Chosen Solution
Hi All, I heard that Core 2 Extreme QX9300 doesn’t work on imac 2008 (imac 8.1), How about Core 2 Extreme QX9300 in a iMac 2009 early model? I am currently using iMac 2009 early model with Core 2 2.66 GHz (e8135) and I am planing to upgrade my CPU. There are two CPUs (e8435 and qx9300) that I can choose. I don’t really know how much differences between e8435 and e8135 (3.06 GHz and 2.66 GHz), but I believe 4 cores always better than 2 cores (qx9300 vs e8135).
Go with an Apple 3.06 GHz Intel “Core 2 Duo” processor (E8435), with two independent processor “cores” on a single silicon chip, a 6 MB shared level 2 cache. A used one should be about $100.00 This was offered by Apple and I know it will work. http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/im…
I don’t think the pin out on the motherboard will be compatible. The best you could do is get a faster Core 2 Duo, but I don’t think a Quad Core processor will work on a 2009 iMac.
Socket is ok, you can do it! Check it compatibilities
