Will a newer logic board allow me to run El Capitan?

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MacBook Core 2 Duo

Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

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Andrew4699 @andrew4699

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Posted: Oct 26, 2016

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Will a newer logic board allow me to run El Capitan?

Hello,

I have a Macbook 4,1 (black) early 2008 that is forever frozen at Lion OSX 10.7.

I have upgraded the RAM and the machine still works well. I've worked hard to maintain it over the years, but my OSX is dreadfully out of date.

The oldest Macbook supported by El Capitan is the late 2008 model. If I swap out my logic board for an early 2009 (Macbook 5,2) logic board (I am confident I can do it successfully), will that allow me to upgrade to El Capitan?

I know I will also need a new heat sink, and I will upgrade the hard drive to an SSD, as well. I am willing to make the investment to keep my beloved old machine running if someone who knows what they're talking about tells me that I'll be able to run El Capitan when all is said and done.

Also, if this is possible, is early 2009 the right logic board to purchase, or should I swap a different/later model? Is a different/later model compatible with my Macbook 4,1?

Finally, if your answer is yes, do I have to buy a new logic board, or will a used one suffice — and who is the best/most reputable used parts dealer for this kind of item?

Thank you for your time,

Andrew

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Hi Andrew,

My answer isn't yes but it isn't also no. I just want to give you some points to consider. I'm not sure if El Capitan will run on the hardware you mentioned in your post. Perhaps yes, but could also be no.

Did you make a calculation about costs? What does a new logic board, heatsink and an SSD cost? Did you compare the hardware costs, and your time needed to assembly that, with a new device? With a device that contains state of the art technology?

I'm just asking, because you're thinking about to swap your 8 years! old logic board to a seven! years old one, just to make El Capitan running on your system. And this point isn't even sure. It could work, but it could also not.

I appreciate your will to fix it yourself, to assembly hardware and keep a system up and running as long as it works. But you're using a 8 year old base hardware (your Macbook 4,1 early 2008) and you're thinking about to swap it with seven year old components. After all the time comes to say goodbye.

Best regards,

Karl

Oct 27, 2016 by driftar

All good points — thank you, Karl. I appreciate your sentiments, but I'm ride this baby until there's nothing left!

Oct 27, 2016 by Andrew4699

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Hi Andrew,

My answer isn't yes but it isn't also no. I just want to give you some points to consider. I'm not sure if El Capitan will run on the hardware you mentioned in your post. Perhaps yes, but could also be no.

Did you make a calculation about costs? What does a new logic board, heatsink and an SSD cost? Did you compare the hardware costs, and your time needed to assembly that, with a new device? With a device that contains state of the art technology?

I'm just asking, because you're thinking about to swap your 8 years! old logic board to a seven! years old one, just to make El Capitan running on your system. And this point isn't even sure. It could work, but it could also not.

I appreciate your will to fix it yourself, to assembly hardware and keep a system up and running as long as it works. But you're using a 8 year old base hardware (your Macbook 4,1 early 2008) and you're thinking about to swap it with seven year old components. After all the time comes to say goodbye.

Best regards,

Karl — driftar
All good points — thank you, Karl. I appreciate your sentiments, but I'm ride this baby until there's nothing left! — Andrew4699