Can Mac OS run on a PC?

nc6000

Hi Everyone,

This may be a silly question but can I install Mac OS on a PC and enjoy the Mac expeience without buying a Mac? I have Vista installed which I'm not happy with, I was thinking of configuring my PC to dual-boot with XP when I thought I'd see if maybe dual-booting XP/Vista with Mac OS would work.

Any ideas?

trout

It's technically possible ... with a lot of work and the right hardware, if you can get your hands on a hacked Mac OS install.

As it is illegal, I doubt you will get any help here.

ZENER

Try Googling osx86 and maybe the first link that pops up might be useful

ZEN

Breezer

Bear in mind that you will not get "the Mac experience" this way. A large part of that is the fact that the OS links seemlessly with the hardware, making crashes less likely and support a lot easier. Software/firmware updates etc. may break your install. Without the right hardware, it may not work at all. And it is very illegal, as has already been pointed out.

If you want to try out a Mac, I'd suggest you buy a low-end Mac Mini. €599 (€562.65 if you're a student) isn't going to break the bank. If your PC is relatively new you'd probably be able to sell it for that much or more. Sell Vista with your PC, keep XP and dual-boot, you get the best of both worlds.

If you decide you like the Mac and want to upgrade, they hold their value fairly well, especially since the new mini has only been released about 2 weeks ago.

ZENER

If you're really intent on doing this then try to get components that closely match those of a real Mac.

While there are ways of making AMD cpus work there will always be the chance it will screw up so buy an Intel CD or C2D with an Intel chipset Main board and ATI or nVidia graphics card.

Audio might be a problem if you can't find something the Mac OS supports, this counts out the Audigy and Live chipsets from Creative Labs. Maybe an external USB Live might work as there are driver available for this.

ZEN

ethernet

ZENER wrote:

If you're really intent on doing this then try to get components that closely match those of a real Mac.

While there are ways of making AMD cpus work there will always be the chance it will screw up so buy an Intel CD or C2D with an Intel chipset Main board and ATI or nVidia graphics card.

Audio might be a problem if you can't find something the Mac OS supports, this counts out the Audigy and Live chipsets from Creative Labs. Maybe an external USB Live might work as there are driver available for this.

ZEN

True. I found a hardware compatibility list online. Don't want to link for obvious reasons. Have a good search.

WizZard

It's far less hassle to buy a cheap/secondhand mac. There are a few for sale on adverts.ie at the moment

condra

Id luv to do this.

I love OSX, not Apple.

Then again, I just ordered a mac mini.:p

NullZer0

This is Illegal and to the best of my knowledge Boards.ie is in Violation of the Apple EULA by allowing such discussions to take place.

I could be wrong.

440Hz

I've been keeping an eye on this thread to see what has been posted. No links have been given which is good, but I tend to agree with iRock that its not a great idea to discuss this here.

I'm going to lock this. Not something that should be discussed on a public thread IMO. Nothing to stop you discussing this amongst yourselves of course.