Upgrading cpu of 3.06 GHz 27" imac

[eeosman]

is it possible to upgrade the processor of 27" imac. what kind of processor is 3.06GHz? is it desktop or mobile? What is its code number. if it is possible which processors are suitable? i want to replace with a 6 core i9 (32nm)?

[RKO]

For a start here is some information regarding the specs on the iMac you are asking about. As for the i9 the answer is no.
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/stats/imac-core-2-duo-3.06-27-inch-aluminum-late-2009-specs.html

[Techhie]

is it possible to upgrade the processor of 27" imac. what kind of processor is 3.06GHz? is it desktop or mobile? What is its code number. if it is possible which processors are suitable? i want to replace with a 6 core i9 (32nm)?

The processor in that computer is an E7600 (info (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SLGTD)) running on an LGA775 socket. The only upgrade path at the moment is to the slightly higher clocked 3.33 GHz model, though it would likely not be cost effective and would void warranty. As for the i9/i7/i5, no, they will physically not fit in the socket as they use LGA1366.

[Sun Baked]

It is a socketed mobile Core2Duo, you can upgrade it to another faster one.

But it is rather expensive and instantly voids your AppleCare.

Really the best upgrade/economical upgrade for these mobile-based desktop has been to sell the machine and buy a new one.

---

Basically for the $300 it would cost to bump up to the 3.33 Ghz and the cost of the loss of AppleCare -- you basically should have bought the i5 or i7.

[DoFoT9]

3.33ghz dual core is the fastest you can go im afraid.

[Techhie]

3.33ghz dual core is the fastest you can go im afraid.

unless you have time, and money (and a team of crazy Sweedish overclockers) :cool:

[DoFoT9]

unless you have time, and money (and a team of crazy Sweedish overclockers) :cool:

oh goodluck overclocking with EFI aye. ;)

[J&JPolangin]

is it possible to upgrade the processor of 27" imac...

YES, if you are with in your 14 day return period you can return it and buy the machine you should have in the first place (i5 or i7)....

[Techhie]

YES, if you are with in your 14 day return period you can return it and buy the machine you should have in the first place (i5 or i7)....

now that is an upgrade path :p

[corvus32]

It is a socketed mobile Core2Duo, you can upgrade it to another faster one.

The E7600 is a desktop processor.

http://processorfinder.intel.com/Details.aspx?sSpec=SLGTD

[Sun Baked]

The E7600 is a desktop processor.

http://processorfinder.intel.com/Details.aspx?sSpec=SLGTD

Still run into about the same deal, you cannot upgrade the heatsink to go to a radically higher TDP than Apple has designed for, and Apple doesn't offer BIOS upgrades for new CPUs.

The lack of BIOS updates are likely the largest drawback, keeping you from enjoying future CPUs in the same sockets.

[corvus32]

Still run into about the same deal, you cannot upgrade the heatsink to go to a radically higher TDP than Apple has designed for, and Apple doesn't offer BIOS upgrades for new CPUs.

The lack of BIOS updates are likely the largest drawback, keeping you from enjoying future CPUs in the same sockets.

I wasn't implying the processor is or is not upgradable.

[AlienSexGod]

The E7600 is a desktop processor.

Correct.
This would likely work:
QX9300 2.53Ghz Quad

However even if EFi saw and allowed it in most cases the 3.33Ghz duo core would be a better option as most processing just require fast single or dual processing.

This is why the i5 and i7 Lynnfield chips are so cool ... their single processor turbo mode can go up to 3.6Ghz and dual 3.46Ghz!

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3634&p=5

[DoFoT9]

Correct.
This would likely work:
QX9300 2.53Ghz Quad


i dont think so. apple doesnt have any of those quads in their current/previous models so support would be limited at best. you cant just chop and change CPU even though the socket allows for it.

[53x12]

Here is another good thread on the same topic of upgrading the C2D CPU in the iMac: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=812500