iHac Build Log - #1

So recently I've decided to build a mega behemoth computer.... thats a mac.

Yes, I've decided to hackintosh.

But since it's been awhile since I've built a computer (about 6 years, and with an AMD CPU), I've decided to do a trail run. This is my build log for the iHac.

I picked up all my main parts yesterday at Canada Computers.

CPU: Intel Core i3 2120 3.3 GHz LGA1155 65W
MOBO (Motherboard as the hackers call em): Gigabyte Z68MA-D2H-B3
RAM: DDR3-1333 4GB kit
Case: Cooler Master Elite 343
Hard Drive: I just took an old 500GB external I wasn't using anymore and took out the drive.

Pretty standard setup, nothing crazy, safe trial run.

Well it wasn't off to a great start as I accidentally picked up the wrong case originally which was Mini-ITX and not Micro ATX. I rectified that issue this morning, but now I have to get an additional PSU (power supply unit) since unlike the Mini ITX case, this one doesn't come with a PSU. I think I can steal a PSU off an old computer (there are like 8 here)

Other than that things have been going pretty well. I unpacked the motherboard and all the pins looked good. I also inspected the CPU, and everything seemed fine. For a second I was worried as there was no thermal paste that came with it, but turns out there were 3 strips attached to the bottom of the CPU fan. So I now have the CPU on my motherboard.

The next step is setting the motherboard in the case. There are two types of screws that come with the case. Stand ins, and regular screws. The stand ins need to be placed before you lay down the motherboard so that the regular screws can hold it in place. For this motherboard, there were 8 holes. The case had 9, but that was so that it could be compatible with other size motherboards. This mobo is micro ATX sized by the way. Your regular motherboard is normally ATX. The mega beast I plan on building has a HPTX sized board. Anyways, if you take a look at this photo you'll see where the 8 screws are.

If your doing this at home yourself, don't make the same mistake I made. Put the back panel of the motherboard in the case before installing the motherboard. I had to undo all the work I did just to fit it in.

Anyways, that's all for now as I should get going to the Apple Store to pick up OSX 10.8 Lion.

Back in a bit,
Sousaplex