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Upgrade Your iMac to a Core 2 Duo Processor
Posted 01/31/2007 at 5:15:17pm | by
Niko Coucouvanis
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.
WHAT YOU NEED
> iMac with Intel Core Duo processor
> Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (we used a T5600; $249.99, www.newegg.com)
> Torx screwdrivers #6, #8, #9
> Phillips screwdrivers #1 and #2
> Credit card or similar plastic shimmer
So you jumped on the Intel-Mac bandwagon too soon and now your Core Duo-equipped iMac feels inadequate? We're here for you, friend, with a step-by-step guide for something that, in retrospect, we'd actually recommend you don't try: replacing your iMac's Core Duo processor with a Core 2 Duo chip.
Why the upgrader's remorse? Would you attempt brain-transplant surgery on your brother? That's kind of how this feels. So we respectfully suggest that you enjoy this pictorial as infotainment only. And if you must try it yourself, know that different-model iMacs may have different screw layouts on the motherboard, and you may also encounter differences en route to the board as you're disassembling the casing (not to mention that it'll instantly nullify your warranty).
Still here? Before you start, clean off a large, static-free tabletop and gather up the tools listed. This is a very complex project that you might need to leave overnight, so the kitchen table isn't the best choice.
COMMENTS:
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Will this work on a mac mini too?
Submitted by vince (not verified) on Thu, 2007-02-01 00:27
I've been wanted a Mac Mini Core 2 Duo. Would this chip also fit in that system? Will it run ok with bus speeds, etc?
Submitted by Gary (not verified) on Thu, 2007-02-01 22:22
Yes Vince you can upgrade your Mac Mini depending on which one you have. Check out this link from Xlr8yourmac.com. It gives a pretty complete run down on how to do it and provides some links for additional info. Only question would be is the cost to do it may be as much or close to what you paid for your Mini if you got one of the higher speed CPU's
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/mac_mini_core_2_duo_swaps.html#storytop
Submitted by macalicious (not verified) on Fri, 2007-02-02 06:00
my nipples are exploding with pleasure
Submitted by Bill (not verified) on Thu, 2007-03-22 07:00
works lie a charm,replacing the CPU is easy,but
BEWARE the ribbon cable from interconnect to main board.
Had to spend an extra 40.00 to replace interconnect.
Origanal yonah 1.66 upgraded to Merom 2.o ghz.I have doubled level 2 cache.System is much more responsive and grades out about 20-25 per cent faster on most benchmarks.
If we could just do something about graphics.
My mini runs cooler and has the 64 bit azz to handle leopard.Runs 40 to 48 celcius.Machine Name: Mac mini
Machine Model: Macmini1,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MM11.0055.B08
SMC Version: 1.3f4
Submitted by Wayne Winquist (not verified) on Thu, 2007-02-01 01:44
What Core 2 Duo did you drop in? Did oyu try to match what was in there, or were you going for more of a speed boost? Also, how well would the Quad-core Core 2 Extreme work?
(Hey Apple, time for an iMac Quad-Core! I know you wanna! LOL)
Submitted by Jason wolven (not verified) on Thu, 2007-02-01 09:05
I jumped into the burning of fire to soon and got burnt. I hate the fact that this MacBook Pro of mine got an upgrade so soon after coming out. I'm not about to spend an amount equally to a good car to buy a brand-new MacBook Pro.
After all my next Mac is going to be a Macintosh Pro desktop. So I would like to know is it possible to upgrade my MacBook Pro Core Duo to Core 2 Duo without trashing everything on my current system?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 2007-02-05 13:02
Simple Answer is... no. Your processor is not socketed, it's soldered onto the board. Sorry.
Submitted by Dr. Allan Zeldman (not verified) on Mon, 2007-02-26 11:30
I read the "Simple Answer - No!" to the question. Which pseudo-logic tells me - could a 'complicate answer' be 'Yes'?
I understand that the the obstacle is the processor being soldered to the motherboard instead of socketed (as it is in the iMac). Well, soldering is cetainly not an undoable process - it's really just an application of appropriate heat with the right tool (gun) and precision. But with the delicate, highly compact, and genrally unmodifiable construction of most of the Powerbook/MacBook line I understand the "No" answer on the MacLife forum.
I've disassembled and assembled many many (not a double-typo) PBs, iBooks, Minis, installed DVD drives, HDs, among other replacements, and even rewired a PB-G4 (667MHz) whose main unit and LCD had become completely separated. That was quite the task, and involved adding/extending and 'soldering' a number of new wires to make up for the shortened length of the wiring (5 wires) after the separation. Funny thing is, it never stopped working after the separation. The main issues were a) it was no longer portable (as you might imagine in two pieces with dangling wires) and b) the LCD backlighting was shot due to the severed wire carrying that signal. Still, with some front light you could see the desktop. I used it with an external monitor for while befoee the 'operation'. But in the end I replaced the hinges (much cheaper on eBay), got it working, and my 5yr old is very happy since his MacMini's motherboard died (anyone know where to get one) and now uses the PB?
