Replacing iMac Processor

[nodrog6]

I have a 17'' intel iMac, and I want to upgrade my processor to a core 2 duo. Can i just take apart my iMac and swap one out? How can I figure out which processors are compatible with my computer? Anyone know of any good tutorials for this?

I was hoping to buy this one:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2280515&CatId=2396

 

[Nuc]

I believe the iMac chipset is soldered in. So no. Plus the chip you linked is not the right one anyways I believe.

Nuc

 

[balamw]

That seems to be the Conroe chip and not the Merom chip.

The chip is socketed, but the disassembly is not trivial.

http://home.comcast.net/~woojo/DFFA53A0-F23D-4541-9015-481FD3B6532E/iMac_Disassembly.html

B

 

[afornander]

I believe the iMac chipset is soldered in.

no there not, you can replace the imac chip with a Merom or a Yonah!

 

[nodrog6]

are the merom chips for sale individually yet?

 

[Nuc]

no there not, you can replace the imac chip with a Merom or a Yonah!

Something new I learn everyday. For some reason I thought they were...

Oh well, to the OP, yes you can replace it. But not with the one you linked to I believe.

 

[balamw]

Yeah, you need a T7X00 CPU not the desktop EXXXX you linked to.

B

 

[gadgetgirl85]

The chips are soldiered into the MBP though right?

 

[Fedge]

The chips are soldiered into the MBP though right?

Correct.

 

[PlaceofDis]

The chips are soldiered into the MBP though right?

socketed on the desktops. (iMac/mini)
soldered on the laptops. (MacBook/Pro)

i don't know anything about the chipset in the MacPro though.

 

[robbieduncan]

socketed on the desktops. (iMac/mini)
soldered on the laptops. (MacBook/Pro)

i don't know anything about the chipset in the MacPro though.

Mac Pro has socketed CPUs. You obviously need Xeons...

 

[PlaceofDis]

Mac Pro has socketed CPUs. You obviously need Xeons...

good to know. at least we know all the desktops have some sort of upgradablity now. shame that you cant change out the iMac graphics card yet though.

 

[twoodcc]

but how do we know that it'll work? C2D is 64-bit. will the motherboard be able to address 64-bit?

 

[robbieduncan]

but how do we know that it'll work? C2D is 64-bit. will the motherboard be able to address 64-bit?

You'll still be limited to the maximum RAM that you were before as the chipset limits that. The CPU has the exact same interface to the Northbridge so no worries there.

 

[twoodcc]

You'll still be limited to the maximum RAM that you were before as the chipset limits that. The CPU has the exact same interface to the Northbridge so no worries there.

so if i put in a 2.33 merom into my 17" core duo imac, it would work perfectly?

 

[robbieduncan]

so if i put in a 2.33 merom into my 17" core duo imac, it would work perfectly?

You need to check the thermal output of that CPU versus the chip that's in there to ensure that the cooling will cope. Then go for it.

 

[twoodcc]

You need to check the thermal output of that CPU versus the chip that's in there to ensure that the cooling will cope. Then go for it.

and how do i do that?

also, i noticed newegg doesn't have any for sale. looks like it'll be awhile before we see them everywhere?

 

[twoodcc]

so does anyone plan on trying this?

 

[Eidorian]

I still can't find any Merom chips outside of manufacturer OEM's.

 

[balamw]

I still can't find any Merom chips outside of manufacturer OEM's.

Yeah, and at the $700 retail prices quoted for a T7600 it seems to be a not very cost effective experiment...

Even the T5600 and T7200 processors used in the low end 17" iMacs retail for around $300 now

B

 

[Eidorian]

Yeah, and at the $700 retail prices quoted for a T7600 it seems to be a not very cost effective experiment...

B

Yeah, it's a rather expensive upgrade for a little bit more power. I'll just see if we get DX10 support in the iMac's video card next year. Otherwise, I'm holding onto my Core Duo for awhile.

 

[pilotError]

Yeah, and at the $700 retail prices quoted for a T7600 it seems to be a not very cost effective experiment...

But in a Year or Two, you might be able to double your performance for $200 or $300. Any you won't have to worry about that warranty.

 

[balamw]

But in a Year or Two, you might be able to double your performance for $200 or $300. Any you won't have to worry about that warranty.

Yup, but by then you might also have a hard time finding Meroms that have the right pin configuration to drop in to a Yonah Mac. 6-12 months out seems like the best hope.

B

 

[twoodcc]

Yup, but by then you might also have a hard time finding Meroms that have the right pin configuration to drop in to a Yonah Mac. 6-12 months out seems like the best hope.

B

well, let's see what these new imacs can do, then i'll decide if it's worth upgrading. especially if its gonna be $700 for a processor