Building an Intel Mac from scratch?

[SSpiro]

I need to setup an OSX Server to learn with at my house, as I begin my path with the ACTC..

I've read a lot of links on building a G4 machine from scratch, but not interested in that. I'd like to setup an intel OSX machine by scratch..

Any good links or reads?

 

[gauchogolfer]

I'm going to assume your intentions are good, but you should know that the license for OS X forbids you from installing it on non-Apple hardware. As such, I don't think you'll be able to get help for that here on these boards.

 

[synth3tik]

would seem to be a rather big affair. Apple parts are really not avalable like PC parts.

 

[SSpiro]

Fair enough.. I guess I can always save to buy a mini or something to learn with.

I just have so many PC parts and cases and stuff laying around.. I would just need the mobo and processor and ram..

But I understand RE: the licensing.

 

[synth3tik]

If your doing this through a school, you should get a nice discount with either a Student discount, or ADC discount if your a member.

 

[SSpiro]

If your doing this through a school, you should get a nice discount with either a Student discount, or ADC discount if your a member.

Just used my student discount on my MBP

 

[synth3tik]

You get 1 partable, 1 desktop and 1 mini purchase per calender year, as long as you got the moneys

 

[Xander562]

In theory you COULD do it, but it would require a lot of emulation, and then run so unbearably slow it wouldn't be worth it.

All in all it would just be more trouble than it's worth. Just go and buy a mac.

Also it's illegal.

 

[localoid]

I need to setup an OSX Server to learn with at my house, as I begin my path with the ACTC..

I've read a lot of links on building a G4 machine from scratch, but not interested in that. I'd like to setup an intel OSX machine by scratch..

Any good links or reads?

As others have said, it's "forbidden"... That said, it's a real shame there isn't some sort of (legal) way for people to this. Especially for the people willing to pay to join Apple's developers connection -- who wished to make use of hardware other than the standard Apple offerings (which is largely designed for home consumers).

If only Apple would offer an entry-level 1U XServe (using socket 775), it could be put to good use by various sorts of users. You'd think it'd sell well enough in many different markets.

 

[SSpiro]

You get 1 partable, 1 desktop and 1 mini purchase per calender year, as long as you got the moneys

Oh snap, did not know that. I thought it was just one purchase annually. Still, just dumped ~2K two weeks ago..

As others have said, it's "forbidden"... That said, it's a real shame there isn't some sort of (legal) way for people to this. Especially for the people willing to pay to join Apple's developers connection -- who wished to make use of hardware other than the standard Apple offerings (which is largely designed for home consumers).

If only Apple would offer an entry-level 1U XServe (using socket 775), it could be put to good use by various sorts of users. You'd think it'd sell well enough in many different markets.

Agreed 100%.

 

[localoid]

You get 1 partable, 1 desktop and 1 mini purchase per calender year, as long as you got the moneys

Yes. You can solve virtually any problem if you throw enough money at it...

But in the real world, frugal-minded people who know hardware aren't likely to be thrilled at the prospect of buying an integrated-something like an iMac. Not when they begin to compare system specs and flexibility at least.

 

[SSpiro]

Yes. You can solve virtually any problem if you throw enough money at it...

But in the real world, frugal-minded people who know hardware aren't likely to be thrilled at the prospect of buying an integrated-something like an iMac. Not when they begin to compare system specs and flexibility at least.

Kind of a problem I have right now. Broke kid trying to go to school ftl. I must have enough parts and pieces to build 10 PCs in my garage. Would love to put them to work for me.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Kind of a problem I have right now. Broke kid trying to go to school ftl. I must have enough parts and pieces to build 10 PCs in my garage. Would love to put them to work for me.

So build a Linux server...

 

[mrgreen4242]

In theory you COULD do it, but it would require a lot of emulation, and then run so unbearably slow it wouldn't be worth it.

All in all it would just be more trouble than it's worth. Just go and buy a mac.

Also it's illegal.

It requires no emulation, just some kernel hacks, and you can easily build a generic PC box that will run faster than any Mac, sans the MacPro. It's also not terrifically difficult if you are buying the hardware specifically for the project.

But it is a violation of the licensing terms.

 

[SSpiro]

So build a Linux server...

I've been there and done that.. but how will building a linux server help me get more hands on training with OSX Server?

I have experience building and setting up Debian, BSD, Redhat, Fedora, and a host of others.. and I know it'll help me.. but not sure how much it'll help for my ACTC..

 

[localoid]

I've been there and done that.. but how will building a linux server help me get more hands on training with OSX Server?

I have experience building and setting up Debian, BSD, Redhat, Fedora, and a host of others.. and I know it'll help me.. but not sure how much it'll help for my ACTC..

Yeah, that's the rub... OS X is *nix, but the Linux-inclined people can't as easily do the same things in OS X that they could in Linux. One very real barrier is the price tag of Apple's only "real" desktop, the Mac Pro. There is a complete lack of entry-level development or server hardware with decent specs.

It would seem to benefit Apple if they could attract more developers and systems oriented people that could provide moderately-priced solutions for small(er) businesses. OS X Server (and XServe) could be more competitive in various markets, but especially so within the (real) world of small(er) businesses.

Why not tap the (*nix) expertise that's "out there?"

 

[SSpiro]

Very true..

But it probably as a lot to do with Apple's desire to be fairly proprietary... you think?

 

[Jasonbot]

If you have some of the parts already you could always pop over to ifixit.com to get the "vital" components to complete your mac.

 

[SSpiro]

If you have some of the parts already you could always pop over to ifixit.com to get the "vital" components to complete your mac.

Will check that out!

Thanks!

What's considered the vital parts? logic board and proc?

 

[Jasonbot]

What's considered the vital parts? logic board and proc?

Well anything that you cant get 3rd party, maybe just the logic board bc procs can be found all over if you know where to look. What you wont need are all the silly mounting brackets, cases and such that are purely aesthetic. Ok, just checked ifixit. I now realise that they dont seem to do desktop parts but there must be other places offering logic boards. here you can get processor upgrade cards for macs

 

[BigPrince]

There is no retail version of Intel Tiger.

 

[Jasonbot]

found a logic board site: http://hardcoremac.stores.yahoo.net/motherboards.html

 

[mikes63737]

There is no retail version of Intel Tiger.

There is a Universal retail version of Tiger Server.

 

[SSpiro]

There is no retail version of Intel Tiger.

http://store.apple.com/AppleStore/WebObjects/BizCustom?qprm=78313&family=MacOSXServer

Available right on the store, Tiger that is..

 

[SSpiro]

Well anything that you cant get 3rd party, maybe just the logic board bc procs can be found all over if you know where to look. What you wont need are all the silly mounting brackets, cases and such that are purely aesthetic. Ok, just checked ifixit. I now realise that they dont seem to do desktop parts but there must be other places offering logic boards. here you can get processor upgrade cards for macs

Very interesting.. Thanks for the links.

Appears they only have PPC boards? What about intel?