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MacMini Core Solo 1.5 - CPU upgrade

Hi, I'm wondering what CPU models I can use to replace a Core Solo 1.5 in a MacMini. Does a Core2 Duo fit in that socket? Or only Core(1) Duos? Do all Core(1) Duos work on that logic board?
Anyone using an upgraded Core Solo is also welcome to comment 🙂
Thanks in advance!

Newton 120, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Nov 27, 2007 1:39 AM

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3 replies

Nov 27, 2007 2:25 AM in response to Gerard Kieffer

The French site (English translation here) http://hardmac.com did an upgrade to C2D 2.33 a few months ago -- and have excellent pictures:

http://www.hardmac.com/articles/68/

They discuss chips and the Core Solo upgrade here:

http://www.hardmac.com/articles/69/

Depending on your goals, it might also make sense to sell your old Mini and buy a new C2D Mini -- which would have a new 1-year warranty and be able to address 3 Gigs of RAM.

(I can't recall anyone addressing 3 Gig of RAM after upgrading a CD mini to C2D; there must be some difference in the support chips on the logic board.)

Jan 10, 2008 10:07 AM in response to Boece

Thanks, that is indeed a very good source.

So the main important information is that the Mac Mini has since the switch to Intel a Main Logic Board with a 479Y CPU socket. Processors for that socket are called Merom or Yonah, while Merom is the later version. Some Yonah might have a lower frequency of 533, rather then 667 MHZ what is already on the Solo Core. So I would rather say the 533 are not compatible.

Most Core2Duo should be fine. The top of the range would be a Core 2 Duo T7600 à 2.33 GHz. It should be more then 500 Euros in a new condition. I think the current best value has the Core 2 Duo T7200 with 2 GHZ and 2MB Cache. I saw it at www.alternate.eu for 274 Euro. There are post of successful and happy solo core upgrades.

MacMini Core Solo 1.5 - CPU upgrade

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