Walk me through PC Building

[krause734]

So I am getting anxious for a Mac Mini update and was curious what it would cost to build a PC equivalent of a next gen Mac Mini specifically capable of 4k @ 60hz.

Kaby Lake i5
16GB RAM (2x8GB)
128GB Fastest SSD on the market
1TB 7200 RPM HD
Case
Blu Ray
HDMI
Fast wifi
GPU?
Motherboard?
Power supply?
Other?

Is it fairly simple to put all this together? If you could walk me through everything I need I would appreciate it or any suggestions. I've looked at pcpartpicker and it seems to be more expensive than buying the equivalent computer from HP/Dell.

Edit: found a good guide and a reddit subforum
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-build-a-computer/
https://www.reddit.com/r/buildapc/

 

[Kcetech1]

well fastest SSD on the market might be a pain since I keep hearing OSX isn't too fond of M2 without extra drivers and tweaking,. and the 960 Pro m2 card is by far the fastest SSD ( nor does it come in that small of a card either I think 256 is the smallest)

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/os-x-driver-for-nvme-m-2-solid-state-drives-released.181387/

for the money, why bother with a 1TB spinner get something in the 2-5TB range?

otherwise should be pretty easy to come up with a unit if you look at the tonymacx86 guides or forums etc for doing a build others have built and tested.

My Hackintosh Pro was built in an afternoon.

 

[krause734]

well fastest SSD on the market might be a pain since I keep hearing OSX isn't too fond of M2 without extra drivers and tweaking,. and the 960 Pro m2 card is by far the fastest SSD ( nor does it come in that small of a card either I think 256 is the smallest)

https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/os-x-driver-for-nvme-m-2-solid-state-drives-released.181387/

for the money, why bother with a 1TB spinner get something in the 2-5TB range?

otherwise should be pretty easy to come up with a unit if you look at the tonymacx86 guides or forums etc for doing a build others have built and tested.

My Hackintosh Pro was built in an afternoon.

Thanks but I'm looking to build a "PC Equivalent" to a next gen Mac Mini. To clarify, running the dreaded Windows. I have heard nightmares about updating the OS with Hackintoshes otherwise I'd do it. I probably only need 250 GB SSD. I could just throw in a 2-5TB spinner if I run out of room.

 

[Kcetech1]

Thanks but I'm looking to build a "PC Equivalent" to a next gen Mac Mini. To clarify, running the dreaded Windows. I have heard nightmares about updating the OS with Hackintoshes otherwise I'd do it. I probably only need 250 GB SSD. I could just throw in a 2-5TB spinner if I run out of room.

ahhh running windows just snag any mini itx based setup. my home unit is essentially the hackintosh mini deluxe build running windows 10 creators edition as of tonight and I do VM Sierra on it as well

scroll down the link to the deluxe version is my more or less identical build.
https://www.tonymacx86.com/buyersguide/april/2017#CustoMac_Mini

 

[krause734]

Might just go the Kaby Lake NUC route. Only $300 on Amazon. Bring your own SSD and RAM.

 

[Kcetech1]

Might just go the Kaby Lake NUC route. Only $300 on Amazon. Bring your own SSD and RAM.

may as well !!!

 

[jerryk]

Did either of you go the Kaby Lake NUC route? I am curious about the process.

 

[krause734]

Did either of you go the Kaby Lake NUC route? I am curious about the process.

I'm actually sticking with my Mac Mini and seeing what Apple comes up with for now. I've heard great things about the NUC other than running Windows. Some people run Linux. Just add OS, SSD, and RAM.

 

[Cox Orange]

tonymacx has buying guides for Hackintoshes. You would be able to use it for Windows and Mac and have a complete list of what to choose as well as amazon and newegg links.

Are you especially looking for a Mini-like PC? Or can it be a bigger one, maybe a micro-ATX tower?

mini-ITX-Office-PC:
In post #2 you find up to date (kaby lake) build options in different sizes. It is german, but you can just copy the hardware and search it on a US price comparison page. Options from mini-ITX to mATX and a silent-version. (You can identify what a "Netzteil" is, by moving the mouse over the article name and a picture will appear )

It is 275,- to 400,-EUR, I don't know how much the parts will cost over there where you live, but it is a start. (note: SSD alternative not mentioned Samsung evo 850 and 850 pro)

(additional ITX-system alternatives, scroll down: https://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=619354 )


Mini-ITX-Gaming-PC (more power than office-PC):
(see post #2) https://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=1408442


normal/big form factor gaming PC:
post #2 onwards https://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=215394


multimedia-PC:
holds no information currently, because it is being updated https://www.computerbase.de/forum/showthread.php?t=336072



regarding building the PC, there should be several walk through guides on the internet somewhere.

 

[0989383]

Windows 10 requires twice the specs of an equivalent Mac to remain quick and even then, it's a sad experience trying to make it work when you've experienced the bliss of the Mac.

Anyway, the website PC Part Picker lets you pick from every component available and lets you know about compatibility issues so Google it and go mess around with it to build your spec?