Chosen Solution
Hey iFixers, I have been upgrading all possible components of my early 2006 iMac (HDD and optical drive) with help from iFixit. My next venture is to upgrade the CD CPU to C2D CPU. I know this is possible as it’s socketed. I have found a “tutorial” on MacLife to do this but am wondering if anyone here has done it and might have some advice/tips on the best (easiest) way to undertake such a daunting task.
To quote them, “Just as the disclaimer for Jackass: The Movie says: This stunt was performed by a professional, so neither you nor your dumb buddies should try anything shown in this how-to.” That being said, I could be in and out with a new processor in about an hour an hour and fifteen minutes. They must not have had access to the iFixit guide ;-) The hardest thing here is getting it open and replacing the four screws back in that hold the screen in place. What they didn’t say was if it worked. I replaced the logic board on a 17" 1.9 GHz G5 an hour ago and it’s the same basic machine. The only step I didn’t do was replace the processor. I did have to do it twice because I forgot the thermal paste the first time. But I am a professional and I’ve been into these machines multiple times. UPDATE Here’s my screen shot on the new 2.16 GHz Core 2 Duo processor upgrade
Make sure that you get enough thermal paste! I have not done this, having the late 2006 C2D model, but I have taken many computers apart before. The most important thing to do when taking apart an Apple computer is to take a breath before opening and read before you pull!! Apple’s line of computers are very tightly integrated - it will take vigilance and determination, but it is very possible to do such a repair. I’ve done several similar procedures, and so can you. Be sure not to bend the pins on the CPU. I cannot stress the importance of reading ahead and staying chill. If you maintain your cool, you’ll have no problems. I hope this helps :)
Hi guys, don’t know if this thread is still active but I upgraded my 2006 Intel iMac a few years ago. By changing CPU and BIOS/firmware I’ve been able to use 4Gb RAM, and machine now registers as iMac5.1 (formerly 4.1). if you’re up to pulling stuff apart then definitely do it. Maximum OS X is still Snow Lep though. (I used a CPU from a PC laptop - maybe T7200; 2.0Ghz anyway. )
So after the third tear down, (which I can now do blindfolded by th way) I put the new processor in (model t7600 2.33ghz) the computer fired right up. I was relieved to now I had not damaged this bad boy that has served me very well for the past 4 years! So the chip I originally tried was the t5850 2.16ghz. The first had some bent pins when I got it so I thought that was the issue. I reordered the same chip because it was cheap and that gave the same results, one blink and no power. The computer is a lot faster and also the SSD I put in makes a big difference. If I can help let me know.
Would Apple’s Lion installer accept this newly upgraded iMac as valid install target?
edit: Ok I made the upgrade too. I changed 2.0Ghz Core Duo with 2.33Ghz Core 2 Duo. First 3 days impressions are great! It’s definetly worth it especially how cheap are the CPUs on ebay now. Xbench results for CPU test changed from 94.09 to 165.17. So its a +75% performance. And Lion works great, but you have to install it with Target Drive utility using another lion enabled computer. Good luck!
Dear MacHead3, Although I’ve seen and experienced a few of these upgrades on my personal machines. I have found that the first series “non-unibody” MBP’s although actually, quite a bit easier to do. Seem to have Some fit issues, and never seems to come together “clean’ if you get me. It’s a super thing to get that old Dual-Core out of there, it makes a real difference in what you can do. For me, unless I’m moving it to a Socket T, there just doesn’t seem to be enough reason to do this upgrade. No offense, just the math. The cost of the replacement board, time and effort, risking damage to all of those little connectors, and then there’s the Mac OSX upgrade… My favorite trick is to get a Unibody (Used or broken for $125) and mod it from there. many more options and the board and socket is better and more useful. So, as for help with your issue, just be aware, if you haven’t taken the system apart yet, the A110n series is a solder on CPU, not really an upgrade option. The next 2 series are ZIFF sockets, much better, then 3rd gen with 775. By no means is this impossible by any streatch, just do the board swap, don’t attempt to re-flow job, it’s pretty tricky! Hope this helps, My 2 Cents!
Bigmark, Depending on which specific model this is there are a couple of things to try. First, and quickest is a PRAM Reset (Ctrl+R+P), which you can look up on Apple’s site. The second and actually more likely (unfortunately) is that the power supply (it the modulaized component that the A power cord plugs into). I have replaced mine twice in the past 6 years. This is now where near as common as some blogs and groups might lead you to believe. The single most common issue by far is the Cap-Pop issue. Since you’ve had the back off, then you’ve seen them. What you need to do is to examine them very closely. What you are looking for is any bulging or dark residue on the silver “Top” of the capacitors. These are small components that kinda look like small soda cans, with black plastic wrapped around the sides and exposed shinny aluminum tops (normally with a crease indented on the tops in the shape of a “Y” kinda looks like a Peace Sign). Anyway, if any of these are “Popped” or bulging, this is your problem. Heat is a very common issue with these first years, still a bit on an issue today, but designed for better heat dissipation. Most people give me the ‘Scoffing’ sound when I tell them that some Apple’s have design flaws. Like I’m stupid… LOL. Just believe me, there is NOTHING made by a human that can’t have a human flaw!!! Hope this sheds some light, Good luck
