They guys over at 1 Block Off The Grid needed a high-end computer that would easily run Adobe After Effects. Rather than buying a Mac Pro for about $3,000, they decided to build their own Hackintosh.
What makes this Hackintosh unique is the case. Instead of paying for a traditional computer case, they decided to use the Amazon cardboard box that the computer parts were shipped in.
The end result was a saving of over $2,000, and the specifications include an Intel Core i5 2.66GHz processor, a 1TB hard drive, 8GB of 1,333MHz DDR3 RAM, and an XFX Radeon HD 5770 1GB DDR5 graphics card.
Building a Hackintosh: The Process
Building a Hackintosh involves installing macOS on non-Apple hardware, which can be a complex process. The team at 1 Block Off The Grid had to ensure that all the components they selected were compatible with macOS. This often involves choosing specific motherboards, processors, and graphics cards that are known to work well with Apple’s operating system. They also had to use special software tools like UniBeast and MultiBeast to create a bootable USB drive and configure the system settings.
The choice of using a cardboard box as a case was both innovative and cost-effective. While it may not offer the same level of protection or cooling as a traditional case, it certainly adds a unique flair to the project. The cardboard box also serves as a conversation starter, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of the builders.
You can see it in action in the video below. It also has a unique on and off switch, and the total cost to build it was around $800.
Cost Savings and Performance
The decision to build a Hackintosh instead of purchasing a Mac Pro resulted in significant cost savings. The total cost of the build was around $800, compared to the $3,000 price tag of a Mac Pro. This means that the team saved over $2,000, which could be allocated to other important resources or projects.
Despite the unconventional case, the Hackintosh performs exceptionally well. The Intel Core i5 2.66GHz processor, combined with 8GB of DDR3 RAM and the XFX Radeon HD 5770 graphics card, ensures that the system can handle demanding tasks like running Adobe After Effects. This makes it a viable option for professionals who need high-performance computing power but are on a budget.
Moreover, the Hackintosh community is a valuable resource for troubleshooting and optimizing the system. Forums and online guides provide support and advice, making it easier for users to maintain and upgrade their Hackintosh builds.
TUAW, via Technabob, Dvice
The Hackintosh project by 1 Block Off The Grid is a testament to ingenuity and resourcefulness. By opting for a DIY approach and using a cardboard box as a case, they were able to create a powerful and cost-effective computer. This project not only highlights the potential for significant cost savings but also demonstrates that with the right knowledge and tools, high-performance computing can be accessible to a wider audience.
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