I'm thinking of taking a 2.26 GHz (25W) Mac Mini and changing the processor to a core 2 quad q9100 at 2.26 GHz (45W). Forget about the expense, I don't care. I also have an idea about how to desolder the old processor from the board. What I wonder is will the other components on the motherboard respond to the new processor and will OS freak out?
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Thought I'd change the Mac Mini processor
- Thread starter BIGMACsandwich
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I have an idea how to convert an old iron for ski wax into a square about the size of the CPU pins. It should drop out, but getting the new CPU in could be a bear. I may just solder a socket in, then try the new CPU.
The thing I'm worried about is not that it fits but that the other components on the logic board will accept the quad core CPU. And also whether Leopard will recognize the new CPU.
opeter
macrumors 68030
It's still in the planning stages. I have to get the Q9100~$500 on Ebay. I going to try attaching an old piece of square metal to my ski iron (it's a Seal with adjustable heat), to see if it gets hot enough to make solder flow.
If you get this done, then there very might well be a business opportunity in it for you given interest from other mac mini owners
Houston we have a problem. I did alittle more studying. The current chip in the Mac Mini is a Micro-FCBGA while the quad core Q9100 is a Micro-FCPGA. This means the Q9100 is better suited for a socket, and the P8400 is not for a socket at all. Basically what I learned is that the Mac Mini CPU is NOT SOLDERED in!!!!! IT'S EPOXIED IN PLACE!!! Micro-FCBGA means micro flip chip BALL grid array. Micro-FCPGA means micro flip chip PIN grid array. With Micro-FCBGA the CPU rests on contacts and is glued in place. So if you can figure out how to remove the epoxy without destroying the logic board, then you can replace the Mini's CPU with another Micro-FCBGA type CPU. I'll get back to you guys when I learn more.
opeter
macrumors 68030
I looked at all the other quads and some dual cores and basically you need to switch to a socket somehow to use them.
Next question is can a Socket P be mounted to the logic board with epoxy like the CPU was? If so we may be in business😎
Ok, I back. Someone posted a picture of the old Mac Mini logic board with e socket. This great because if someone has a bunch of blown logic boards I could theoretically get the socket off one of those and use it on the new board, then throw in the Q9100 and boom baby. 😀
Attachments
Anybody got any idea about epoxy removal? heat gun maybe? Solvents are risky, I bet the manufacturers have ways to deal with mistakes.
Bet they use file13 ( waste bin ) for it would not be cost effective to repair the board ,the cost of the board to them would only be a couple of quid
rrijkers
macrumors 6502
Do you think the mini can dissipate the heat? The faster quad core at a higher voltage has got to give off a lot more heat than the dual core, assuming you can find a way to break the epoxy holding it in. I don't think this project is going to be doable without ruining a lot of motherboards and other parts.
Cave Man
macrumors 604
Worse, if I understand correctly - it's epoxied onto the logic board.
Edit: Oops. I see you've discovered it:
Well, I figure the Q9100 gives 45W which is acceptable for a laptop. If it's OK for a Laptop it should be fine for a Mini, but you never know. I'm sure it will be toasty though under the right circumstances. Weren't the second generation Minis High W output.
OrangeSVTguy
macrumors 601
If it's epoxied, you may have to "sacrifice" the original processor and just chip it away with a sharp knife. If the original processor has pins like you mentioned, it's probably just epoxied around the edges and you can just chip away the epoxy with a very sharp exacto knife or something just as sharp.
This is new and if you want to be the "originator" of this idea, then you need to take chances and go for it. See exactly how the chip is mounted to the logic board. Once someone has tried this, many others will follow and someone will succeed and then everyone will be doing it.
Maybe the new ones are socketed since they use pins but it's just glued down to save space from the lever mechanism.
This is new and if you want to be the "originator" of this idea, then you need to take chances and go for it. See exactly how the chip is mounted to the logic board. Once someone has tried this, many others will follow and someone will succeed and then everyone will be doing it.
Maybe the new ones are socketed since they use pins but it's just glued down to save space from the lever mechanism.
Not according to Intel's website. Micro FCBGA packages rest on contacts and held in place by epoxy at the edges.
Cave Man
macrumors 604
Do you know how much space is above the processor? Is there enough room for adding a socket? If one were so inclined, it could be possible to cut the pins on the current processor, solder in a new (compatible) socket and add your chip.