Mac Mini Core *2* Duo?

[Daisama]

Do you guys think that there is going to be a core 2 duo any time soon for the mini? I want to make the switch to a mac but I want a core 2 duo. What if I just buy a core solo and upgrade it myself?

 

[RLich8]

One could speculate, but it will be only that, speculation.

Nothing is concrete with Apple until it's released.

 

[pcguru83]

What if I just buy a core solo and upgrade it myself?

That's exactly what I wish I had done. Instead, I just purchased one of the updated 1.83 GHz Core Duo Mini's. I wish I had just purchased a refurb Core Solo and upgraded the processor to a Merom.

Just be aware, if your not comfortable with the inside of a computer, upgrading the processor is not for you. You actually have to completely remove the motherboard from the Mini, which makes things a bit more difficult. If you've worked inside a Mini before though, you probably won't find it too difficult.

 

[Macnet]

Assuming the board has Core 2 Duo support built-in, I'd you definitely could upgrade the CPU yourself.

Try the repair guides at ifixit.com for a less-harrowing deconstruction of the mini.

 

[Daisama]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have made PC's before, so should that be okay? So I can just get a Core solo with 1 gig of ram? Cool. Will any core 2 duo work or is there a specific socket? I might as well install the ram myself too and just buy a really cheap 512mb core solo.

 

[pcguru83]

Check out this Core 2 Duo (Merom) chip from NewEgg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819111302

This would replace a Core Solo from a Mini quite nicely. This thread is really making me regret getting the 1.83GHz Mini. Should have went the Solo Refurb-->Upgrade route. Oh well.

 

[gordy_hand]

Thanks for the advice guys. I have made PC's before, so should that be okay? So I can just get a Core solo with 1 gig of ram? Cool. Will any core 2 duo work or is there a specific socket? I might as well install the ram myself too and just buy a really cheap 512mb core solo.

You need the laptop version other than that any will fit

 

[Zinn]

You can upgrade the mini to a Core 2 Duo yourself.(Any Intel mini will work, so I recommend going with the cheapest one you can find). I've been doing a lot of research on this lately as I'm doing the same upgrade. In fact I've got a Core 2 Duo T7400 (2.16ghz) chip, an 80 gig 7200rpm drive and 2 gigs of PC5300 Sodimm sitting right next to me all waiting to go into a Mac Mini (that hasn't quite yet been purchased)

Taking apart the Mini will be the hardest part, but once you do, the Core 2 Duos are drop-in compatible. There is no configuration required--just stick the chip in, remount the heatsink, put everything back together and fire it up. It is automatically detected. This article will point you to everything you need to know: http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/faq_core/mac-mini-core-upgrade-processor.html

I will be doing this project next month and will update everyone with pictures and my experience.

 

[Daisama]

Thanks a lot! I will be looking forward to that.