Question from Chris B: I’d really like to have a Mac, but since I can’t afford one I’d like to build a computer and install Mac OS on it.
I know people build their own Windows PCs from scratch all the time.
Can you tell me how to build my own Mac? I have $500 that I can spend on it. Thanks.
Rick’s answer: Chris, while it’s entirely possible to build your own computer and install Mac OS on it (and end up with what’s called a Hackintosh), that might not be your best course of action.
Explore the world of Mac. Check out MacBook Pro, iMac Pro, MacBook Air, iMac and more. Visit the Apple site to learn, buy and get support. Shop our extensive selection of Mac Software by categories like Business & Office, Children's, Computer Security, Education & Reference, Illustration & Design, Operating Systems, and more. Shop for PC and Mac software including downloads, Small Business Software, Software for Students, Academic Courseware, Computer Security, Education & Reference, Illustration & Design, Operating Systems, and more.
Actually, there are a couple of ways you can get yourself a machine that runs the popular Mac OS.
First, for $500 you can probably buy yourself a good used Mac that you can simply unbox, plug in, and start using right away. It won’t be the latest model, but it’ll most likely be a very good machine.
If you do decide to buy a used Mac, you’ll find plenty to choose from on eBay, Craigslist, or Amazon(#ad).
Personally, I would choose one from either Amazon or eBay simply because it’s a safer transaction, but you’re more likely to find one locally on Craigslist.
All of that being said, you can easily buy the parts required to assemble a decent home-built Hackintosh for $500 if you really want to go that route.
Building your own computer is a great way to learn about the various parts and how they work together to create a functional computer. You’ll also gain the personal satisfaction that comes from successfully building a working computer from scratch.
There are couple of caveats however:
1 – If you end up installing one or more parts incorrectly, you can easily damage an expensive part, and it won’t be covered under the warranty since it became damaged due to human error.
2 – You’ll have to select parts that are known to work correctly with Mac OS (and not all of them will). There are online guides that can help you choose your parts however.
As far as instructions for choosing the parts for your Hackintosh, assembling them into a working system, and installing Mac OS on it are concerned, there are simply too many things to consider and too many details involved for me to cover them here.
Bottom line: Building your own Hackintosh is certainly possible, but there’s always the risk of wasting some money if things don’t go as planned. But if you decide to proceed, you’ll find all the info you need on Hackintosh.com and The OSx86 Project.
I hope this helps Chris. Good luck!
Bonus tip #1: After you do either buy a Mac or get a Hackintosh up and and running you can read this post to learn how to keep it malware free.
Bonus tip #2: Want to make sure you never miss one of my tips? It’s easy! Just…
Click here to sign up for my free Rick’s Daily Tips Email Newsletter!
Would you like to ask Rick a tech question? If so, click here and send it in!
If you found this post useful, would you mind helping me out by sharing it? Just click one of the handy social media sharing buttons below. Thanks a bunch!
How to get updates for macOS Mojave or later
If you've upgraded to macOS Mojave or later, follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu , then click Software Update to check for updates.
- If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.
- When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.
To find updates for iMovie, Garageband, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and other apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, open the App Store on your Mac, then click the Updates tab.
To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps that were downloaded separately from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.
How to get updates for earlier macOS versions
If you're using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:
- Open the App Store app on your Mac.
- Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.
- Use the Update buttons to download and install any updates listed.
- When the App Store shows no more updates, the installed version of macOS and all of its apps are up to date. That includes Safari, iTunes, iBooks, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime. Later versions may be available by upgrading your macOS.
To automatically download updates in the future, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click App Store, then select ”Download newly available updates in the background.” Your Mac will notify you when updates are ready to install.
Buy Mac Laptop
* If you're using OS X Lion or Snow Leopard, get OS X updates by choosing Apple menu > Software Update.
How to get updates for iOS
Learn how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to the latest version of iOS.
Where To Buy Mac Computer
Learn more
Where Can I Buy Mac Software 2017
- Learn how to upgrade to the latest version of macOS.
- Find out which macOS your Mac is using.
- You can redownload apps that you previously downloaded from the App Store.
- Your Mac doesn't automatically download large updates when it's using a Personal Hotspot.