Swapping CPU up to 2.4GHz in an iMac

[Henri Gaudier]

I'm probably going to buy a 20" iMac 2.16 GHz in the next week or so. I'm aware that it's due for an upgrade soon but I can't really wait so my question is; Is it possible to swap the processor for an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4ghz) Socket 775 FSB1066 4MB Cache one? If yes, can I do it or if it needs an expert would the anticipated costs be prohibitively expensive? Has anyone here done it? I've googled around but with no success.

 

[pilotError]

I'm pretty sure you need the "T" series of the core 2 duo chips. The "E" series is a desktop chip with a different socket.

There are folks who have done it, you can do a search on iMac disassembly
or iMac hard drive replacement to show you the step by step if your interested in doing it yourself. There are places that will do it for you, but you might be better off just selling it and buying a newer spec'd machine (next generation is rumored to be out in the next few months )

The closest CPU to what you listed is the T7600 at 2.33 Ghz @ $640.00

The T7200 or T7400 might be a more economical choice.

 

[Jasonbot]

I'm probably going to buy a 20" iMac 2.16 GHz in the next week or so. I'm aware that it's due for an upgrade soon but I can't really wait so my question is; Is it possible to swap the processor for an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4ghz) Socket 775 FSB1066 4MB Cache one? If yes, can I do it or if it needs an expert would the anticipated costs be prohibitively expensive? Has anyone here done it? I've googled around but with no success.

I think itels roadmap says theres one more Mobile T socket chip for the current chipset, it'll be called Penryn. 45 nm shrink and increased speeds, hopefully. That'll be a worthwhile iMac upgrade.

Then it's off to santa rosa camp with faster bus speeds and more cores, that won't be iMac compatible...

 

[Henri Gaudier]

Thanks for the input PilotError.

I stumbled over the chip I mentioned in the post and it was only €300 about $400. I thought "Wow! Buy the machine, upgrade the CPU and be ahead of the game for €300! Genius." Ah well .....

I'll look for the "T" chip and see what I can get it for here but I doubt it will be cheaper than the US price. Jasonbot says a max of 2.33 GHz. Is that right? Haven't PC users been enjoying 2.4 GHz sice November?

 

[Jasonbot]

I'll look for the "T" chip and see what I can get it for here but I doubt it will be cheaper than the US price. Jasonbot says a max of 2.33 GHz. Is that right? Haven't PC users been enjoying 2.4 GHz sice November?

Yes PC users have been enjoying 2.4 and even up to 2.9Ghz...In their desktops The iMac uses a notebook processor that is clocked lower, you could always try OC it but the thing would literally melt. Next best bet would be to get the standard 2.16 and upgrade teh RAM, it'll give a much greater boost than the 2.33Ghz chip upgrade

 

[localoid]

I'm probably going to buy a 20" iMac 2.16 GHz in the next week or so. I'm aware that it's due for an upgrade soon but I can't really wait so my question is; Is it possible to swap the processor for an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 (2.4ghz) Socket 775 FSB1066 4MB Cache one? If yes, can I do it or if it needs an expert would the anticipated costs be prohibitively expensive? Has anyone here done it? I've googled around but with no success.

Link to how-to:
Upgrade Your iMac to a Core 2 Duo Processor

 

[Henri Gaudier]

Thanks Localoid ..

... great find but the first paragraph says it all - "This upgrade is not for the faint of heart." Plus the expense when compared to the fee from Apple for upgrading to the 2.33GHz which seems to be as far as we can go for the moment.

Jasonbot mentioned OCing the chip would lead to meltdown. Has anyone here OCed to an extent where they could recommend it? I recall a bloke who OCed an eMac up from 800MHz to 1.3GHz or some such figure an age ago. So ... how far can an Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 Merom 2.16GHz M Processor go?

 

[Queso]

This is normally a good site for Mac overclocking tips. I'm assuming you speak French