Intel Core 2 Extreme Sockets

[rollercoasternd]

Hello, I have heard of people switching their Mac Mini's 1.66 GHz Core Duo with a Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz because the pins are the same on the sockets, I was wondering if the Core 2 Extreme's sockets were the same and if the Extreme would work with Mac OS X, I ask that since no Macs contain the Extreme chip. If so does anyone think that the Extreme would be a good choice for an upgrade?

Thanks,
Shane

 

[robbieduncan]

Leaving out the questionable reasons for putting a CPU costing more than the Mini itself in there this will not work. All available Extreme CPUs are desktop CPUs. Minis use laptop CPUs. They have totally different number of pins and are physically incompatible.

 

[rollercoasternd]

Whats the highest possible chipset that could be put inside the mini?

 

[robbieduncan]

You cannot alter the chipset (this is the northbrige/southbridge combination) only the CPU.

The fastest CPU that currently seems to be available is the T7600 (2.33 Ghz Core2Duo mobile). This may or may not be within the Minis acceptable heat envelope...

 

[rollercoasternd]

Well i don't think the temp will be an issue cause it won't be inside the Mini Case when I'm done with it. The warranty will be more then void when I'm done modding it. I was looking on Intel's website and it seems that the entire Core Duo line has the same LGA775 socket type but I don't know...

Edit: Are you sure that it uses a laptop chip because the only laptop chips I see are Centrino Mobile

 

[robbieduncan]

Centrino is marketing name for the whole platform not the CPU. I am 100% sure it is a socket 479 mobile processor.

Intels spec sheet for the T7600 is here. As you can clearly see it is labelled "Intel® Core™2 Duo Mobile Processor T7600" as it is the CPU only.

 

[robbieduncan]

Actually it appears that Apple are using the 478 pin versions of CoreDuo at the moment. Fortunately there are 478 and 479 pin version of more Core2Duo Mobile processors.

 

[rollercoasternd]

Thanks, so theoretically if heat was not an issue you could put the T7600 in the mini... Time for a blazing fast mini

 

[robbieduncan]

Sure. I'd double check whether you need a 478 or 479 pin version first of course!

 

[rollercoasternd]

last thing, it seems that they don't sell just the CPU they only have links to systems already containing them, any ideas on a place (or links) that sells the CPU?

 

[robbieduncan]

Scan sell them in the UK. I've no idea about other countries...

 

[rollercoasternd]

Sure. I'd double check whether you need a 478 or 479 pin version first of course!

I think the mini has the 478 how can I be sure?

 

[robbieduncan]

Take the CPU out and count the pins

Or look at the markings on it and do a search to find out. Or do a Google search and find out. I'm certainly not about to do one for you!

 

[rollercoasternd]

Thanks, I'll figure it out