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Jason
351
Asked
Core Duo CPU upgrade to Core 2 Duo CPU?
Hey iFixers,
I have been upgrading all possible components of my early 2006 iMac (HDD and optical drive) with help from iFixit. My next venture is to upgrade the CD CPU to C2D CPU. I know this is possible as it's socketed. I have found a "tutorial" on MacLife to do this but am wondering if anyone here has done it and might have some advice/tips on the best (easiest) way to undertake such a daunting task.
6
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mayer
148.6k
Answered
Accepted Answer
To quote them, "Just as the disclaimer for Jackass: The Movie says: This stunt was performed by a professional, so neither you nor your dumb buddies should try anything shown in this how-to."
That being said, I could be in and out with a new processor in about an hour an hour and fifteen minutes. They must not have had access to the iFixit guide ;-) The hardest thing here is getting it open and replacing the four screws back in that hold the screen in place. What they didn't say was if it worked. I replaced the logic board on a 17" 1.9 GHz G5 an hour ago and it's the same basic machine. The only step I didn't do was replace the processor. I did have to do it twice because I forgot the thermal paste the first time. But I am a professional and I've been into these machines multiple times.
UPDATE
Here's my screen shot on the new 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo processor upgrade
Here's how to do it correctly, I would use this guide rather than there's: http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Insta...
Thanks Mayer, Yes, that looks much more doable than the MacLife tutorial. They made it seem so difficult that I was getting a bit scared of the process. After following iFixIt tutorials to replace the HDD and Optical drive, I am fully confident in my ability to do yet another take-apart of my iMac. I will post back here after the "fix" and let y'all know how it went, but now I'm off to eBay to find myself a new C2D CPU. Thanks again!
Jason, you're question has inspired me. I now have a 17" 1.83 GHz Core Duo iMac with a new screen, thanks to another question posted here. So I'm going to try it too. I'm also thinking about that 1.9 GHz G5 I mentioned that looks identical to your machine. I'm also interested because Lion will require a Core 2 Duo.
IT WORKS!! I installed a 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo into a 1.83 GHz Core Duo 17" xbench on the original was 117.88, CPU 78.21 New configuration is 154.06, 154.06 CPU. This compares to the 2.66 GHz '08 & '09 machines. Lion ready. It6 took me two hours to do but I was also taking photos and measuring screws so I have all the information to do a guide. The guide on this machine right now is actually for the Core 2 Duo. There are differences and several steps that are not needed. The 1.9 GHz G5 17" iMac guide is better for this machine than the Core 2 Duo 2.0 guide. If anyone requests I'll add a guide for this machine. P.S. The G5 is not upgradable.
Hey again, My 2.16 C2D CPU is on the way and I will attempt to do my final upgrade sometime next week. I'm glad to hear you pulled one off, Mayer. When you check "About this Mac" it shows the new CPU under hardware? Because that's really all I'm going for so I can upgrade to Lion when the time comes.
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Axuak
285
Answered
Make sure that you get enough thermal paste! I have not done this, having the late 2006 C2D model, but I have taken many computers apart before. The most important thing to do when taking apart an Apple computer is to take a breath before opening and read before you pull!! Apple's line of computers are very tightly integrated - it will take vigilance and determination, but it is very possible to do such a repair. I've done several similar procedures, and so can you. Be sure not to bend the pins on the CPU. I cannot stress the importance of reading ahead and staying chill. If you maintain your cool, you'll have no problems.
I hope this helps :)
So my CPU (C2D T5850 2.16G/667) arrived in the mail today. I am anxious to get started on this project but I had a hiking accident last week and broke my jaw so I am going to put it off for a while longer. I will keep you updated on my success/progres
0
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Answered
0
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joleisa
179
Answered
edit:
Ok I made the upgrade too. I changed 2.0Ghz Core Duo with 2.33Ghz Core 2 Duo. First 3 days impressions are great! It's definetly worth it especially how cheap are the CPUs on ebay now. Xbench results for CPU test changed from 94.09 to 165.17. So its a +75% performance. And Lion works great, but you have to install it with Target Drive utility using another lion enabled computer. Good luck!
joleisa you will get more appropriate answers for your question if you ask your own Question. Click on the link on the right side of this page and give as much detail as possible. I had noticed your question as answers in multiple places. If you post your own question, the Mac Guru's are going to see it and can help you much better.
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madmaxmedi
25
Answered
0
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Answered
0
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Simon
1
Answered
I have an iMac 20'' 2ghz, 2gb intel core duo. Going to be soon upgrading the cpu it to a intel core 2duo 2.33ghz T7600.
Anyone know if you can upgrade to 4GB after upgrading cpu?
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Mark
1
Answered
I have just tried for the second time to upgrade my Core Duo iMac 20" to Core 2 Duo.
When I try to turn the machine it the power light blinks on for a few seconds, then all power is lost.
I can put the original processor back in, and everything works fine.
I have tried this with 2 new processors but the same issue each time. And original Core Duo works fine.
Any thoughts please ?
thanks
@sold4money Thanks for the feedback. Hope you have some success with that and I'd love to hear back. I fiddled again today, checking Firmware version etc but still no go. The CPU's I tried were off the Apple list but I hope it is as simple as that. cheers
Mark,
Success.... I manged to find a T7400, would have preferred a 7600 but generally these chips are like hens teeth here in Australia. It's running fine which is a relief, however it will not upgrade to Mountain Lion. I get a message saying the machine is not suitable for Mountain Lion. This is driving me nuts. I'll open a new thread for this but if anyone has a suggestions I'd appreciate it. thanks
Mark,
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Answered
I have the same issue as you mark. I think though, our issues are the type of processors we are putting. I originally ordered the incorrect model which was a 2.16ghz. I just got in the 2.33ghz t7600 and will be installing in the morning. Hopefully this will get this bad boy going again.
Post back later with hopefully some positive results.
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So after the third tear down, (which I can now do blindfolded by th way) I put the new processor in (model t7600 2.33ghz) the computer fired right up. I was relieved to now I had not damaged this bad boy that has served me very well for the past 4 years!
So the chip I originally tried was the t5850 2.16ghz. The first had some bent pins when I got it so I thought that was the issue. I reordered the same chip because it was cheap and that gave the same results, one blink and no power.
The computer is a lot faster and also the SSD I put in makes a big difference.
If I can help let me know.
Edited by: sold4money ( )
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Does anyone know if a Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.20GHz would work in this situation? I have an iMac (4,1) early 2006 and am wanting to upgrade the processor. I'd prefer the T7600 but they seem to be expensive ($90+) as well as shipping (I'm in Canada). Even a T7400 would be ok but if I'm going to go to the trouble of taking out the mother board etc. I'd rather get the most powerful CPU but the T7600s are a tad pricey.
Andrew
I'll be happy to look this upgrade over if you give a link.
mayer,
Here is the link to the MacLife "tutorial". http://www.maclife.com/article/upgrade_y... Take a look and tell me what you think. Thanks for your response.
Jason,