (OS X):
http://www.tonymacx86.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4837&start=0&sid=13f33a9d4bd9649811805376ad2014b5

Steps followed:

- Step 1 from Guide 1
- Step 1 and 2 from Guide 2
- All the points/steps from Guide 3
- Step 6 from Guide 2

From the first attempt itself, all worked fine, except for the following:

- Audio through HDMI in OS X (In Win 7, works fine)
- Wake up from sleep (Currently it does not wake up from sleep and hence have set "Never" in System Preferences)
- Yet to figure out how to make it wireless (through PCI slot or USB)

 

[bean]

I think he meant build a cheap AMD machine and put Windows on it.

I understand the monitor thing. For when I'm not using the MBP, I've got a desktop with a pair of 1600x1200 View Sonic VP2030b monitors.

 

[Toshi]

http://amzn.com/w/292WU1XRYXB6P

$1163.70 at today's amazon.com prices. Hmm.

 

[Sghost]

CPU: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0331303

Paste: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150080&cm_re=shin_etsu-_-35-150-080-_-Product
*Arctic 5 is now old school, this is way better

GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873&cm_re=5770-_-14-102-873-_-Product

That board will come with a bag that doubles as a static mat.

A corsair H50 or H70 would be up your alley for a CPU cooler also.

 

[Toshi]

Thanks for the links/prices/tips. Down to $1055.70 assuming the MIR on the video card.

 

[Toshi]

I downsized some more after reading the latest update of the Ars Technica system guide: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/guides/2010/09/the-ars-system-guide-september-2010-edition.ars

Now down to $814.20! That's seeming much more attainable...

 

[valve bouncer]

I'm also in the market at around the $1200 mark (100,000 yen) except in a windows version and everything I've read is that the i5 quad cores hit the spot as far as price versus performance goes. Now getting Mrs VB to part with the cash, that's the hard bit.

 

[Toshi]

I downsized some more after reading the latest update of the Ars Technica system guide: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/guides/2010/09/the-ars-system-guide-september-2010-edition.ars

Now down to $814.20! That's seeming much more attainable...

Below $800, assuming the Newegg price on the i5-760 pans out.

I'm still hesitant. The wife says "ok, if that's what you want" but it's tough to pull the trigger. Probably should wait until we move officially into the new house next weekend so as to not have packages headed to the wrong direction, I suppose.

 

[Toshi]

I'm also in the market at around the $1200 mark (100,000 yen) except in a windows version and everything I've read is that the i5 quad cores hit the spot as far as price versus performance goes. Now getting Mrs VB to part with the cash, that's the hard bit.

Ah, the strong yen biting you in the ass (assuming computer parts are denominated in USD). I remember when then yen was 120 to the dollar not so long ago.

 

[valve bouncer]

Actually nothing I'm looking it is Japanese (at least made in Japan) so the strong yen is probably helping at the moment. Yen is due for a big correction though so I might make that part of my spiel to Mrs VB.

 

[Sghost]

Case + PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&ItemList=Combo.491448

I understand what your going for with the quiet cases...but its a load that's just taking advantage of people. In a good case your not going to hear the PSU, CPU, or case fans, only your GPU at a close to max fan speed.

Remember, newegg is no tax to NY, and Amazon is no tax to NJ, but both have shipping hubs close.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0341729

If you walk into microcenter with print outs, they will most likely price match also.

 

[Toshi]

I finally ordered all the stuff tonight. Microcenter was out of stock on the processor so I did everything on amazon save for the token thermal paste from newegg. I had to pay tax but that's ok--technically everyone should be doing this anyway.

I'll keep everyone updated with how this turns out, of course.