Flip Flopping between macOS and Windows

[pshufd]

You can get better built PC cases, but you have to pay a premium for them

I would love to be able to use my old PowerMac G5 case but I'd have to do surgery on it. I'm sure that this case will be fine for now. I may look into better cases in the future. The thing is I bought the Dell XPS Studio 435mt for $575 in 2008 and got a system that is still very usable today with a rock solid case. My guess is that these premium cases cost $300 or more, more than half the price of a great case 12 years ago.

The current approach is to do everything on the Windows systems using the Cloud while using my MacBook Pro where I have local work, backed up to Time Machine (x2) of course. I don't think that there's anything like Time Machine for Windows.

 

[satcomer]

I’m starting to believe this video review on PC Airflow cases:

Plus look at Gigabyte boards seem to have best response to make a Mac OS at https://hackintosh.com/,

 

[pshufd]

My Windows PC is up and running. Startup temp was 23 degrees. It runs very cool and very quiet with a monster of a CPU heatsink and dual cooling fans. There are three case fans on the system and the system is chill. It has the 10700 (65 Watt non-overclock version) so it's designed for cool running. I have to add the video card to it (running off integrated right now).

 

[pshufd]

I thought I had fried my old Windows PC due to Windows Update but it eventually came back. I had a sigh of relief as I had already moved important files to the new system. I can reconstruct most everything because most of my usage is on the cloud but this is one area where I really miss Time Machine. I generally do all of my documents and important things on my MacBook Pros which are backed up to two separate backup drives. I need a backup strategy for Windows - I might just do a copy from time to time to the old system.

Time Machine is tough to not have.

 

[IowaLynn]

Paragon has been one of my "Time machine for Windows" alternatives. And that they do have Mac products. Been years since I left but worth a look.

A good silent case that cools things done but without going liquid cooled, even GPUs.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Acronis works pretty good for me on Windows for my Time Machine on Windows replacement.

 

[pshufd]

I'm up and running my daily workload on the new computer and it's really great. Typical CPU usage is about 12% and I can't hear the computer with normal use. Geekbench 5 is 1,261/8,251 which is where I expected it to be. OPENCL is 21,603, also expected. I can hear the fans when CPU is at 100% but I have to get close to the computer to hear the low hum. Running with a lot of fans is a lot quieter than running with one fan trying to keep everything cool.

It's hooked up to 2x4k and 1xQHD. I had black screen problems with the 4k displays until I dropped the refresh rate to 30 hertz. The black screen problem is reported a lot on the nVidia forums. The 30 hertz workaround isn't reasonable for gamers but this isn't a gaming card.

I have a 2015 MacBook Pro 2.5/Discrete GPU sitting on a bookcase in clamshell mode and I maintain a VNC session into it. So I just pull up the VNC client on Windows when I need to run a macOS program. I really like this compromise solution in that I run CPU-intensive stuff on Windows on a cheap, powerful and cool-running system and run the macOS specific stuff on an old Mac. My alternative would have been to buy a Mac Pro.

If I had it to do over again, I would have went with Zen3, perhaps 12 cores to be even more efficient. Everything else in this build has been fine.

 

[GalileoSeven]

Moving day is finally within sight for me. So with that said, I've packed my iMac away to give myself more desktop space and so far today, I haven't missed it (my Dell S2715H is more than sharp enough - just a tad washed out when it comes to certain colors). Aside from moving a selection of music over to my portable SSD, my Predator Triton 500 should handle my day-to-day browsing habits just fine (I start out with maybe 8 tabs open in firefox and usually end up with 10-12 by the end of the day lol)

About the only thing that bugged me with my iMac and now esp. with my laptop is the need for extra USB ports (could use another 1-2 USB A and 1 USB C for peripherals and another portable SSD). Anyone have any suggestions as far as USB Hubs go??

