So, it's time for me to buy a new computer, and while I love Mac, I can't afford a Mac Pro (or even one of the top-of-the-line iMacs), plus I want the hands on experience of finally building my own computer. I've built custom jobs for other people, but never a Mac, and never one for myself.

Instead of buying overpriced Mac hardware, I'm going to buy overpriced PC hardware and run Mac on it instead! That being said, I have total control over the final components, and can spec parts as needed.

Mostly, I just wanted to run my build past people before I start buying components (but no hurry; this build is 3 or 4 months out, since I'm flat broke right now.)

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5
Processor: Intel Core i7-920 (probably OC'd)
RAM: 12GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3 1600 (also probably slightly OC'd)
Graphics: EVGA GTX285 1GB
HD: WD Caviar Black 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gbps
Sound: Onboard
Network: Onboard
Disc Drive: Leaning towards a Pioneer DVR-218LBK, but open to suggestions. Don't need a blu-ray drive, but would consider it if it worked on Mac. (Or even not, but worked as a DVD writer on Mac and a Blu-ray reader on Windows - no way I need Bluray burning yet). Would like to be able to flash it to RPC-1, but that's not mandatory.

Other details:
Case: Antec P183
PSU: Antec CP-850
CPU Cooler: Scythe Mugen 2

Considerations: I would like to dual boot Windows 7 on the same HD. Is this possible or should I get another drive? I would like to use GRUB since I like a choice of which OS to use upon boot, and dislike BCD.

did you ever hear back? I am also looking to custom build a i7 hackintosh.