Upgrading Mac Mini 2,1 CPU

[Omnius]

I'm considering upgrading the cpu on my mac mini 2,1. Currently, it has 2.0 ghz. I believe upgrading to a 7600 2.33ghz cpu would be the only meaningful upgrade. I know there are 2 better cpus than my 2.0 ghz cpu. 2.16 and 2.33 are the possible upgrades. 2.16 would literally need to be nearly free to justify the upgrade (performance gains would be minimal). 2.33 might be a substantial enough upgrade to be worth paying some money.

I believe i need a a t7600 2.33 ghz, m socket cpu. However, it looks like these cpus are still selling for a rather high price (high considering their age). A cursory google search shows a price range averaging in the $70-$80 for used cpus that look messy. Is there a place anyone could recommend? Does anyone have any thoughts one way or another?

Are these cpus unlocked(i.e.: would it be possible to overclock one on a mac mini?)

 

[Intell]

The 2.33Ghz is the fastest one for your Mini. They are not unlocked and are not overclockable in any Mac. I got mine from eBay. Make sure you get the one with pins on the bottom and not the BGA one.

 

[Omnius]

What kind of prices did you see / when did you purchase yours? How do you distinguish between the one with pins and the bga one?

 

[Intell]

I got mine for $120. Of course this was a few years ago. The pin/socket one and the BGA one have a slightly different package/model/SKU number. Also helps if the sell has pictures of the back of the CPU.