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Comment by esthor | Hacker News Reader

Hi, author here.

You're absolutely right that it's an 'on-paper' build. I did make sure to check each component, that they have been used successfully in other Hackintosh community builds, with High Sierra.

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This 'on-paper' build should also mention the massive PITA from software updates when an OS update hoses your installation to a point where it won't even boot. Updating macOS on Hackintoshes is like playing with fire.

I'm curious, what were your intentions? To show that Apple is overpriced? Or to encourage people to build their own hackintoshes? Furthermore, people who are considering buying the iMac Pro are not likely to be interested in building their own PC. Also, people who are buying a workstation usually want ECC ram, because bit errors in 3d rendering, or scientific computing can be a show-stopper.

I wasn't intending to be that cliche "Apple is overpriced" guy. I think they make great products, of which I own many. It was more the latter, to encourage people to build custom to their needs and awareness that there is another option out there. I made 3 Hackintosh computers over the years and really enjoyed the experience and the system. Re:ECC - I'm going to definitely revise that part, since a lot of people are bringing that up.

I agree there are some people who may believe that they need the iMac Pro, even though they clearly do not. But these people are not the type of people who are building hackintoshes. If they are ready to spend $5000 on an Apple product, then they are likely going to buy it. It seems like you are targeting those who want the iMac Pro but don't want to spend money, because the other potential target, those who need a workstation, are likely professionals that also don't want to build a hackintosh without a warranty, or without ECC etc. In that case, you need to wonder what it is about the iMac Pro that those who don't want to spend money like about it. Maybe it's the design, or the status symbol, which are things your iHac Pro does not satisfy.

I feel like changing the parts like ECC RAM and the 5K monitor you'll end up with a different conclusion - Apple will win out. The prices will be very similar and the iMac Pro will have better components overall, and of course that nice all-in-one design to boot.

When revising you also need to make sure that the motherboard and CPU support ECC.

bit errors in 3d rendering usually are not that much of a problem. If anything it just effects that one sample out of 100/1000's and gets averaged out.

If it does in the effect the final image, that image just gets a rerender... but its rare that it actually is noticeable.

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