Custom Machine vs Mac Mini/Second Hand Mac Pro

following announcement of mountain lion today, realise won't able continue current macbook longer if want new os, has intel gma x3100 chip.

i've decided want desktop end doing lot of video editing , processing, need packs punch, , i'll want play few games well, has reasonably high end. here options i've come far:

1) custom built machine: seems far best one. don't have huge amounts of money spend , know can kickass machine latest processor, memory, ssd , graphics within budget (about $800). i've never built computer before, there great video guides around reckon manage it. install mountain lion on it, have question regarding this. if clone current hd onto ssd, , put custom machine, work normal? when time comes, able upgrade mountain lion through mac app store or require complex hackintosh type manoeuvre? if so, might opt 1 of next 2 options, though have custom pc tempting option, might want install windows 8 on separate hd when time comes looks pretty impressive new ui.

2)mac mini: new ones have pretty impressive specs, still know have compromise in regard compared custom machine or second hand mac pro. other problem getting stuff on current hd on mini i'm pretty sure apple have problem covered when set up. it's while since i've set mac can't quite remember happens regarding transferring files, applications , content.

3) second hand mac pro: i've checked on ebay , cheapest ones sell within budget, , deliver best performance. what's more can upgrade it, useful , can't mini. , it's made apple wouldn't have potential complications regarding installing mountain lion.

i'm off uni next year, , won't buy until summer, still want hear guys have say.

 

any sandy bridge (onwards) core i7 ssd , 16gb of ram.

save money you'd spend on 3d card, , buy console gaming?

suspect current sandy bridge/coming ivy bridge 16gb ram , ssd blow secondhand mac pro out of water performance wise doing, equivalent price.

transferring data simple: if use time machine, point new mac @ old time machine backup when running through startup wizard , bring on (apps, data, lot).

 

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