Build an iMac or Mac Pro?

What you want to create is called a "Hackintosh", thus the following links apply.

InsanelyMac Forum

InsanelyMac Hardware Database

Hackintosh.com

OSx86 Project - "the undisputed leader in information regarding OS X on x86 hardware and Apple's Intel transition."
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Ummm, I don't think you're going to be able to build a mac... Just hackintosh

 

If you bought a logicboard with the processor couldn't you in fact build a Mac? The optical drive, memory and hard drive don't really matter. The case of course you have to hack in order to accommodate the logicboard.

But in the end wouldn't you have an ugly Mac?

Or am I forgetting something?

 

The duo core processors may be going obsolete but I can guarantee that a 2010 MBP with the i7 will last you a good 3 4 or even 5 years depending on your needs.

So lets say you get a 2010 i7 (Which I have by the way) for $800 and kept it for 3 years by which time you should be able to save or even be making enough to buy a new one, it will have served you quite well.

There in lies the difference between buying a mediocre Windows laptop and a Macbook Pro. The Macbook Pro will last for years where as a Windows laptop doesn't usually last as long.

There are comments by many users around here who are are very happy with their 2006, 2007 and 2008 MBP's. Of course a lot does depend on what your needs are.

I use Photoshop extensively and have no issues with how it runs on my 2010 MBP. I upgraded RAM to 8GB's to get a boost in performance and installed an SSD, but even without these upgrades the 2010 i7 MBP is a very capable computer that would last you a while.

 

Hmm TBH OP $1000 is fairly cheap for a decent windows machine, let alone a mac. Perhaps you should lower your expectations or get a few hundred more dollars.

 

You could try Craigslist but make sure you can meet the person in person and even better meet them at an Apple store where you can have it thoroughly checked out and be safe at the same time. I'm not the paranoid type but when dealing with someone you don't know it's always best to take every precaution.

 

I am sorry I didn't mean to offend you. Being english I am used to paying a good deal more than you for computers. I have never built a windows PC worth owning for less than 2 thousand pounds, and I have built 5 or 6 in the last 12 years or so, but I have never built a PC for less than £2000; A CPU is at least £400, a MB is £200, video cards cost £300 each and a decent PC needs 2 of those, a couple of HDDs for £100 each, a decent case is £100, a PSU is nearly £100, memory is £200, a decent monitor is £500 or so, mouse for £80, a keyboard is £90. That is why I think owning a mac is a cheap option compared to building a decent PC. I hope whatever you decide to do makes you happy. BUt please don't try to tell me that a mac is expensive. No doubt you think it a little unfair that I have chosen top end-ish hardware to build my hypothetical windows PC but by buying a Mac you get a top-end computing experience, so I think the comparison is fair.

doris

 

Unless he's Chinese...

 

Haha, folks think I am a lady just on account of me being called doris. But as I said I think a PC is a costly experience in the long run. Thanks for being so understanding about my posts. I hope you are happy whatever you choose to do. If you need any extra help contact me at doktordoris@me.com.

cheerio

doris (which is short for Dorian, a blokes name)

 

Then this is my lucky day

 

Mac Mini.

That is all.

 

Check out the mac pro section of the forum, several users including me have built mac pro's with apple parts.