I've used this unit to build a Mackintosh. It is generally very good. All I had to do was add RAM and the SSD 'micro' drive. I've also installed a 2.5in SATA drive. The RAM was easy to install, but the SSD was a bit fiddly. The screw to hold it in place was hard to line up and hold in place. The SATA is simple, just slots in. So, not being a techie, the hardware set up was a piece of cake.
I had a heck of a time getting the OS set up! At one point I decided to try windows. This required creating an install USB stick. I tried a Windows 7 DVD, but the installer doesn't recognise USB3 ports! I created the install disk using 8.1 from the Microsoft site, which took around an hour to download and create, but this seemed to work OK. I didn't actually get to install Windows as my product key was out of date- long story.
I also had prepared a post-install disk of Windows drivers which you can find through the Intel NUC site. This has things like the ethernet and wireless drivers to get you onto the internet.
I managed to install Mac OS in the end. I followed the instructions on [...].
I'm not techie but confident with Mac and found my way through these instructions successfully. My first go at installing failed because my copy of Mac OS installer was corrupted somehow. I thought the error was to do with an HDMI driver problem noted on the Tonymacx site, but I gave it a go with a fresh download and it worked fine.
The Hackintosh is great for my needs but there are some limitations that may affect some users. The good stuff is - cheaper than a comparable Mac (about 50%) and customisable. I don't think there are any Macs now you can have 2 internal drives. You can add as much RAM as you like when you like (most new Macs you can't do this). It is FAST! Starts up and ready to do stuff in 50 seconds. Apps are very responsive. SSD to SATA is very fast.
The downsides;
Wireless doesn't work yet - I use on ethernet connection anyway so not a problem. But, no airdrop for example.
Bluetooth doesn't work - so, I can't use my Mac bluetooth keyboard and trackpad. I was used to using swipe actions on the trackpad
No CD/DVD- but this is common on new Macs too, and I bought a cheap old external for $30
Installation of Hackintosh takes some courage!
So far I can't get Photoshop to work - keeps crashing
UPDATE 2018: I gave up on the Hackintosh - was just too flaky. I've installed Windows 10 and it works very well. My only gripe is I can't get my wireless mouse and keyboard to connect and I have to use a wireless dongle to use them. This means I have to give up a USB port to the dongle. Otherwise this continues to be a great PC, fast enough for general home use.
| Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
|---|---|
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 pixels |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz core_i5_6260u |
| Hard Drive | SSD |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel Integrated Graphics |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