So, I guess my few questions are: just how precarious or dangerous (e.g. non-afterlife of the MacBookPro) would the de-soldering/resoldering process be? What could be damaged in the process? Would resoldering be absolutely necessary or could the thermal compound be used instead in the reconstruction, as in the iMac directions/process? Also, there are a few hardware and software based advantages and differences with the "Core 2 Duo " vs. "Core Duo" MacBook Pro. Anything lost or damaged in the process of such an upgrade? Finally, if you know, would I use the same Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 from NewEgg, or some other - possibly at a higher speed?
Grateful for all thoughts and input.
Dr. ALlan Zeldman
Senior Data Analyst
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Toronto, Canada
(private e-mail: azeldman@rogers.com )
Submitted by SamsLembas (not verified) on Thu, 2007-02-01 13:41
How did it go? How was the speed increase? Did anything not work?
Submitted by Nandos (not verified) on Thu, 2007-02-01 21:12
Dear Niko You're a smurfing genius
Submitted by Daniel Jhoty-Borge (danibo77) (not verified) on Fri, 2007-02-02 02:43
My old iMac G5 had a much simpler approach to opening the case...
The back just slided up giving you access to the inside, just to bad it wasn't replacable..They made it extremely more hard... although more fun.. to open the case now.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 2007-02-07 08:53
just testing the comment
Submitted by Caslon (not verified) on Tue, 2007-02-20 22:01
I upgraded my 20' Early 2006 Core Duo to a 2.16 Core 2 Duo and it works great. I'll upgrade my other one too soon.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 2007-04-15 09:56
what kind of processor you use to upgrade your imac core duo?
is it the same one in newegg site
intel core 2 duo T7400 merom 2.16 GHz soket M processor model.what's the different between the pc processor and intel mac processor.
i need to upgrade my imac too.
Submitted by Mike Bailey (not verified) on Sat, 2007-05-12 06:43
Where did you buy the Core 2 Duo upgrade? How much did it cost, $US or £GB?
Did you get anyone to fit it for you?
It looks a little daunting, the article says it's very easy to break some of the plugs on the motherboard.
If as I suspect you're in the USA, do you know where I could source the Core 2 Duo upgrade within the UK?
How much faster does the iMac run with the Core 2 Duo over say the 2 Ghz Core Duo as supplied in the early 2006 Intel Imac Core Duo?
Thanks in anticipation.
Mike
Submitted by Mike Bailey (not verified) on Sat, 2007-06-02 01:15
How much did it cost for the Core 2 duo chip? Where did you buy it from? How difficult was it to DIY?
Are there any downsides that you've noticed?
Mike
Submitted by CN (not verified) on Fri, 2008-03-28 23:01
Hi, there:
i felt confused of the socket M;478;479... Which of the following/or all of them can replace my imac 20" 2.0 Dual Core cpu?Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.50GHz Mobile Processor - 800MHz FSB - 6MB L2 - 478-pin FC-PGA Socket 478;
Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.20GHz Mobile Processor - 4MB L2 - 478-pin Socket 479;
Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz Socket 478 Mobile Processor - 2.0GHz - 667MHz FSB - 2MB L2 Cache;
Intel Core 2 Duo T7800 2.60GHz Mobile Processor - 800MHz FSB - 4MB L2 - 478-pin FC-PGA Socket 478;
Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 2.40GHz Mobile Processor - 800MHz FSB - 3MB L2 - 478-pin FC-PGA Socket 478;
Intel Laptop Computer Notebook - Core 2 Duo T7700 2.40GHz Mobile Processor - 2.40GHz - 800MHz FSB - 64KB, 64KB L1 - 4MB L2 - Socket 478 - BX80537T7700And T7700 price seems good, can my imac use it?
regards
Urgent to know,
CN
Submitted by CN (not verified) on Fri, 2008-03-28 23:05
Hi, there:
i felt confused of the socket M;478;479... Which of the following/or all of them can replace my imac 20" 2.0 Dual Core cpu?Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 2.50GHz Mobile Processor - 800MHz FSB - 6MB L2 - 478-pin FC-PGA Socket 478;
Intel Core 2 Duo T7500 2.20GHz Mobile Processor - 4MB L2 - 478-pin Socket 479;
Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2.0GHz Socket 478 Mobile Processor - 2.0GHz - 667MHz FSB - 2MB L2 Cache;
Intel Core 2 Duo T7800 2.60GHz Mobile Processor - 800MHz FSB - 4MB L2 - 478-pin FC-PGA Socket 478;
Intel Core 2 Duo T8300 2.40GHz Mobile Processor - 800MHz FSB - 3MB L2 - 478-pin FC-PGA Socket 478;
Intel Laptop Computer Notebook - Core 2 Duo T7700 2.40GHz Mobile Processor - 2.40GHz - 800MHz FSB - 64KB, 64KB L1 - 4MB L2 - Socket 478 - BX80537T7700And T7700 price seems good, can my imac use it?
regards
Urgent to know,
CN
Submitted by Lance (not verified) on Sat, 2007-02-24 09:06
Is it possible to upgrade to a quad core processor?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 2007-02-28 15:55
Please give us a tutorial on how to add an eSata port to the imac. Then this thing would give the Mac pro a run for the money!!! I'm always out of hard drive space and firewire/usb drives are out of date!
