Project Mac...Can it be done? We'll see.

[Father Pico]

Well hello all,

I've been thinking recently about building a new multimedia computer for my house and I'm thinking Mac min....

More preciecly, I'm thinking of BUILDING one...

Now I know alot will tell me its not possible, that I'm speaking jibberish, but hear me out...

Macs have fully made the transition to PC platform (minus BIOS).

GPU,CPU, etc. are all the same as in a PC. Only obstacle I face is the logic board.

This is the only hardware barrier that I can forsee on the build. But if I were to get a Mactel logic board, get my own LGA775 chip and plop her in, in theory it should work, right?

What do you guys think? Am I crazy? Or should it work? Anyone have any suggestions/experiences?

Thanks!

[Train]

Maybe like building your own lapper.

Where in the world would you be able to get your hands on a Mactel logic board.

[Father Pico]

Maybe like building your own lapper.

Where in the world would you be able to get your hands on a Mactel logic board.

You see, that's not the difficult part, I've got a buddy who's got some Mac parts lying around which I could probably pinch from him for a few $$.

The main issue here is if it will work.

You see, my specialty is hardware. Theoretically as far as the hardware goes, this should work out. I mean the OS shouldn't rely on the processor too much to install. Its mostly the BIOS which is the problem, which the logic board should solve.

I'm just worried there is another factor I'm not taking into account...I'm not too familiar with Mac software/hardware compatibility. But if its anything like Windows (which it basically is now) then it should be fairly easy to do a DIY.

In a quite literal sense, the Mac shares its main compenents (HD, GPU, CPU, PSU, RAM) with its PC brethren, which should leave only the logic board to be the issue.

My hypothesis: If I can get a Mac logic board, install some known working PC parts I have that are compatible (basically mimic a mac's hardware) then I can build myself a Mac. Secondly as OS's are not CPU dependent, I think I may be able to get away with installing any LGA775 chip (assuming that the core duo's in mac's are still LGA775).

I'm quite excited. But before I get cracking I need all the advice i can get!

[Father Pico]

Hope my lads!

I've just been digging a bit more into this and I do feel I can do it with success!

Correction about the processor though, I had ASSUMED that it was using a regular Core duo when in fact it is using a Socket M version of the duo (should have known!)

I've also read about the successful upgrades of CPU's in Macs, which is even more hope!!

So one of my theories is right, the processor is arbitrary. I can go with any Socket M processor and be alright. Nice.

Next roadblock, the logic board.

I will need to pay a visit to my friend to see what he's got in store...I'm hoping for the best...

[SuperSparks]

As long as you can get hold of that board, then I don't foresee any real diffiuculties. As you have already discovered, the Intel Macs use standard off-the-shelf parts. They would be even more ridiculously expensive than they already are if they didn't

Keep us posted (with piccys if possible), this sounds like a fun project

[Train]

Good or bad new, yes, please let us know.
Picture of that logic board would be nice.

[Father Pico]

Alright my friends, looks like this plan was shot down before it even took off...

My buddy has a shop where he is a certified tech for apple. He had some nice parts lying around, but mostly from the G4 and G5 days.

He said he probably could get a hold of an intel mobo, but its going to run me about $400.

I asked him if my plan was even doable and according to him it made perfect sense.

Only thing is why pay $400 for a logic board, another $200 for a proc, and still need $$ for RAM and misc. parts when I could go with a stock Mini for $600.

So I've basically deduced that either a) Apple is overcharging for their service parts or b)They are taking substantial losses on their computer sales.

My money is on 'a'.

Well, I guess we can put this one to rest....until someone who has the monetary fortitude to dive into it or at least can find a heavily discounted Mini mobo.

[lgbpop]

I know next to nothing about MACs, but this came up on an eBay search...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Apple-Mac-Beige-...QQcmdZViewItem
and the main category page:
http://computers.listings.ebay.com:8...istingItemList

[Father Pico]

Unfortunatley, most of those logic boards are from the previous PowerPC architecture of the Macs, which means they are near worth nothing...

It is very hard to find a logic board of any new Intel Mac for reasons I do not know. But until then (or until I can muster up the courage to drop $400) I will just have to wait on this puppy.