Building a CustoMac: Three Updated LGA 1156 Builds for OS X

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By request, here are three updated builds, based on the original CustoMac post from June 2010.  These builds are our most current 1156 recommendations for fully compatible budget builds running Mac OS X as the primary operating system.  

All three builds include:

• Gigabyte LGA 1156 Motherboard
• Intel Core i-series Quad-Core CPU
• 4GB or 8GB of RAM, expandable up to 16GB
• 1 TB Hard Drive
• CD/DVD Burner
• Case and Power Supply
• Mac OS X Snow Leopard Retail DVD

We've included all components besides monitor, as any standard monitor will do.  You can use these recommendations as a jumping off point for further customization, or as a shopping list.  Prices reflect those as of February 2011, and do not include shipping or tax. 

Budget Power Build 1

Core i5-760 / Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H / GeForce GT 240 / 4GB DDR3 RAM

$683.88

Motherboard:  GA-H55M-UD2H $94.99

Graphics Card: EVGA GeForce GT 240 Superclocked 512MB $64.99

CPU: Intel Core i5-760 2.8 GHz $209.99

RAM: Corsair XMS3 4 GB Dual Channel DDR3 Core i3, i5, i7 Memory Kit $79.99

Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint 1 TB $62.99

CD/DVD Burner: Sony Optiarc Black $36.95

Case: COOLER MASTER Elite 341 $39.99

Power Supply: Antec 550W Continuous Power $64.99

Operating System: Mac OS X Snow Leopard $29.00

Budget Power Build 2

Core i7-870 / Gigabyte GA-H55M-UD2H / Radeon HD 5770 / 4GB DDR3 RAM

$991.23

Motherboard:  GA-H55M-UD2H $94.99

Graphics: Gigabyte ATI Radeon HD 5770 1GB GDDR5 $139.99

CPU: Intel Core i7-870 2.93 GHz $289.99

RAM: Corsair XMS3 4 GB Dual Channel DDR3 Core i3, i5, i7 Memory Kit $79.99

Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint 1 TB $62.99

CD/DVD Burner: Sony Optiarc Black $36.95

CPU Cooler: Scythe Mugen 2 $47.35

Case: COOLER MASTER II ATX Mid Tower $89.99

Power Supply: Corsair 650HX Modular 650W $119.99

Operating System: Mac OS X Snow Leopard $29.00

Budget Power Build 3

Core i7-870 / Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 / Radeon HD 5870 / 8GB DDR3 RAM

 $1211.41

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3 $130.22

Graphics: Diamond ATI Radeon HD 5870 1GB $234.99

CPU: Intel Core i7-870 2.93 GHz $289.99

RAM: Corsair XMS3 4 GB Dual Channel DDR3 Core i3, i5, i7 Memory Kit x2 (8GB)  $159.98

Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint 1 TB $62.95

CD/DVD Burner: Sony Optiarc Black $36.95

CPU Cooler: Scythe Mugen 2 $47.35

Case: Antec 900 $99.99

Power Supply: Corsair 650HX Modular 650W $119.99

Operating System: Mac OS X Snow Leopard $29.00

Optional Accessories

Apple Wired Keyboard with Number Pad $49.99

Apple Wireless Keyboard $69.00

Apple Magic Mouse  $69.00

Apple Magic Trackpad $69.00

Targus USB Bluetooth Adapter $22.98

NOTE: Only MODEL NO: ACB10us v1.0 will wake from sleep.

Oh, and don't forget, if you end up buying anything, click through one of the links above, or in the sidebar.  That way, you'll be supporting the site, as well as getting the best prices.  Thanks in advance!   

-tonymacx86 & MacMan