What is an Apple Clone?

Good Question.
And it's tough to answer this one easily since it can fire up allot of debates from both sides of the fence.

"An Apple Clone would be a computer that was not manufactured by Apple, but designed to run Apples OS."

However, Apple Computers based on Intel Processors are almost entirely assembled using PC parts.

Do you remember the "Buck a Day" Commercial? "Why buy a clone when you can buy an IBM?"

What is an IBM, and what defines it as an IBM vs a clone?

It's simple.
It's defined as an IBM by the style and branding of the case, and perhipials like the keyboard and mouse.
IBM even had their own OS back in the day called IBM OS/2.

But what is an IBM really made from?
Aside from the case and perhipials the Internal components are actually nothing more the specifically selected
PC hardware. This was done to make supporting the system easier and ensure quality and compatibility between
the OS and the components.

What is a Clone?
A clone is nothing more then a computer that was not assembled by a major corporation like Seanix, IBM/Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer etc..
Clones are built using the hardware you choose, and can be assembled by the end user using Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) or Retail parts.

I can't tell you how much I hated that buck a day commercial for making clones sound bad, when there in fact often much better. Nowadays companies like Dell and HP are releasing high end systems using parts that have always been available in
clones. Most manufactures have stopped making custom mainboards in favor of using the less expensive standard motherboards that have always been found in clones.

So this brings me to the Big Question and the one you have all been wondering and asking yourself, Did he forget about it?

What is an Apple Computer?

Well I did say this was a tricky one...

If it has a Intel Processor, it's a PC. It uses PC RAM (FB-DIMM) Intel Processors, PC Optical Drives, PC Hard Drives, PC Video Cards, etc etc etc..
If it's a G5, G4, G3 etc then it is an Apple computer because it uses custom mainboards and CPU's not found in PC's.

Apple Computers are really just like any other Major group like Dell, HP, Acer, Lenvo etc..
The only difference is there individual style, branding. And of course Apple still uses their Apple OS on their systems.

I hope I have got my views and points across clearly. I'm sure someone will try to argue something.

Lets just do a quick rundown....

Apple uses PC hardware.
Apple has a unique design like any major system assembler has. (Dell, HP, Lenovo etc..)
Apple allows Windows XP to be run on a Mac and created BootCamp for its computers but does not allow it's OS to be used on other non-Apple systems.

Intel D945GCLF2 Atom Board and OSX

If you are a happy owner of a Intel D945GCLF2 Mainboard running the Intel Atom 330 Dual Core 1.6GHz Processor you might be even more happy to know it's one of the best boards to use for a Hackint0sh (Mac Clone). It makes a nice choice for a Mac Mini Clone!

PROS:

I think we already know the pros of this board but I'll list off a few anyways.

• Dual Core CPU
  
• Mini-ITX Form Factor
  
• Gigabit Lan
• CHEAP! (I paid $89)

CONS: 

• The board already has the Intel Atom 330 Dual Core Processor Integrated so upgrading of the CPU is not possible unless you have some really pricy equipment.

• The Maximum ram limit is 2GB and the board only has 1 memory slot.

• Expansion is limited to a single standard PCI slot.

My Results:

Vanilla 9.5.0/QE/CI/Sleep/Shutdown/Restart/Dual Boot XP & OSX working only problem with this board is so far I haven't been able to get the Microphone working under OSX, this is pretty common with most boards. You will need a usb mic for skype etc.

This guide is only for the Intel D945GCLF2 with the Intel Atom 330 Processor. (Yes it's a Dual Core)

Proceed at your own risk! And always make backups if you want anything saved!

Grab the Pre Update and Post Update Patches;
Open Google and search for "Combo_Update_Patches.1.2.0.zip" (Do Not include the quotes)
It should be the 1st link. Download it and extract it to your desktop.
You will only need the Pink & Blue Package, you can delete the Green one.

1. Run the Pre Update Patch. (DO NOT RESTART!)
2. Run the Official Apple Combo Update (DO NOT RESTART!)
3. Run the Post Update Patch. On the 2nd Screen Click "CUSTOMIZE" in the bottom left.
(If you don't see the Customize option, you will have to reboot using -v till you get a clean boot and start over
and do steps 1 & 2 again. If the system won't boot shutdown and restart again using -v otherwise re-install)

YOU MUST CUSTOMIZE!
SELECT ONLY THE FOLLOWING, NOTHING ELSE! 

IF YOU CHOOSE TO SELECT ANYTHING NOT LISTED DON'T
COME CRYING TO ME IF IT DOES NOT WORK!

KERNEL - 9.5.0 Vanilla
CHIPSET - Intel ICH AHCI
VIDEO - Intel 900 Series
AUDIO - Just select the restore option if working or if your audio is not working use the "Azalia" driver.
NETWORK - Just Restore
SYSTEM FUNCTIONS - SMBIOS (Select Mac Pro)
DSMOS FIX - DSMOS Script Fix

Make sure to uncheck anything not listed above! SERIOUSLY!

Once the install has completed successfully you can reboot again using -v when the system boots up until you
have successfully booted into osx.

Please have patience and let all processes complete.
Do not worry if the system reboots, or if you have a black screen for a min or two.
Make sure when you boot your using -v when booting!!!

The CPU will show as 1.6GHz Unknown, it's really easy to fix this!

See this thread to download the patch.

You can find drivers and other related software to this board including dual boot files and a retail install guide (Credit goes to iSynapse of insanelymac.com) here: Media Fire Hosted Folder