Quad Core Mini/iMacs look possible

Spanky Deluxe · Mar 3, 2009, 10:59 AM

Since the new Mini and iMacs now use Socket P, it looks like it might be possible to upgrade them to quad core (assuming the processors aren't soldered in).

Suitable processors would be Q9000 2.0GHz, Q9100 2.26GHz and QX9300 2.53GHz.

I know this isn't really necessary for most people but I thought the idea of having a machine about as powerful as the first gen Mac Pro in a machine the size of a Mini is quite impressive. So for ~£1k, one could have a Mac Mini with 4 cores and 4GB of RAM. The Mini can also now drive a 30" ACD with the adapter.

Eidorian · Mar 3, 2009, 11:01 AM

I can't wait to see the mods and pray they're still socketed.

cleric · Mar 3, 2009, 11:08 AM

Would be nice :-D

robotartfashion · Mar 3, 2009, 11:09 AM

who's going to be the first to try it?

andrewdale · Mar 3, 2009, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robotartfashion

who's going to be the first to try it?

I sure wouldn't have the guts to try it, but I'd love to see it if someone does!

Drumerdude · Mar 3, 2009, 11:49 AM

I hope that they are not sodered.

Spanky Deluxe · Mar 3, 2009, 12:04 PM

I was planning on finally replacing my Mac Pro and 30"ACD with a new Mac Pro and 30" LED display. The new Mac Pros are overpriced, the octo base model looks like its got too low a clock speed to be of a significant upgrade to me and a new 30" display hasn't been released so my Mac Pro upgrade has been put on ice.
Had the Mini price points remained as they were, however, I would have entertained the idea of getting a base model and throwing a quad core in there and running my 30" ACD with it - at least until the Mac Pro line gets repriced or respecced.

shardey · Apr 12, 2012, 01:41 PM

I know this is a dead thread, but whats the chances of the q9100 running in a 2009 24" iMac with the e8435? Same sockets but the TDP is 10w higher on the q9100 (due to the nature of it being quad core).

These chips are $130 now, and would love to throw one in my iMac.

Eidorian · Apr 12, 2012, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shardey

I know this is a dead thread, but whats the chances of the q9100 running in a 2009 24" iMac with the e8435? Same sockets but the TDP is 10w higher on the q9100 (due to the nature of it being quad core).

These chips are $130 now, and would love to throw one in my iMac.

You would be looking for a LGA 775 based 65W Core 2 Quad. Now I am sure you would be able to install it but the microcode in the EFI to run it is another story. You would have better luck with the fastest Core 2 Duo E8600 or even a E8700 if you could ever find one of those.

The OP's processors are for Socket P or worse BGA.

Mar 3, 2009, 10:59 AM	#1
Spanky Deluxe macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London, UK	Quad Core Mini/iMacs look possible Since the new Mini and iMacs now use Socket P, it looks like it might be possible to upgrade them to quad core (assuming the processors aren't soldered in). Suitable processors would be Q9000 2.0GHz, Q9100 2.26GHz and QX9300 2.53GHz. I know this isn't really necessary for most people but I thought the idea of having a machine about as powerful as the first gen Mac Pro in a machine the size of a Mini is quite impressive. So for ~£1k, one could have a Mac Mini with 4 cores and 4GB of RAM. The Mini can also now drive a 30" ACD with the adapter. __________________ "No, I'm from Iowa, I only work in outer space."
	0

Mar 3, 2009, 11:01 AM	#2
Eidorian macrumors Penryn Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Indiana	I can't wait to see the mods and pray they're still socketed. __________________ Core i5 750 / 16 GB RAM / SSD / HD 7950 / Windows 8
	0

Mar 3, 2009, 11:09 AM	#4
robotartfashion macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ	who's going to be the first to try it? __________________ MacPro 2008 2.8 Octo/6GB2009 13" Macbook Pro 2.26/2GB2009 Mac Mini HTPC 2.0/2GB2007 20" iMac 2.0/2GBPowermac G4 867/1GB Media Server12" Powerbook G4iPhone 4iPhone 3Gs Home Remote*iPad 3G 16gb
	0

Mar 3, 2009, 12:04 PM	#7
Spanky Deluxe Thread Starter macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London, UK	I was planning on finally replacing my Mac Pro and 30"ACD with a new Mac Pro and 30" LED display. The new Mac Pros are overpriced, the octo base model looks like its got too low a clock speed to be of a significant upgrade to me and a new 30" display hasn't been released so my Mac Pro upgrade has been put on ice. Had the Mini price points remained as they were, however, I would have entertained the idea of getting a base model and throwing a quad core in there and running my 30" ACD with it - at least until the Mac Pro line gets repriced or respecced. __________________ "No, I'm from Iowa, I only work in outer space."
	0

Apr 12, 2012, 01:41 PM	#8
shardey macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2010	I know this is a dead thread, but whats the chances of the q9100 running in a 2009 24" iMac with the e8435? Same sockets but the TDP is 10w higher on the q9100 (due to the nature of it being quad core). These chips are $130 now, and would love to throw one in my iMac. __________________ Legendary
	0

Mar 3, 2009, 11:08 AM	#3
cleric macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Minneapolis, MN	Would be nice :-D
	0

Mar 3, 2009, 11:49 AM	#6
Drumerdude macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2009	I hope that they are not sodered.
	0

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