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iMac Intel 27" EMC 2309 (Late 2009, Core 2 Duo 3.06 or 3.33 GHz) ID iMac10,1, EMC 2374 (Late 2009, Core i5 2.66 GHz or Core i7 2.8 GHz) ID iMac11,1

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Can I replace my EMC2309 Logic Board with the EMC2374?

I have a late 2009 iMac with a slow E7600 CPU. I'm beginning to learn software development, and am focusing on the android side of mobile apps for the coming few months; however this will shift to iOS development after that. I am trying to setup my system to be good enough for compiling Xcode without wasting too much time.

This is a shoe-string budget situation. If I had the funds, would purchase a new macbook/imac. I'm broke, and have been gifted this iMac as a start. Had an SSD lying around, and two additional 2GB modules, so it should suffice to start, but the CPU is just dinky. I can go from a C2D dual core to i7 quad core, theoretically, by exchanging the logic boards. They appear to be the same physical dimensions based on the pictures I've seen of both. Is this correct?

I've already opened her up to replace the 3.5" with an SSD. Not an issue doing the surgery. My question is if this is technically feasible. I understand there is a TDP difference of 30 watts, but am willing to give it a go as my current CPU barely registers a temp differential between idle and several minutes of Prime95 load. It appears there's headroom here with the current cooling solution. Are there, for instance, physical connectors which will be differing?

The logic boards appear to be had for less than $100 if you look deep enough. I want to do this in the coming weeks, but can't afford a waste of an investment. Can I have success here? Stories to back up the claims by chance? I couldn't find anything on upgrading logic boards. Perhaps this is around I just didn't dig enough?

It seems they use the same power supply, and upon inspection of the images further, the same connectors as well. I will attempt this if someone can't provide reason why not.

Answer this question I have this problem too

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Get the OWC sensor its better!

FanControl slows your system! As it needs to do an IRQ to gain access to SMART. Then it gets into the frequency of checking which gets into the speed of it kinking in. In some cases it won't! Thats why Apple didn't use it.

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Thanks for the info. In that case I'll just disable SMART sensor and set the fan manually. There's no reason to attach a sensor to a SATA SSD.

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I wouldn't do that either it's more complex than just the HDD heat (SSD if you swap) SMC manages all of the fan's so if you manually set things you could overheat the CPU.

Yes a SSD runs cooler but as I explained I would hang onto the HD if you are planning on doing software development. One tends to build up a sizable library of code snippets and finished apps which you'll want to have. So while a SSD is a great drive for running apps and compiling you'll want to leave as much space free for virtual RAM. Unless you've got a 1 TB SSD you'll want the dual drive setup.

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There's zero chance of harming the CPU. Each device has independent sensors and configuration. Really, this is a total non-issue. I have a little monitor on the CPU and it has never broke 40C. As for more data, I have a 120GB device that is far more than I'll ever need. I don't store media on this device. If need be I can push data to a secure server in a DC. 1gbps fiber has its perks ÷) As well I have my own git server setup.

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I think you'll need to review a schematic as you are correct there are numerous thermal sensors, they are all inputted into the SMC system which then controls the fans.

Sometimes us old timers (over 45 years) know a bit more here... Trust me! you want put back the sensor so the SMC system works correctly. Don't be 'Pennywise, Pound Foolish' here all you do is kill your system sooner.

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Before we go into the CPU you do have an issue with the HDD to SSD swap out. You need this: OWC In-line Digital Thermal Sensor for iMac 2009-2010 Hard Drive Upgrade If you review the IFIXIT guide here: iMac Intel 27" EMC 2309 and 2374 Hard Drive Replacement take note of Step10 your SSD doesn't have an onboard thermal sensor for the systems heat management (SMC) to access. So your system will go into safe mode racing the fans as it wants to make sure your system doesn't overheat.

Depending on what your exact system is we do have a IFIXIT guide to upgrade the CPU! Here's the guide: iMac 27" Late 2009 Intel Processor Replacement (EMC 2374) You do need to get the correct chip! It's going to take some effort to find one.

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2309 and 2374 Hard Drive Image

Guide

iMac Intel 27" EMC 2309 and 2374 Hard Drive Replacement

Difficulty:

Moderate

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40 minutes - 2 hours
iMac Intel 27" EMC 2309 and 2374 Intel Processor (iMac 27" late 2009) Image

Guide

iMac 27" Late 2009 Intel Processor Replacement (EMC 2374)

Difficulty:

Moderate

—

2 hours

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Given what you're planning what don't you get a 3.5" SSHD for your data drive and then move the SSD over following this IFIXIT guide: Installing iMac Intel 27" EMC 2309 and 2374 Dual Drive and iMac & Mac mini Dual Drive Enclosure to host the SSD making this drive your boot drive (dual drive).

That would be the sweet setup here for coding.

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That's a non-issue. I removed the sensor cable and installed Fan Control. The sensor is now read from SMART controller. No blaring fan issue =) Based on my research, both an i7-870 & i7-950 will work with the EMC2374 logic board. I'm going for the i7-870. They are available local from a reputable dealer on the cheap.

Again to clarify, this involves not just swapping CPU, but removing the whole logic board and installing the new one. 2309 > 2374. It appears this is actually doable. I'll get the CPU within the week, the logic controller within the month, and report back after this is a success. Thanks!

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Well I lucked out. My brother has an older rig with an exact i7-870 match. He's about to build out a new one for 4K editing off his FPV drone so this will be a hand me down. I also found the EMC2374 logic board for $94 that has a busted LVMI connector, but I can see clearly the pins are merely bent a little out of shape. My old connector will pull out and slip over this one with a little care. I'm offering $60. Should be about 3X performance on the cheap!

http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Int...

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That took forever! First the guy selling the logic board went on vaca, then the board he sent was broken in a way that was totally different from the pics. Had to ship it out of state to get the LVDS repaired. Guy caught the flu and was out of commission for 12 days since the board arrived. Finally got it back and it works! It shows up as an i7-870 but this is a Xeon X3470. My brother still has his CPU and I needed a solution. Only $35 online. I got the single extra sensor that was the difference, ran it up behind the camera. Also put in a new battery. Geekbench shows a jump from 3K to 9.3K multicore score. I'm happy and have decided against messing with overclocking. Temps are fine I'm using the fan control to ensure it caps out in low 80s. In reality it'll rarely if ever hit that high, that's with prime95 hammering it.

The only issue I had was the board was stuck on digital audio. I tried blowing in it, sifting around with a toothpick, and using a Q-tip with rubbing alcohol. Using the flash on my phone, it looks quite clean, but still didn't work. So I got a cheap usb audio card. Fully functioning upgrade =)

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