iMCS Custom Mac Builds

Custom Mac Desktop Builds

CustoMac Mini 2011A lower power CustoMac mini-ITX build in a shoebox-sized case with integrated graphics and a dual-core CPU.

Size and quietness makes it a great HTPC. This is our best selling build!

CPU Intel Core i3-2105

Motherboard Gigabyte

GA-H67N-USB3-B3

Alternate Motherboard Gigabyte

GA-H61N-USB3

RAM CORSAIR 8GB DDR3

Case + Power Supply APEX MI-008 Mini-ITX

CustoMac Budget BuildA mATX midsized desktop build featuring budget-minded parts. Contains a dual-core CPU, mATX form factor,

and integrated graphics.

CPU Intel Core i3-2105


GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3

RAM CORSAIR 8GB DDR3


Case Cooler Master 341

Power Supply Corsair 430w

CustoMac Pro BuildsThese full sized ATX builds have quad-core CPUs, maxed out RAM, and lots of expandability. Well suited for any

demanding uses. We've also included a high-end graphics card.

CPU Intel Core i5-2500K


GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3

Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD 6850

Case Corsair Carbide Series 400R

RAM 16GB Corsair 1600Mhz DDR3

Power Supply Corsair 650watt

CustoMac Pro SSD BuildThis specialized high-end build features a mSATA slot on the board, which you can actually use as a system

drive if you get a compatible mSATA SSD.


CPU Intel Core i7-2600K


GA-Z68XP-UD3

Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD 6870

mSATA SSD 60GB OCZ Nocti Series SATA 3Gb/s

Case Corsair Carbide Series 400R

RAM 16GB Corsair 1600Mhz DDR3

Power Supply Corsair 650watt

Operating SystemThe world's most advanced operating system is available at a bargain price. Purchase Mac OS X Lion via the

Mac App Store, Apple.com, or any retail Apple Store location.

Mac OS X Lion Application Mac App Store

Mac OS X Lion USB Thumb Drive Apple.com

Graphics Cards

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-lion/id444303913?mt=12

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD256?mco=MjQ1NzE3NDM


One of the most important components in a custom build is the graphics card. If you're building a CustoMac, it's

an especially tricky decision. Not only do you have to worry about what will be a good performer for the cost, but

you also have to be informed what is fully supported, and what is not. They may not be the most powerful or

newest cards available, however they are undoubtedly smart and safe options. Please note that older cards may

not be available, and that standard layout, or "reference design" cards are most compatible.

NVIDIA GeForce9400 GT



NVIDIA GeForce9800 GT(NO HDMI)

NVIDIA GeForceGT 210




NVIDIA GeForceGTS 250(NO HDMI)

NVIDIA GeForceGTX 260




NVIDIA GeForce GT 430

NVIDIA GeForceGTS 450




NVIDIA Quadro FX 4000 for Mac


NVIDIAQuadro FX 4800 for Mac

ATI Radeon HD 5570

ATI Radeon HD 5770

ATI Radeon HD 5850

ATI Radeon HD 5870

AMD Radeon HD 6670


AMD Radeon HD 6850

AMD Radeon HD 6870

MotherboardsThese Socket 1155 Z68 motherboards are all good choices with compatible audio, networking, and a range

of port options.

GigabyteGA-Z68A-D3H-B3

ATX, VGA, DVI, HDMI,USB 3.0

GigabyteGA-Z68M-D2H mATX, VGA, DVI, HDMI

GigabyteGA-Z68MA-D2H-B3

mATX, VGA, DVI, HDMI,USB 3.0

GigabyteGA-Z68MX-UD2H-B3

mATX, VGA, DVI, HDMI, DP,USB 3.0, eSATA,

GigabyteGA-Z68P-DS3 ATX, HDMI, eSATA

GigabyteGA-Z68X-UD3H-B3

ATX,VGA, DVI, HDMI, DP,USB 3.0


GigabyteGA-Z68X-UD7-B3

ATX, No Onboard Video,USB 3.0, eSATA, 2x PCIe x16

GigabyteGA-Z68XP-UD3

ATX, HDMI,mSATA, USB 3.0, FireWire

GigabyteGA-Z68XP-UD3-iSSD

ATX, HDMI,mSATA + SSD,USB 3.0, FireWire

Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4

ATX, HDMI,USB 3.0, eSATA, FireWire

GigabyteGA-Z68XP-UD5

ATX, HDMIUSB 3.0, eSATA, FireWire

CPUsWe recommend Sandy Bridge Socket 1155 CPUs with HD 3000 integrated graphics, even if getting a separate

graphics card.

Intel Core i3-21053.1Ghz 2 Cores / 4 Threads

Intel Core i3-21253.3Ghz 2 Cores / 4 Threads

Intel Core i5-2405S2.5Ghz

4 Cores / 4 Threads, Turbo

Intel Core i5-2500K3.3Ghz

4 Cores / 4 Threads, TurboUnlocked for Overclocking






DrivesHard drives are unusually expensive right now, making SSDs a good bet for some users. If you have an

older drive to use with your build, it would be wise to hold off for a month or two. Choose a 1TB or less hard

drive if planning to use Chimera/Chameleon as your bootloader.

500GB Hitachi Deskstar

SATA 3Gb/s

500GB Seagate Barracuda

SATA 6Gb/s

1TB Seagate Barracuda

SATA 6Gb/s

60GB Corsair Force Series 3

SATA 6Gb/s


SATA 6Gb/s


SATA 6Gb/s

120GB OCZ Agility 3

SATA 6Gb/s


240GB OCZ Agility 3

SATA 6Gb/s

8GB USB Flash Drive

Optical Drive Sony Optiarc

Accessories

Apple Wired Keyboard

Apple Wireless Keyboard

Apple Magic Trackpad

Apple Magic Mouse

Jabra A320S USBBluetooth Adapter


Mini-PCIe to PCI-e Adapter(For Native Wifi Card)Broadcom Mini-PCIe Card Not Included

Special Thanks to TonyX86!

iMCS Custom Mac Builds

Technology

Transcript of iMCS Custom Mac Builds