 

[pshufd]

Moving day is finally within sight for me. So with that said, I've packed my iMac away to give myself more desktop space and so far today, I haven't missed it (my Dell S2715H is more than sharp enough - just a tad washed out when it comes to certain colors). Aside from moving a selection of music over to my portable SSD, my Predator Triton 500 should handle my day-to-day browsing habits just fine (I start out with maybe 8 tabs open in firefox and usually end up with 10-12 by the end of the day lol)

About the only thing that bugged me with my iMac and now esp. with my laptop is the need for extra USB ports (could use another 1-2 USB A and 1 USB C for peripherals and another portable SSD). Anyone have any suggestions as far as USB Hubs go??

My monitors have port hubs so I use those.

 

[kazmac]

Looks like I am back to mixed OS. Borked my iMac by doing an erase and restore (the OS is corrupted) and returned the M1 Air due to Beach Balls, weird internet issues etc. I’ll wait on the M chip Macs, but Apple needs to fix their software. macOS, iOS and iPadOS: Every OS has issues, some severe.

Needed a Windows machine for work, so I went with a Tiger Lake HP Envy. I’ll hold off on gaming machines until I am more comfortable with W10.

So this and the iPad Air will do.


What I want and what I need are two different things right now. So need wins out.

 

[BigMcGuire]

While I enjoyed my AMD 3600x screaming desktop (64GB of ram, RX 5700 XT, 2TB NVME) - (fastest computer I've ever used), I find I'm not gaming as much as I used to. I decided to quit WoW this year (wasn't really an active player for the last few years anyway) and am gaming a lot less as I get older. Still do some Starcraft, Age of Empires II HD, etc.

Anyway, I sold my 2017 MBP 13' to Apple and I sold my gaming desktop to a relative. Used the left over money to pay for a good chunk of a high end 2020 MBP 13' (i7, 32gb ram, 2TB ssd). This is everything I've ever wanted in a Mac. It's fast, runs Windows 10 with parallels with ease, and with my Sonnet eGPU (RX 580) - can do gaming ---- and I'm completely mobile (something I missed with my desktop) when I want to be. I use iMessage a lot though the day so this ... really helps.

I use Shadow Cloud to play Windows games - I find it's almost completely lag free.

Work? On Parallels with W10 and the eGPU almost feels like native.

I think I'm good for the next handful of years. <cough>. The M1 MacBook really doesn't entice me - though I'm following it with interest. I might sell the iPad if I ever want one but .... nothing beats an iCarez Matte screen protector iPad Pro 11' for reading books for 6 hours on end over a weekend. 32GB of ram for Parallels is a must.

I much prefer Mac OS. Working at home has really helped this ability as well.

 

[pshufd]

Update on the Cougar desktop - it's running 3x4k now and it's great. I also set up a Late 2009 27 inch iMac which was in storage. I'm going to add 8 GB of RAM to it and use it as a television. Great display and great speakers and I can re-purpose my 2015 MacBook Pro and 25 inch QHD monitor. I think that I might get ready to sell my 2014 MacBook Pro.

 

[kazmac]

While I enjoyed my AMD 3600x screaming desktop (64GB of ram, RX 5700 XT, 2TB NVME) - (fastest computer I've ever used), I find I'm not gaming as much as I used to. I decided to quit WoW this year (wasn't really an active player for the last few years anyway) and am gaming a lot less as I get older. Still do some Starcraft, Age of Empires II HD, etc.

Anyway, I sold my 2017 MBP 13' to Apple and I sold my gaming desktop to a relative. Used the left over money to pay for a good chunk of a high end 2020 MBP 13' (i7, 32gb ram, 2TB ssd). This is everything I've ever wanted in a Mac. It's fast, runs Windows 10 with parallels with ease, and with my Sonnet eGPU (RX 580) - can do gaming ---- and I'm completely mobile (something I missed with my desktop) when I want to be. I use iMessage a lot though the day so this ... really helps.

I use Shadow Cloud to play Windows games - I find it's almost completely lag free.

Work? On Parallels with W10 and the eGPU almost feels like native.

I think I'm good for the next handful of years. <cough>. The M1 MacBook really doesn't entice me - though I'm following it with interest. I might sell the iPad if I ever want one but .... nothing beats an iCarez Matte screen protector iPad Pro 11' for reading books for 6 hours on end over a weekend. 32GB of ram for Parallels is a must.

