Upgrading 2006 Mac Mini Core Duo to 2.33 Ghz Processor

[El Burro]

Going to buy a T7600 processor (which is compatible with my model) and I'm confused about the black stuff on top of the chip. Am I supposed to remove the black stuff or leave it on?

Some pictures have the processor with the black stuff on it and others show just the metal.

What does it need to look like before I connect the heat sink to the processor with thermal grease (using Arctic)?

Here are pictures for reference - look at the black versus shiny metal.

 

[ivnj]

I'm guess black is plain and silver is with thermal paste.

 

[El Burro]

I'm guess black is plain and silver is with thermal paste.

I think you're right.

 

[Omnius]

did you google some of the videos on doing this?

 

[El Burro]

did you google some of the videos on doing this?

No, just tutorials with pictures. Noticed your other thread that's related. If you want to upgrade your CPU, you should do it, it's actually really easy.

Here's a good thread:
http://rickhartley.com/posts/2011/mac-mini-macmini11-processor-upgrade-from-t2300-to-t7200/

and
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/mac_mini_core_2_duo_swaps.html#storytop

for general advice

I saw that you have the Mac Mini 2,1. I'm going to install a hack that makes the Mac Mini 1,1 into a Mac 2,1 (they're basically the same components except the Mac 2,1 has the Core 2 Duo Processor which mine will have after the upgrade), so that I can install 4 GB of RAM total (3.3 GB addressable).

If you want to upgrade your processor look at the T7200 or T7600 Socket M. I'm personally getting the T7600 which will cost me $70, but the T7200 is a 2.0 Ghz Core 2 Duo (only .33 Ghz less than the T7600), but has much more bang/buck (it's abou $25.00 versus $70.00 for the T7600

And also get the proper screws/nuts for securing the heat sink to the cpu.

Finally, you need good thermal compound. This is what I found to be the best (even better than Arctic Silver 5). Get two of these from here http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SKUSearch.asp?scriteria=AA82388 at a dollar each.

Upgrade cost for me?
4 GB of RAM ($20), T7600 Core 2 Duo 2.33 GHZ Processor (up from 1.66 Core Duo) ($65), 128 GB SSD HD ($60) = $145.00. Thus, this makes my 2006 mac mini even more powerful than a 2009 model, and a little less powerful than the 2010, but not by much.

Pretty damn good.

 

[Intell]

Before your MacMini1,1 can read 4GB of ram, you need to flash the 2,1 firmware onto it. If you don't, a MacMini1,1 with 4GB of ram installed won't boot.

There is no difference between the two pictures you posted. One has a reflection making the top of the die look silvery. They are both a blackish glass like surface.

Computational, that won't make your Mini faster than a 2009 model. Even though the clock speed is faster. Just look at how any Core2Duo running at 2.0Ghz can put any Pentium 4 to shame.

 

[El Burro]

Also here's a good video demonstrating its performance after upgrading to an SSD, 2 GB of RAM, and a 2.33 processor.

Extremely responsive.

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Before your MacMini1,1 can read 4GB of ram, you need to flash the 2,1 firmware onto it. If you don't, a MacMini1,1 with 4GB of ram installed won't boot.

Yes, thanks for the tip. Also, where did/do you get the flash utility?

The only place where it seems to exist is here: http://forum.netkas.org/index.php/topic,874.105.html

unless there is a more formal location where one can find it. You kinda have to dig to figure out how to flash it though as it's not all streamlined information.

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Computational, that won't make your Mini faster than a 2009 model. Even though the clock speed is faster. Just look at how any Core2Duo running at 2.0Ghz can put any Pentium 4 to shame.

According to this person who compared his modified mac mini (2.33 ghz) to a 2009, the bench marks were better for the 2006.

I am pleased to report that my old mini scored 3060 (click here for full results). This is in comparison to 2768 for the new mini (2009)

. Granted, it was run in 32 bit, but I don't think 64 bit would be that much better at least under Snow Leopard.

 

[Intell]

This thread outlines how to flash the 2,1 firmware: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1197875/

 

[El Burro]

This thread outlines how to flash the 2,1 firmware: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1197875/

Thanks!