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Late 2011 model, A1278 / 2.4 GHz i5 or 2.8 GHz i7 processor.

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Upgrade 2.8 GHz Intel Core i7 Logic Board with mid 2012 Logic Board?

HI,

I know it's possible to upgrade a late 2011 MacBook Pro i5 logic board to a mid-2012 Tutorial - Upgrade 2011 Macbook Pro Motherboard to 2012. But, I want to improve my 2.8 GHz i7 Mac graphics speed and also benefit from USB 3.0, which comes with the mid-2012 model. Is the logic board compatible?

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I'm not sure you gain that much from a graphics perspective. Both systems use Intel's internal graphics services:

  • HD Graphics 3000 - 2011
  • HD Graphics 4000 - 2012

There's only about 10% improvement between them.

You might want to look at saving your pennies here and jump to a 15" with a dedicated GPU or go with a newer 13" system that supports an external Thunderbolt GPU system.

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I’m looking for an answer on compatibility for the i7. I know the graphics impact is large as I’ve seen benchmarks on the i5. I already have 16GB and an SSD. Speed is the the issue. It’s graphics and USB.

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Sorry, speed is NOT the issue, it’s graphics.

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That was my point! Only around 10% better between the two, not much better. Look at the chip reviews for your self.

Jumping from a i5 will get you CPU performance - Hyper threading (8 vs 4), but the GPU within the same series won't be any better.

How about giving us a clue on why you need more graphics performance

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I’m experiencing lagging and poor rendering of imaging in a multiple monitor environment. A faster USB and GPU will give me a few more years before upgrading to a new Mac.

by

Sorry guy, you're using a dull knife here!

None of the older 13" Unibody have the needed GPU for either photo or video editing, or can push a multiple monitor config at the level you would need.

None of the 13" systems offer the needed GPU services a serious graphics pro requires.

You need a dedicated GPU system. Both Thunderbolt 2 and 3 are better I/O than USB-A 3.0 as well.

You need to make the jump to a 15" system if you really want the needed performance. I should point out rendering can be also done on fast CPU based server with the correct app.

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