Building a Sandy Bridge CustoMac: Recommended Builds for OS X

Posted by tonymacx86 on Sunday, June 26, 2011
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Last week Mac OS X was updated to version 10.6.8, with native kernel support for Sandy Bridge. It's now a snap to get these systems up and running with a retail Mac OS X Snow Leopard installation. At long last here are recommendations for fully compatible Socket 1155 builds running Mac OS X as the primary operating system.

All builds are fully compatible with the default iBoot + MultiBeast method. Each configuration has a pre-edited DSDT available in our DSDT Database. And best of all, upon the release of OS X Lion, all will be fully updateable. 

All Builds Include:
  • Gigabyte LGA 1155 Motherboard
  • 2011 Intel Core i-series "Sandy Bridge" Dual-Core or Quad-Core CPU 
  • 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB of RAM
  • 1 TB Hard Drive
  • Optical Drive
  • Case
  • Power Supply
  • Mac OS X Snow Leopard Retail DVD
Not Included:
  • Monitor 
  • USB Keyboard and Mouse
  • Wifi / Bluetooth
We've included all components besides monitor, keyboard and mouse, as any standard ones will do. You can use these recommendations as a jumping off point for further customization, or as a shopping list. Prices reflect lowest totals available on Amazon.com as of June 2011, and do not include shipping, tax, or rebates.

Sandy Bridge CustoMac Build #1
$442.35
CPU: Intel Core i3-2105 with Intel HD 3000 Graphics - Amazon  Newegg 
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H67M-D2 - Amazon / Newegg
RAM: Corsair XMS3 4 GB 1333mhz DDR3 (4GB) - Amazon / Newegg 
Case: Cooler Master Elite 341  - Amazon / Newegg
Power Supply: Corsair CX430 - Am44.99azon / Newegg
Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc - Amazon / Newegg  
Hard Drive: Seagate 1 TB 7200RPM - Amazon / Newegg
Installation DVD: Mac OS X Snow Leopard
  


Sandy Bridge CustoMac Build #2
$730.33
CPU: Intel Core i5-2400 - Amazon / Newegg  
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H67MA-UD2H-B3 - Amazon / Newegg
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 5770 - Amazon / Newegg
RAM: Corsair XMS3 4 GB 1333mhz DDR3 (4GB) - Amazon / Newegg 
Case: Cooler Master Elite 341  - Amazon / Newegg
Power Supply:  OCZ 500 watt ModXStream Pro - Amazon / Newegg
Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc - Amazon / Newegg  
Hard Drive: Seagate 1 TB 7200RPM - Amazon / Newegg  
Installation DVD: Mac OS X Snow Leopard





Sandy Bridge CustoMac Build #3
$850.52
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K - Amazon / Newegg  
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3 - Amazon / Newegg
Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 6850 - Amazon / Newegg
RAM: Corsair Vengence Blu 1600Mhz DDR3 (8GB) - Amazon / Newegg 
Case: Cooler Master Elite 341 - Amazon / Newegg
Power Supply: OCZ 500watt ModXStream Pro - Amazon / Newegg
Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc - Amazon / Newegg
Hard Drive: Seagate 1 TB 7200RPM - Amazon / Newegg  
Installation DVD: Mac OS X Snow Leopard
 


Sandy Bridge CustoMac Build #4
$1232.79
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K - Amazon / Newegg
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD5-B3 - Amazon / Newegg

Can't find this particular board? Check out Updated Compatible Z68 Motherboards

Graphics Card: AMD Radeon HD 6870 - Amazon / Newegg 
RAM: Corsair Vengence Blu 1600Mhz DDR3 (16GB) - Amazon / Newegg 
Case: Cooler Master Elite 370 - Amazon / Newegg
Power Supply: OCZ 600watt ModXStream Pro - Amazon / Newegg
Optical Drive: Sony Optiarc - Amazon / Newegg    
Hard Drive: Seagate 1 TB 7200RPM - Amazon / Newegg    
Installation DVD: Mac OS X Snow Leopard



Optional Accessories


Asus USB 2.0 Bluetooth Adapter: $9.99


Optional Upgrades

OCZ 120 GB Agility 3 SSD SATA 6.0 Gbps 2.5" Sold State Drive: $224.99

Scythe Shuriken CPU Cooler: $29.95
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 above or in the sidebar. 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!

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