I much prefer Mac OS. Working at home has really helped this ability as well.

Excellent. May it last you a long time.

I flirted with an Intel Mac, but was worried if I tried Bootcamp I’d be in the same pickle I am now - especially after what happened with the failed iMac install. I hope to buy a M chip Mac down the line, if Apple can get some of the software bugs sorted. I prefer Macs too, but I am over the necessity of going to Windows.

 

[LiE_]

I’m currently on an M1 MBA, went with the absolute base model to see if it would work but for me I need more memory. So while I still have this I have 8/8 16/512 on the way, I will then return this base spec.

Its so good having a completely silent machine. I want to eventually add an external display, ideally the 5K LG Ultrafine but it’s not cheap.

Fully back in Apple ecosystem now. It feels so right.

 

[pshufd]

I’m currently on an M1 MBA, went with the absolute base model to see if it would work but for me I need more memory. So while I still have this I have 8/8 16/512 on the way, I will then return this base spec.

Its so good having a completely silent machine. I want to eventually add an external display, ideally the 5K LG Ultrafine but it’s not cheap.

Fully back in Apple ecosystem now. It feels so right.

View attachment 1681185

Is that office or home. Do you like the black background or would a picture be nice?

I feel that we should have a third category now: Windows, macOS Intel and macOS ARM as Intel and ARM are quite different right now.

 

[LiE_]

Is that office or home. Do you like the black background or would a picture be nice?

I feel that we should have a third category now: Windows, macOS Intel and macOS ARM as Intel and ARM are quite different right now.

It’s a home office. I am planning a framed picture on the wall 😄

 

[circatee]

Not sure why this is the first time I am seeing this thread.

A few years ago, I had an iMac 27", fully loaded. Prior to moving to our new house, I decided to make some cutbacks and sold it.

I already had a Windows gaming PC and an iPad. Felt there was no need to 'clutter' our new place. Oh, plus I had my work Dell XPS laptop. Alas, here we are, and strange things have been happening in 2020. Thus, I am trying to get back into learning and knowing Mac OS. Here comes Apple deploying an M1 chip; simply bloody calling my name...

Do I 'need' an M1? Not really; just want one.

A friend let me borrow a MBA Early 2015. And with that, I really now want another Mac. The question becomes do I want a Mac Mini (already have a 24" 144Hz monitor), or do I want a MBA M1 (do not currently have any laptop). When I price the two, there is not much in it (based on specs or the one I want).

Decisions, decisions...

 

[LeeW]

The question becomes do I want a Mac Mini (already have a 24" 144Hz monitor), or do I want a MBA M1 (do not currently have any laptop). When I price the two, there is not much in it (based on specs or the one I want).

I went with the Mac Mini, mostly because I knew it would last a long time and I can always find a use for it in another project if I upgraded. I am going to be WFH until the middle of next year and that for me is closer to the M2 starting to show signs of coming around. So Mac Mini now and MBA/MBP later once I really need one when I am no longer WFH.

Love it though, honestly, if it was not for the fact I am using it right now, I would not know it was on. Only 18 inches away from me, been on since 6 am in constant use (14 hours so far), and the enclosure is very cold to touch and never heard the fans once.

I do prefer the Mac Mini on my desk with my 34" widescreen rather than a laptop just getting in the way.

 

[circatee]

I went with the Mac Mini, mostly because I knew it would last a long time and I can always find a use for it in another project if I upgraded. I am going to be WFH until the middle of next year and that for me is closer to the M2 starting to show signs of coming around. So Mac Mini now and MBA/MBP later once I really need one when I am no longer WFH.

Love it though, honestly, if it was not for the fact I am using it right now, I would not know it was on. Only 18 inches away from me, been on since 6 am in constant use (14 hours so far), and the enclosure is very cold to touch and never heard the fans once.

I do prefer the Mac Mini on my desk with my 34" widescreen rather than a laptop just getting in the way.

