Upgrading a Mac Mini cpu

[SAWYER]

I am looking to buy an old 1.8 Core Duo Mini and I was reading online about swapping out that cpu for a Core 2 Duo so Lion could be installed. Has anyone here done this? Are there any issues to be aware of?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

1 - not all are socketed.

2 - mobile sockets

 

[TheStu]

1: Core Duo means socketed
2: Yes, Mobile sockets, be careful
3: ifixit.com is your friend

 

[Tyranicus]

Keep in mind that you will be able to install Lion if you upgrade to a Core 2 Duo, but you will not be able to install Mountain Lion due to GPU limitations.

 

[mmntech]

You could try the T5600 and T7200. Those were used with the Macmini 2,1 , which should be Socket M. Those two chips should ensure maximum compatibility. Specs for the 1,1 and 2,1 are identical other than the CPU so I would assume both have the same motherboard. Now whether the 1,1's firmware supports Core 2 is another story. In theory it should.

 

[Emulex]

netkas.org has instructions on how to flash the 1,1 board to 2,1. It's the same board exactly. it takes 4gb of ram (3.3 usable) but matched pairs go faster with GMA950 and core2duo is supported with 2,1 plus there are 2,1 keyboard features that work with the flashed board. The only issue is the o/s will see the nvram code that says its a 1,1 board but this can be circumvented using common hackintosh methods.

I don't understand why mountain lion can't emulate the video, when say windows 8 will run on the same hardware! damn apple!

 

[fr]

Replace the CPU to install Lion? It seems a lot easier to do this:

http://osxdaily.com/2011/04/08/hack-mac-os-x-lion-for-core-duo-core-solo-mac/

 

[SAWYER]

thanks

 

[Kaido]

Some info on chip swaps on XLR8:

http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/mac_mini_core_2_duo_swaps.html

Although Hackintosh has gotten quite a bit easier - you can build a Mini-ITX system for fairly cheap that will also run Mountain Lion. Depending on the price of the Mini & CPU upgrade, the numbers might make more sense to go this route if you don't mind tinkering:

http://tonymacx86.blogspot.com/2011/09/building-sandy-bridge-customac-customac.html

Support thread here:

http://legacy.tonymacx86.com/viewtopic.php?t=33412

 

[mmntech]

I don't understand why mountain lion can't emulate the video, when say windows 8 will run on the same hardware! damn apple!

Tim Cook needs that jewel encrusted iPhone 5.