Upgrade the CPU in an original Macbook Pro?

[moodler]

Is it possible to drop a Core 2 Duo CPU into an older Macbook Pro?

Does anyone know? Has anyone tried it?

 

[amoda]

By what i know, the answer is no. The cpu is soldered onto the mb. So unless you have some experiance in microsoldering i wouldn't attempt it.

 

[Abstract]

Why bother? It'd probably be cheaper and MUCH MUCH MUCH easier to sell your MBP on eBay and buy a new Core 2 Duo version.

 

[Transeau]

No, it can not be replaced by any end user.
Someone with the training needed to remove and replace a 400+ pin BGA processor could do it. I also doubt that Apple will release any firmware updates to take advantage of the Core2 Duo in a 1st Gen Macbook.

 

[fivetoadsloth]

no you cant core 2 duo and core duo require different logic boards so youd be much better off getting a new computer.

 

[Warbrain]

By what i know, the answer is no. The cpu is soldered onto the mb. So unless you have some experiance in microsoldering i wouldn't attempt it.

Exactly. There's no way to easily upgrade the processor.

 

[Sun Baked]

I'm sure if somebody wants to set up a rework process for replacing the CPU -- it could be done.

But you are talking about a more significant investment in equipment and technicians for CPU upgrades than most of the past Macs, except the G5s.

Plus, baking the boards other components at the wrong temp can destroy some of the more heat sensitive plastics.

Considering it is easier and cheaper for somebody to sell the machine and buy a new one ... it probably won't happen, unless somebody works at a rework center and wants to risk destroying their own MacBook.

 

[moodler]

Thanks all!

 

[bearbo]

no you cant core 2 duo and core duo require different logic boards so youd be much better off getting a new computer.

you should def. do a bit more research before making a statement like that...
core 2 duo does not require different logic board than core duo

 

[cynerjist]

Just my opinion, but even if the new logic board with C2D were reverse compatible, right now it would be best to sell the CD MBP and buy C2D MBP. The logic board with C2D is going to cost about the same or more than the loss you would take. In addition, you void your warranty.

Too bad they soldered the chip on. Many PC laptops support upgrades from Yonah to Merom if they have the right chipset.

 

[bousozoku]

you should def. do a bit more research before making a statement like that...
core 2 duo does not require different logic board than core duo

Considering that there have been drop-in upgrades to other machines, it certainly wouldn't seem that way.

I don't see that it couldn't be done with the right person doing the work. There have already been PowerBook G4 upgrades, but it won't happen overnight. Someone needs to figure out how to do it successfully and that will probably require a couple of fried motherboards along the way.