Hmm, you're giving me loads of ideas here!

I could purchase a Mac Mini, and connect it via HDMI to my Samsung 49". My MX Master mouse would work via Bluetooth with it, I would then just need to purchase a Bluetooth keyboard (currently using a Logitech K800 - love not having batteries!).

And, based on that setup, I bet it would still work out cheaper than an MBA or MBP...

 

[LeeW]

And, based on that setup, I bet it would still work out cheaper than an MBA or MBP...

Indeed and that is the way I am looking at it, there is so much more to come from Apple in the next 12 to 18 months that I am preferring to hold out for in the laptop range. You know where you are with the Mini and have a lot of options with it. Plus, only $99 for Apple Care.

 

[circatee]

Indeed and that is the way I am looking at it, there is so much more to come from Apple in the next 12 to 18 months that I am preferring to hold out for in the laptop range. You know where you are with the Mini and have a lot of options with it. Plus, only $99 for Apple Care.

Right, and there is talk of a redesigned laptop 'soon'.

Alas, I digress...

 

[LeeW]

Right, and there is talk of a redesigned laptop 'soon'.

Yeah, that is part of what I mean from what is still to come, the next MBA/MBP will be a redesign on top of a new CPU and so on. For me, worth holding out for to at least see what they do.

 

[ctjack]

In my experience, having a Windows is somewhat luxury expenditure: because it doesn't hold value so well as Apple products.
For example, i bought $1000 Lenovo and it has some problems with build quality. Luckily i have a return window until january. In case if i wouldn't return it, then i will be "stuck" with a Win laptop - because nobody would be willing to pay me close to $700-1000 for my used laptop. And when finally after 3-5 years I will be ready to replace it with newer model, i will get almost nothing for it.
With Macs your are saving yourself some money when upgrading in the future, because they hold their value well because of the hype around it and of course build quality.

 

[pshufd]

In my experience, having a Windows is somewhat luxury expenditure: because it doesn't hold value so well as Apple products.
For example, i bought $1000 Lenovo and it has some problems with build quality. Luckily i have a return window until january. In case if i wouldn't return it, then i will be "stuck" with a Win laptop - because nobody would be willing to pay me close to $700-1000 for my used laptop. And when finally after 3-5 years I will be ready to replace it with newer model, i will get almost nothing for it.
With Macs your are saving yourself some money when upgrading in the future, because they hold their value well because of the hype around it and of course build quality.

I have a 2008 Dell XPS Studio and it is still quite usable. Resale value is likely about $300 (it has SSD, good PSU, video card and 48 GB of RAM). One major advantage of Windows desktops is that you can upgrade parts. Apple products do hold their value better if you can't change the hardware.

Also, Windows 10 runs better on older hardware better than macOS does. macOS often obsoletes your hardware.

 

[LiE_]

I’m currently on an M1 MBA, went with the absolute base model to see if it would work but for me I need more memory. So while I still have this I have 8/8 16/512 on the way, I will then return this base spec.

Its so good having a completely silent machine. I want to eventually add an external display, ideally the 5K LG Ultrafine but it’s not cheap.

Fully back in Apple ecosystem now. It feels so right.

View attachment 1681185

I really like the MBA, but the base model doesn't have enough memory for me. Plan was to return this one and grab an upgraded 16GB version, but the price starts to creep up and I still need to buy an external monitor.

I'm very fussy when it comes to external monitors, I've tried pretty much all of them, except one. The LG Ultrafine 5K. I've had use of the 27" 5K iMac previously so I know what to expect, I've always been impressed by what it delivers.

So I cannot justify having the upgraded MBA and the 5K monitor. I needed to make a compromise somewhere and being honest, I don't need the portability of the MBA. It will be used statically pretty much exclusively. That naturally lead me to the M1 Mac mini, with 16GB and education discount would cost £808.

The Mac mini BTO won't be here until nearly Xmas and the 5K LG will be here on Wednesday. I'll be using the MBA in clamshell mode until the Mini arrives then return the MBA.