The Ultimate Guide to Choosing between Mac and PC

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Advantages of Mac and PC
   • Running Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on Mac
   • Gaming on Windows
   • Running Both Mac and Windows on the Same PC
3. The In-Decisionator: A Machine for Both Mac and PC
4. Setting up the Dual Virtual Machines
   • Allocating Resources to Each Virtual Machine
   • Assigning Graphics Cards to the Virtual Machines
   • Overcoming Challenges with NVIDIA GPUs and Mac OS Catalina Beta
5. Interacting with the Frankenstein Machine
   • Using Share Mouse for Seamless Mouse Movement
   • Utilizing the Philips 499 P9H Super Ultra-Wide Display
6. Practical Applications of the Dual Virtual Machine Setup
   • Multitasking and Switching Between Mac and Windows
   • Content Creation and Video Editing
   • Peripherals and KVM Support
7. Future Possibilities and Improvements
   • Mac Virtualization on the Upcoming Mac Pro
   • Enhancing the Dual Virtual Machine Experience
8. Conclusion

Running Both Mac and Windows on the Same PC: The Ultimate Hybrid Machine

In the world of technology, the debate between Mac and PC is a Never-ending battle. Each side has its devoted followers, and both have their unique set of advantages. However, what if You didn't have to choose? What if you could have the best of both worlds and run both Mac and Windows on the same PC? In this article, we will explore the possibilities of creating a hybrid machine that combines the power of Mac and PC, and the steps to set it up.

Introduction

People often have their preferences when it comes to Mac or PC. Some prefer Mac for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and compatibility with software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. On the other HAND, PC enthusiasts appreciate the vast gaming options, customization possibilities, and broad software compatibility offered by Windows. However, they are often limited by their chosen platform's distinct features.

Advantages of Mac and PC

Running Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro on Mac

One significant AdVantage of Mac is its ability to run software like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro flawlessly. These professional-grade applications are highly regarded in the creative industry and are often exclusive to the Mac platform. For video editing and music production enthusiasts, this is a crucial selling point that cannot be overlooked.

Gaming on Windows

Contrarily, gaming on Mac OS has always been a pain point for many. While Mac has made strides in recent years to cater to gamers, the availability of games and optimized performance is still a concern. Windows, on the other hand, is a dominant force in the gaming market, offering a wide range of games and extensive support from game developers.

Running Both Mac and Windows on the Same PC

But what if you didn't have to choose between Mac and Windows? What if you could seamlessly switch between the two operating systems on the same machine? The concept of running both Mac and Windows on the same PC opens up a world of possibilities for users who require the best of both worlds.

The In-Decisionator: A Machine for Both Mac and PC

To achieve the dual functionality of running Mac and Windows on the same PC, certain software configurations need to be set up. Meet the "In-Decisionator," a powerful machine that can switch between Mac and PC effortlessly. By utilizing software magic, this machine can mimic both a Mac and a PC simultaneously.

Setting up the Dual Virtual Machines

The key to running both Mac and Windows on the same PC lies in virtualization technology. Using a KVM hypervisor like Red Hat's KVM, the resources of the host machine can be divided and allocated to multiple virtual machines (VM). This allows for independent operating systems to operate side by side, each having its allocated CPU cores, system memory, and even graphics cards.

Allocating Resources to Each Virtual Machine

For our project, we have chosen an AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12-Core processor. To Create a truly hybrid machine, we split these 12 cores between two virtual machines. One machine runs Windows, while the other runs Mac OS. This division of resources ensures that each operating system receives adequate processing power for optimal performance.

Assigning Graphics Cards to the Virtual Machines

Graphics performance is crucial for both gaming and professional applications. To ensure a seamless experience, we have dedicated an Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti graphics card to the Windows virtual machine and a Radeon 7 graphics card to the Mac virtual machine. By passing the graphics cards through to their respective VMs, we minimize performance loss and provide the best possible visual experience on both platforms.

Overcoming Challenges with NVIDIA GPUs and Mac OS Catalina Beta

While the process seems straightforward, we faced challenges along the way. NVIDIA's reluctance to support consumer GPUs in virtual machines resulted in the infamous "Code 43" error. However, we found a workaround by using a Quadro GPU, which is officially supported in virtualized environments.

Additionally, we encountered stuttering issues in Windows, which we resolved by switching to Message Signaled Interrupts (MSI) instead of traditional line-Based interrupts. This change significantly improved performance and eliminated the stuttering problem.

Furthermore, Mac OS Catalina beta introduced support for virtualized storage, allowing us to take advantage of the included drivers for seamless storage allocation between the host and VMs. Apple's inclusion of this feature is a significant development, as it opens doors for even more versatile virtualization setups in the future.

Interacting with the Frankenstein Machine

Now that we have created our hybrid machine, let's explore how we can Interact with it seamlessly. Traditionally, using multiple computers meant using hardware switchers, multiple monitors, or limited display options. However, with the Philips 499 P9H 1440p Super Ultra-Wide Display, we can have a bezel-free, single-display setup that effectively merges two 27-inch monitors into one.

FAQ

Q: Can I run resource-intensive applications on both Mac and Windows simultaneously?

Yes, with the dual virtual machine setup, you can allocate resources to each operating system independently. This means you can run resource-intensive applications like Final Cut Pro on Mac and play games on Windows at the same time.

Q: How does seamless mouse movement work between Mac and Windows?

Seamless mouse movement is achieved using software like Share Mouse. This allows the Cursor to move seamlessly across the virtual machine boundaries as if the line dividing the screens did not exist.

Q: Can I share files and data between the Mac and Windows virtual machines?

Yes, you can share files and data between the Mac and Windows virtual machines by setting up a shared drive or using drag-and-drop functionality. This enhances productivity and eliminates the need for constant file transfers.

Q: What are the limitations of running Mac and Windows on the same PC?

While the dual setup provides immense flexibility, certain limitations exist. Some applications may have compatibility issues, and there may be minor glitches or performance differences between running software natively on their respective platforms.

Q: Can I switch between Mac and Windows seamlessly without the need for keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, using a KVM (keyboard video mouse) switch, you can switch between the virtual machines effortlessly with just a single button press. This allows you to enjoy a unified experience with a single set of peripherals for both Mac and Windows.

Future Possibilities and Improvements

The concept of running both Mac and Windows on the same PC opens the door for exciting possibilities. As technology evolves, future advancements, particularly in the upcoming Mac Pro, can enhance the virtualization experience further. Furthermore, improvements in shared drives, network speeds, and peripheral integration will provide users with an even smoother and more seamless experience.

Conclusion

The ability to run both Mac and Windows on the same PC offers tremendous benefits to users who require the unique features and advantages of both platforms. With the right combination of hardware, software configurations, and virtualization technology, it is possible to create a hybrid machine that unlocks the full potential of both Mac and PC. Whether you are a content creator, gamer, or simply someone who wants the best of both worlds, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the power of choice and experience a truly versatile computing environment.