Graphic Design/Video Rig

[KenniB]

Hi Everyone,
I'm planning to build a new rig for all the things I currently do on my extremely ill equipped three year old MacBook.
In order of priority these things are:

1. 3D Modelling/Animation/Rendering
2. 2D Graphic Design (i.e., Photoshop etc), often with hi-res 50MB+ file sizes
3. The ability to run small Python/C/Java programs on large datasets (quickly)
4. Video Editing

I would like all these processes to be as fast as possible. I'm not sure what this translates to in terms of hardware requirements as my experience with computer is dwarfed by my experience with software and programming. However, I'm experienced enough with computing to understand any explanations about what I'll be needing.

Another thing which is important (though I'm willing to be convinced otherwise) is the ability to run OS X. Both due to my preference of the system and the fact all the software I own is for OS X. I'm not sure what hardware needs this entails, if any at all, but it may be important.

I'm mainly looking at just getting suggestions for the main computer here. However, if anyone has any particularly interesting suggestions for peripherals such as monitors, keyboards, mice etc I would be interested to know of them.

Finally, my budget is about $3,000AUD, which given the current exchange rate is almost exactly the same amount in USD. This budget isn't fixed, so if it seems too excessive, or not large enough for my needs please tell me.

[Nuclear Krusader]

If you want to run OS X, you have to buy a Mac. I'd suggest the MacPro (or a MacBook Pro). You cannot run Apple's OS on a machine built by yourself.

And I'd advise you stay with your current platform. There's no reason for you to switch.

[KenniB]

Originally Posted by Nuclear Krusader If you want to run OS X, you have to buy a Mac. I'd suggest the MacPro (or a MacBook Pro). You cannot run Apple's OS on a machine built by yourself. And I'd advise you stay with your current platform. There's no reason for you to switch.

You don't have to use Apple's hardware to run OS X. Especially with new(ish) the Intel Architecture (as opposed to the old PowerPC architecture) of OS X. I know several people who run so-called "Hackintoshes". Of course, it's not exactly legitimate, but if I'm purchasing the Operating System, and thus Apple get their money either way, my only concerns with installing it on non-Apple hardware are practical ones such as driver and hardware support.

[Nikon]

while it is 'possible' to run OSx on a non-mac machine, the chances that it works are low at best. you wont be able to find any support either, as your computer would be unique in the world at that point.

tbh, if you dont mind learning and going with windows, your best bet is to just get another mac. your budget should get you a nice one.

you said all of your software is for OSx, so you would have to purchase windows copies to use on a custom built PC.

[KenniB]

Ok then, completely ignoring the requirement to run OS X what sort of PC should I buy? Because I'm not really willing to shell out the money for Apple's hardware when I could easily get a computer several times better for much less money and with the small cost of (re)learning a new system and purchasing new software.

[Strider]

I've seen Rev3 do a Hackintosh build on a podcast and from what I have seen and read Apple looks the other way when an individual builds one. What Apple really doesn't want happening is people selling them for a profit. With that said I would look into building something that is compatible with OSX, you don't have to use OSX on the computer. However, it will be an easy upgrade if you had a motherboard (and other PC components) that were compatible. I'm sure if you do a Google search (or something similar) you be able to get a list of compatible PC components. Being a Graphic Designer myself, I plan on my next build to be at least Hachintoshable (Hey new word ), so if I decide to try OSX I still could. Just something to think about. Once you get the parts to make the computer comeback here and see if everyone agrees.