iMac Processor Change?

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dcole13

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#86195 3-Jul-2011 08:56

How Would You (If You Can) Install A New Processer Into A iMac?
I Currently Have A 17-inch Early 2006 iMac With 1.5 GB DDR2 RAM And A 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo.
If You Can Would The Computer Take A Intel i7?

Thanks.

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Handle9

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#488741 3-Jul-2011 09:27

You definitely won't be able to put an i7 into a core duo machine - much the same as you can't put an i7 part into a Wintel core duo motherboard. They have different sockets and different chipsets.

dcole13

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#488745 3-Jul-2011 09:43

Ok, Well At Least A Intel Core 2 Duo?

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Buttonmash

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#488753 3-Jul-2011 10:29

Looking at iFixits page CPU isn't an option. You'll likely find it's soldered directly to the mainboard:

http://www.ifixit.com/Device/iMac_Intel_17%22

Ragnor

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#488886 3-Jul-2011 19:31

Typical Mac upgrade path is buy new Mac... one of the downsides of the walled garden.

michaelt

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#488905 3-Jul-2011 20:19

From what I can tell, your iMac has an Intel Core Duo T2400 CPU.

You'll need a new compatible mobile CPU. They're quite hard to buy, as not many people upgrade laptop CPU's.

The process to replace it is also quite challenging. There's a guide here: http://www.maclife.com/article/upgrade_your_imac_core_2_duo_processor

Basically, it's not worth it. You'll end up spending a lot of money on a new CPU, and then probably end up breaking your mac.

dcole13

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#489037 4-Jul-2011 09:16

Ok, well thanks, but I'll just get a new computer...

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b0untypure1

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#489441 4-Jul-2011 23:01

sadly thats how it is with mac. and you will have to buy the best mac or else you will find yourself out of date soon again