I have a 2007 mac mini with a 1.83 GHz core 2 duo. It is being used as a media / web server. I just order a new hard drive and more RAM, but I'm wondering about a cpu upgrade as well. I know its possible, as this model uses the zif socket. What I'm hear to ask is regarding purchasing the old cpu.
The fastest model, I believe, that I can upgrade to is the 2.33 GHz core 2 duo. Which is the T7600 w/ 4M Cache and a 667 MHz FSB. Doing a google search for this will mostly lead to information about the chip or to several different places with big differences in price. Several that were probably originally listings for $500+, but obviously they are out of stock.
The best deal I seem to be able to find is eBay, of course. I'm very cautious about using ebay and I typically only shop from US sellers. When I narrow the search to US sellers, there are only a few available and they are all used (no surprise). I've found a couple (one T7600 and one T7400 - 2.16 ghz model) for $30-$40 each.
My Questions:
1. Is a $40 used cpu from ebay my only option? Any place to find new ones?... I know that's probably funny.
2. Is it a bad idea to use a used cpu? Is it like buying used tires?
3. What should I look for when buying on ebay? Any way I can determine if it is a fake or broken based on pictures? Although I have noticed several listings that say the photo shown isn't what you get.
4. Any suggestions? All are welcome.
BTW, this is mostly for the fun of it. I do use the media and web server, but they too were results of me playing around with this old mac.
Thanks for any help.
The fastest model, I believe, that I can upgrade to is the 2.33 GHz core 2 duo. Which is the T7600 w/ 4M Cache and a 667 MHz FSB. Doing a google search for this will mostly lead to information about the chip or to several different places with big differences in price. Several that were probably originally listings for $500+, but obviously they are out of stock.
The best deal I seem to be able to find is eBay, of course. I'm very cautious about using ebay and I typically only shop from US sellers. When I narrow the search to US sellers, there are only a few available and they are all used (no surprise). I've found a couple (one T7600 and one T7400 - 2.16 ghz model) for $30-$40 each.
My Questions:
1. Is a $40 used cpu from ebay my only option? Any place to find new ones?... I know that's probably funny.
2. Is it a bad idea to use a used cpu? Is it like buying used tires?
3. What should I look for when buying on ebay? Any way I can determine if it is a fake or broken based on pictures? Although I have noticed several listings that say the photo shown isn't what you get.
4. Any suggestions? All are welcome.
BTW, this is mostly for the fun of it. I do use the media and web server, but they too were results of me playing around with this old mac.
Thanks for any help.