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Model A1200 with 2.16 or 2.33 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Whats the highest CPU this White iMac 24inch can use?

I am looking into overhauling my 24" White iMac (2006) with a new CPU, SSD and memory.

Does someone know whats the highest CPU that can put into this iMac? I will like to upgrading to higher OS than Lion any suggestions? Will I also need to upgrade the video card?

I understand it would be a lot easier to just use a compatible iMac, but whats the fun on that :-)....

Thanks in advance

Update (05/11/2016)

Dan

Thanks for your reply. My system is the 2.16 GHz Core2Duo.

I have seen some postings from people in different sites suggesting that this Imac CPU can be upgraded to 2.8 GHz using the Intel X7900. I have another iMac 8,1 24" also running at 2.8 GHz (Aluminum type) and runs El Capitan super smooth, with only 4GB RAM and standard HDD (not SSD), so I figured maybe a bump in speed would allow me to use tools such as OS X Extractor and MacPostFactor link below: OS X El Capitan on Unsupported Macs

This guy has an older 2006 iMac which he replaced the CPU with Intel Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHz T7600, so it has been done before, just not to the CPU level I am looking for.

So I was thinking a combination of the 2, CPU upgrade and using the tools might give me a better chance to run something newer.

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

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First here is the specs of your current system:

iMac 24" 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo (Late 2006)

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The difference between your older iMac and your newer one is what the OS and apps are running under 32bit Vs 64bit. That is why it makes such a difference!

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For reference here is the specs of your newer iMac: iMac 24" 2.8 GHz Core 2 Duo (Early 2008)

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Sadly there is not much you can do here to upgrade this system to run anything newer than 10.7.5 "Lion". The systems CPU support chips limits this system to 32bit (even though the CPU its self is 64bit clean).

The highest version of the 24" models is this one: iMac 24" 3.06 GHz Core 2 Duo (Early 2009). While it might be possible to frankenstein your system by swapping out the logic board you're on your own here as I have never seen anyone achieve it.

Remember the system here is limited to 8 GB and only has a SATA II (3.0 Gb/s). So I do wonder if its worth all of the effort and risks.

Sorry if I burst your bubble here ;-{

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Sorry guy, CPU swap out won't change the fact the systems support hardware can't run anything newer. Think of it this way, dropping in a V8 engine into a VW Bug won't make it a race-car.

The only option here is a full scale swap out of the logic board to a newer version. But just like I said, you're on your own here as I don't know of anyone ever getting it to work.

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