Preface/Background: Although I have built a few Windows PCs & HTPCs, I've never tried my hand at a "Hackintosh". I know that the options for components are more limited.
I have an '08 Macbook that has just been gathering dust since I upgraded ~1 year ago. Recently, my side job as a freelancer (graphic design & video) has been picking up. My new machine gets the job done, but I'd love to have a 'Mac-Pro' to come home to for more intensive work.
I remembered seeing a project where Mosburn converted his macbook into a Mac Mini on Gizmodo a few years ago, which got me excited. It was written in 2008, and may be a little dated.
I'm looking to do a similar project, but I'm not really looking for size/design. I'm looking for POWER!
The Macbook in question is version 4,1. As I said, looks aren't an issue for me (nor size). I now have an extra room in my house and it is going to be set up as an office. Everything still works on the laptop, although the battery no longer holds a charge. I initially planned to sell it, but with the dead battery and some cosmetic damage, I could only get about $200 for it. I think this project would be much more valuable to me.
Project Goals:
-Use as much of my existing laptop as possible (the whole buffalo)
-Use a case that allows upgrades (more memory, more drives)
-Increase memory (current: 4 | desired:16+)
-Increase disk space (current: 80gb | desired: 2tb+)
-At least 1 Solid State
I know the Mac OS is pretty picky when it comes to components, so the initial question is: Will the system accept my desired spec upgrades? I know that I have to use compatible brands, but I have heard that there are maximums for memory on certain macbooks. Is this because it has to fit in the laptop shell? Or is it just a matter of "there are only (X) slots"?
If Mosburn's Mac Min DIY is any indicator, I may have to do some soldering to make certain connections. Is there a guide or labeled graphic for my specific board?
I did find this thread before deciding to post. He seemed to be looking more for upgrades allowing to keep his Macbook shell though. A few users stated that upgrading the specs wouldn't help performance much, which caught me off guard. Is this a true statement or are they referring to something I'm missing? The only thing I could think of is possibly the processor. If anyone suggests upgrading this as well (and if it's even possible) let me know.
This post also raised some doubts. The consensus seems to be that it is impractical because upgrades are impossible. Is this a software or hardware issue? Although I don't know much about it now, I wouldn't be opposed to learning to mod the motherboard if that would make it possible.
Thank you!
Carder
I have an '08 Macbook that has just been gathering dust since I upgraded ~1 year ago. Recently, my side job as a freelancer (graphic design & video) has been picking up. My new machine gets the job done, but I'd love to have a 'Mac-Pro' to come home to for more intensive work.
I remembered seeing a project where Mosburn converted his macbook into a Mac Mini on Gizmodo a few years ago, which got me excited. It was written in 2008, and may be a little dated.
I'm looking to do a similar project, but I'm not really looking for size/design. I'm looking for POWER!
The Macbook in question is version 4,1. As I said, looks aren't an issue for me (nor size). I now have an extra room in my house and it is going to be set up as an office. Everything still works on the laptop, although the battery no longer holds a charge. I initially planned to sell it, but with the dead battery and some cosmetic damage, I could only get about $200 for it. I think this project would be much more valuable to me.
Project Goals:
-Use as much of my existing laptop as possible (the whole buffalo)
-Use a case that allows upgrades (more memory, more drives)
-Increase memory (current: 4 | desired:16+)
-Increase disk space (current: 80gb | desired: 2tb+)
-At least 1 Solid State
I know the Mac OS is pretty picky when it comes to components, so the initial question is: Will the system accept my desired spec upgrades? I know that I have to use compatible brands, but I have heard that there are maximums for memory on certain macbooks. Is this because it has to fit in the laptop shell? Or is it just a matter of "there are only (X) slots"?
If Mosburn's Mac Min DIY is any indicator, I may have to do some soldering to make certain connections. Is there a guide or labeled graphic for my specific board?
I did find this thread before deciding to post. He seemed to be looking more for upgrades allowing to keep his Macbook shell though. A few users stated that upgrading the specs wouldn't help performance much, which caught me off guard. Is this a true statement or are they referring to something I'm missing? The only thing I could think of is possibly the processor. If anyone suggests upgrading this as well (and if it's even possible) let me know.
This post also raised some doubts. The consensus seems to be that it is impractical because upgrades are impossible. Is this a software or hardware issue? Although I don't know much about it now, I wouldn't be opposed to learning to mod the motherboard if that would make it possible.
Thank you!
Carder
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