Hi Guys,

Just wondering what you guys think of this for a (relatively) inexpensive Hackint0sh build (buying all new components) as I'm replacing my ancient Shuttle SN45Gv2 and want something cheap, study, as near silent as possible (hence the silent gfx card after the hoover than was my shuttle) and OSx86 compatible.

I'm new to Macs (generally) and MacOS - I'm looking to install Snow Leopard 10.6.3 and use the computer for anything but gaming really (i.e. Internet/Downloading films and music, Frontrow for media centre stuff (which), General office applications/working. I've tried to pick most of the components for as near OOB compatability as possible (hence Gigabyte/Nvidia)

I've read various reports about the 8400GS compatibility - general consensus is with a but of messing it should definitely work in full with QE etc. as this will be a absolute requirement (or if anyone could suggest a similarly priced fanless card thought to be more compatible OOB that'd be great - I've considered the Asus HD 4350 512MB PCI-E, but it appears people have had trouble with ATI in general and indeed, that specific card - shame as it's higher performance that the NVidia for the same cash).

Here's the kit I'm on the verge of ordering - opinions?

Intel Pentium Dual Core E5300 2.6GHz Socket 775 800FSB - £50
Antec NSK 3480 MATX Micro Tower - With 380W EarthWatts PSU - £67.79
Crucial 2GB DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 Memory - £36.99
Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Cache - £35.81 Asus 8400GS Silent 512MB DDR2 DVI - £26.45
Gigabyte GA-G41M-ES2L G41 Socket 775 VGA 8 Channel Audio MATX - £36.43

Cart total inc vat: £253.35

Thanks for any replies! (Sorry for repost, put this in the wrong forum earlier)

Hi,
Here is some suggestions for you.
That motherboard you listed there is very good. But for better OSX compatibility with 775 socket, I would look into GA EP43/45 series board to see if those support your CPU.
Particularly EP43/45-UD3L for the availability of Mod BIOS, it's very fortunate as it would make life with OSX more comfortable?

Cheers