upgrading iMac 2011 27" i5 2.7 GHz to i7 3.4 Ghz

[tinker23]

As it seems the CPU is again socketed, would it be possible to switch the I5-2500S out for an I7-2600? TDPs are different (65w vs 90w) but I have not seen any different heat sink configurations. As the i7 2600 is the cpu from the best model the microcode should be present in the SMC right?

Did this with my previous 2009 i5 2.66 Ghz to i7 2.8 Ghz as well without any issues

Ps. would it also work with the 2600K which has its multiplier unlocked? These are a bit easier to get hold of over here...

 

[bpeeps]

Are you saying you want to buy the 3.4 processor and switch it out with the one you have? Or return it to the store and do a BTO?

 

[Hellhammer]

I don't think anyone has tried this but in theory, there is nothing that indicates that it wouldn't work. Can't see why i7-2600K wouldn't work.

 

[cherry su]

Are you saying you want to buy the 3.4 processor and switch it out with the one you have? Or return it to the store and do a BTO?

Buying the boxed processor: the Intel Core i7-2600(K) goes for $280 at Micro Center.

 

[tinker23]

Indeed I would like to but the processor seperately, as I do not have any use for the grapic card and can save considerably this way, although it would void my warranty. I will be on the look out for a good deal on a 2600 and report back once build in.

 

[Bear]

Indeed I would like to but the processor seperately, as I do not have any use for the grapic card and can save considerably this way, although it would void my warranty. I will be on the look out for a good deal on a 2600 and report back once build in.

How much is considerable savings?

And is that difference between you doing the upgrade and doing a CTO from Apple really worth the lose of the warranty?

 

[cherry su]

Indeed I would like to but the processor seperately, as I do not have any use for the grapic card and can save considerably this way, although it would void my warranty. I will be on the look out for a good deal on a 2600 and report back once build in.

You probably could sell the pulled chip for at least $150, so total expenses would be $130 + how much you value your own labor vs. Apple's $400 high end tax + $200 processor upgrade - warranty cost, so you save at most $470 assuming that you value your labor and the warranty a nonnegative amount of money.

 

[bpeeps]

You probably could sell the pulled chip for at least $150, so total expenses would be $130 + how much you value your own labor vs. Apple's $400 high end tax + $200 processor upgrade - warranty cost, so you save at most $470 assuming that you value your labor and the warranty a nonnegative amount of money.

Not sure where you're pulling these numbers from... They already have a 27 inch, so what "high end tax" are you referring to? It doesn't matter because it's already been paid for. Doing an Apple BTO 3.1 to 3.4 is $200. Less time, less money than outright buying a processor and doing the labor.

Not knocking the DIY for fun or a project, but your numbers seem a bit off.

 

[DeusInvictus7]

Not sure where you're pulling these numbers from... They already have a 27 inch, so what "high end tax" are you referring to? It doesn't matter because it's already been paid for. Doing an Apple BTO 3.1 to 3.4 is $200. Less time, less money than outright buying a processor and doing the labor.

Not knocking the DIY for fun or a project, but your numbers seem a bit off.

It's $200 to go from 3.1 to 3.4 sure, but the OP is going from the 2.7 to 3.4, that's where he is getting the $400 + $200 price from Apple.

EDIT: Just looked on Apple's site, and it's actually a $300 difference between the two 27" models, so the total is actually $300 + $200, not the $400 stated earlier.

 

[clark1]

The increased dollars on BTO upgrade from Apple also involves GPU, not just CPU.

 

[tinker23]

Indeed upgraded GPU is included in the $500 (here in EU its 450 euros, thats $600!) and as I do not need it I would rather not pay for it. The warranty issue is a valid one, I might reconsider doing this after the 1y warranty has run out. I would like to combine it though with the SSD upgrade which I am going to do probably right after I get it delivered.

And as somebody has to be the first who tries this I would be very willing to volunteer

 

[Icy1007]

Indeed upgraded GPU is included in the $500 (here in EU its 450 euros, thats $600!) and as I do not need it I would rather not pay for it. The warranty issue is a valid one, I might reconsider doing this after the 1y warranty has run out. I would like to combine it though with the SSD upgrade which I am going to do probably right after I get it delivered.

And as somebody has to be the first who tries this I would be very willing to volunteer

€450 is actually $647.30

I don't think it's worth it to change out the processor. The low-end 27" uses the i5-2500S which is a 65W chip compared to the i7-2600 which is a 95W chip. You might want to make sure the low-end 27"'s PSU is the same as the one they ship in the high-end 27".

 

[NutsNGum]

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Anyone done it yet?