Upgrade from Core Duo to C2D - is it possible?

[Dhelsdon]

I have an older MacBook 13" A1181 (Black) with a Core Duo 2.0Ghz Processor 2GB of RAM and I was wondering if it's possible to upgrade to a Core 2 Duo 2.16/2.4 Ghz processor, so I can run Lion.

Since there are so many variations, I figure it's possible but I was hoping someone could confirm or deny my thoughts?

 

[Intell]

There is no way to upgrade a Macbook's CPU.

 

[Dhelsdon]

There is no way to upgrade a Macbook's CPU.

I think I'd have to upgrade the whole logic board, no?

 

[OllyW]

I think I'd have to upgrade the whole logic board, no?

Yes, the CPU is soldered to the board.

 

[stridemat]

Even then, getting a logic board for a different machine to fit in anothet machine will never work. OP, afraid its not possible

 

[Dhelsdon]

Ah, that's too bad. Thanks for the info people!

 

[sporadicMotion]

Even then, getting a logic board for a different machine to fit in anothet machine will never work. OP, afraid its not possible

This is not correct.

You absolutely can switch the logic board from another macbook. If you use the logic board from the merom era Core2Duo's, it will be a direct swap. Anything after will require more such as different cables, LCD inverter, etc.

EDIT: Here's a link that outlines any issues you could run into. Core Duo -> Core 2 Duo upgrade in a MacBook

 

[MagicBoy]

Much easier to just buy a later model and sell the Core Duo on though...

 

[SDub90]

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I wondered the same thing when my girlfriends CD MacBook pro needed repairing. Turned out to be cheaper buying a whole used machine than buying a used/refurbished logic board in her case (but neither were cheaper than the $18 heat gun I needed to buy to fix it).

Also, in my opinion, the only thing you'll miss out on with lion is the disappointment. I've been using it at work and there is almost nothing I like about it (I do like the idea of virtualization - but I haven't tried that yet).

I'm sure if you look around on craigslist or eBay, you'll be able to buy a machine for close to the cost of a logic board.