Submitted by YOUR FACE (not verified) on Sun, 2007-06-24 15:39
Is it possible to hire a person to do this for you? I would like to upgrade my processor but I don't think I want to attempt this. If so, where would I find such a person?
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 2007-07-05 00:50
Will any Merom socket M chip work? Conversely, will any other core 2 – Conroe, for example – chip work?
Submitted by upgraded and breathing easier (not verified) on Wed, 2007-10-31 15:47
I followed these instructions while I updated my late 2006 20" imac and found that once open my imacs insides looked different, so some of the screws noted for taking out did not apply (must have been a different model) However the basic principals still held, with a few variations. on mine there were two sets of plugs from the power to LCD..watch for that as I broke the top set as I pulled out the LCD! still workable though so no worries. disconnect all contacts as in instructions take lots of pictures, it really helped me. even with the different architecture you still have to take the whole mother board out and flip over. The CPU is the bottom right chip attached to teh heat sink (I guess the other is the graphics card?). Popped in the intel core 2 duo T7600 2.33 GHZ that I got on ebay, but you can order any M style core 2 duo chip at various online stores including newegg.com, I just went for the cheapest I could find ~$350USD. I used Torx scredrivers #6-10, a regular philips screwdriver (for the heat sink screws), and a couple of different sets of pliers for the plugs. While I was in there I put in a 802.11n wireless card and put it all together. bong!!! awesome, have yet to do any speed tests but everything is working fine. I've been monitoring teh CPU temp and its seems a few degrees higher 48.0 c - 52.0 on idle (was low 40s before) but haven't really cranks the processor yet.
all in all well work the ~$430 i spent!
Submitted by Steven (not verified) on Sun, 2007-12-16 21:29
Oh my god, all that just to replace the chip. Curious with all that removal just to look on the other side of the logic board. You think it would possible to just cut a door right where the processor is? I mean you're killing the warranty anyways.
Submitted by Jim (not verified) on Sat, 2008-02-16 20:42
I have a 17" iMac that I wanted to upgrade. I used this site as reference and it was very helpful. The hardest part of the upgrade was getting the case apart and then removing the various wires connected to everything. Once those 2 issues was resolved, everything was fairly easy. I've done a number of upgrades to Cubes and my mac mini and this one was the most trying. But, the machine did boot the 1st time and I am happy to say, all is well. Thanks Mac Life for the help.
Submitted by john (not verified) on Wed, 2008-02-27 11:03
So the real question is... Can I take a logic board from a core 2 duo macbook and swap it with my core duo macbook? The form of the case is the same and from what I have seen the logic board seems to be the same size and shape.
Any ideas on this one?
Thanks!
John
Submitted by Jerry (not verified) on Sun, 2008-03-09 19:10
How fast of a processor can I get to replace the old Core duo? Will a T7400 work also?
Submitted by Luis (not verified) on Tue, 2008-06-10 17:07
Has someone done this and installed 64bit OS in the iMac successfully? Please let me know at luisrh@mac.com
Late to the party...
Submitted by WiredPig on Thu, 2009-05-07 18:29
I think I'm being a tad dense, so please bare with me.
I have a new, to me, early 06 iMac that I want to swap out the CPU on. Using this procedure, will swapping out the CPU to a C2D allow me to run 64bit O/S'?
Thanks,
Wired Pig | On Twitter | Blog
Submitted by Alpich on Tue, 2009-06-23 21:23
I have an early 2006 Intel 7" iMac that is working for the moment but with suspected pregnant capacitor. A friend of mine thinks he can fix this. I asked 'While it is open can we make other changes?' He said "Yes". So now I am upgrading to the Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2Ghz 667 Processor which only cost me $100. I am also upgrading the Network card since with it now being a Core 2 Duo I am hoping that it will work. According to everything I am reading the card should fit into the same slot so I will document that too. And while I am at it I am going to change the HDD. I am hoping that my friend will let me video the experience and I will post it on Youtube and post here the results. The capacitor repair could take up to 3 weeks as he is ordering the capacitors from his work. So hope for the best for me. The next step will be to try to install Snow Leopard on to it. Will let you know how that goes in October.
Submitted by Alpich on Tue, 2009-06-23 21:24
I have an early 2006 Intel 7" iMac that is working for the moment but with suspected pregnant capacitor. A friend of mine thinks he can fix this. I asked 'While it is open can we make other changes?' He said "Yes". So now I am upgrading to the Intel Core 2 Duo T7200 2Ghz 667 Processor which only cost me $100. I am also upgrading the Network card since with it now being a Core 2 Duo I am hoping that it will work. According to everything I am reading the card should fit into the same slot so I will document that too. And while I am at it I am going to change the HDD. I am hoping that my friend will let me video the experience and I will post it on Youtube and post here the results. The capacitor repair could take up to 3 weeks as he is ordering the capacitors from his work. So hope for the best for me. The next step will be to try to install Snow Leopard on to it. Will let you know how that goes in October.
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