Ivy Bridge based CustoMacs use Intel Graphics HD 4000 with OS X Lion or Mountain Lion (Snow Leopard doesn't support it).

Sandy Bridge based CustoMacs use Intel Graphics HD 3000 with OS X Lion or Mountain Lion (Snow Leopard doesn't support it).

Intel HD 2500 Graphics is not supported out-of-box, therefore even if your motherboard has DVI/HDMI ports and you install a CPU that doesn't support 3000/4000, you'll need to install a discrete GPU (graphics card) or install a CPU that supports 3000/4000.

It suggested to upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion after a Snow Leopard installation.

You can install it, however you won't have graphics acceleration enabled. OS X Snow Leopard does not support Intel HD Graphics 3000/4000.If you are planning to use only Intel HD Graphics 3000/4000 on your CustoMac, here are a few pointers that may clear things up. If you require heavy graphics rendering, then it is best to install a discrete graphics card and avoid only using 3000/4000.

For example, if you build a CustoMac just for light usage that doesn't include graphics intensive use, then Intel HD Graphics 3000/4000 should meet these needs.

However, in most scenarios, it's an either-or choice when it comes to graphics as it all depends on your every day needs. Use a processor that supports Intel HD 3000 Graphics but designate a discrete GPU as the primary video source.Other models automatically switch between discrete and integrated graphics depending on the task at hand.'Īlthough most Macs were designed with integrated graphics and a discrete GPU, Intel HD Graphics 3000 allowed CustoMac builders a few options: 'For Mac computers with both integrated and discrete GPUs, some models allow you to use OS X to decide which GPU to use for rendering graphics. With the release of OS X Lion in 2011, Sandy Bridge-based Macs were able to take advantage of Intel HD Graphics 3000. Building a CustoMac Hackintosh: Buyer's Guide

Hd graphics 3000