Mac Mini CPU upgrade

[regnez]

I have a Mac Mini with the 1.67ghz Core Duo -- the first of the Intel Minis.

I am looking to maybe drop a new processor in there and I would like it to be one of the higher clocked Core 2 Duos. However, I cannot find a solid answer anywhere on the web as to whether or not you can upgrade the Core Duo to Core 2, or if you can only upgrade them to a higher clocked Core Duo.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[piasabird]

I would not reccomend this. If you have a warranty for parts or labor, it will violate the warranty. They will not be as understanding as www.newegg.com about such a thing.

 

[regnez]

The Mini is already FAR out of warranty; I have torn it apart myself to do a RAM and HDD upgrade. It is a project computer, and I am interested in making it as fast as possible (as a computer can be w/ integrated gfx, of course).

To the best of my knowledge, the CPU can be swapped for a C2D, but I would like some solid confirmation from some gurus before I go that route.

 

[zero2dash]

I know you can take a mini from a Core Solo to a Core Duo, but I haven't heard anyone go to Core 2 Duo.

The new minis that come with C2D you could probably do it, but I would guess you probably can't with the one you have.

 

[nerp]

The biggest question is if the BIOS and motherboard can handle it. If so, you should be OK, I'd think.

 

[regnez]

I have looked into it a bit and I think it'd be fine as long as I stick with the 667mhz FSB. I know that the thermal restrictions of the Core 2's are a little bit higher than with the Core 1's, but nothing unbearable.

The T7600 was what I had in mind, but I was hoping for some confirmation from someone who has done it, knows someone who has done it, or is damn sure that it would work.

 

[nerp]

Originally posted by: regnez
The T7600 was what I had in mind, but I was hoping for some confirmation from someone who has done it, knows someone who has done it, or is damn sure that it would work.

That is usually more helpful than collecting a bunch of guesses from guys like me. 🙂

But maybe keeping the fact that Newegg has very liberal return policies in mind, you can always throw it in, see if it works OK and return it for a refund if it doesn't work out.

 

[regnez]

Originally posted by: nerp

But maybe keeping the fact that Newegg has very liberal return policies in mind, you can always throw it in, see if it works OK and return it for a refund if it doesn't work out.

I was considering that route, but installing a processor in a Mini is no small job. I would rather know in advance than buy and install an incompatible part and then have to the restocking fees.