Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Desktops > Worth upgrading Core Solo Mini?

Worth upgrading Core Solo Mini?
Thread Tools
PHoynak
Grizzled Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Southern New Jersey
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 4, 2008, 05:07 PM
 
I have a Core Solo Mini with 2gbs of ram. My question is it worth upgrading? I could upgrade to a Core Duo (will Core 2 Duo work.. not sure of the socket type) and the hard drive. Right now I use a Newer Tech Mini Stack to boot from (160gb) and it's getting full. I think by the time I am done a new Mini may be a better move?
     
dowNNshift
Dedicated MacNNer
Join Date: Nov 2001
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 5, 2008, 11:40 AM
 
Sure you could upgrade your Core Solo to a Core 2 processor, but it would not be very cost effective.

Let me preface, if you still have AppleCare on this machine I do not recommend modifying your machine in any way, as processor upgrading voids warranty. If one was to upgrade, you'd have to use either a Socket M Yonah or Merom generation processor. The Mac Mini uses a pinned processor, unlike most traditional PC processors do today.

There are lots of Mac Mini hack and modification sites all over the net. But by the time you've purchased the processor, thermal paste, and tools required to do this modification, it would be less to purchase a current Mac Mini retail (and you'd have a fresh warranty too).

If its performance you're after, consider upgrading your memory. PC2-5300 SO-DIMMs are cheap right now, upgrading to a gig or 2 gigs would boost things for ya.
     
mduell
Posting Junkie
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 5, 2008, 12:41 PM
 
1.66Ghz Core 2 Duo: $209
1.83Ghz Core 2 Duo: $243
2.0Ghz Core 2 Duo: $296

160GB 2.5" HDD: $85
250GB 2.5" HDD: $150

Your machine may support 3/4GB (4GB physical, 3GB usable) after the CPU upgrade, but I'm not certain. Check xlr8yourmac for success/failure reports.

I think you're going to get a lot of comments telling you to sell yours and buy a new one, but I don't think that makes much sense. A new 1.83Ghz/2GB/160GB mini is $900, while yours is worth perhaps $300 and the upgrades to get it there are ~$330.

My suggestion is to drop the $450 on 2.0Ghz/250GB, but if you don't want to put that much into it, $300 for 1.66Ghz/160GB is also a decent deal.

Keep the ministack for Time Machine.
     
PHoynak  (op)
Grizzled Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Southern New Jersey
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 7, 2008, 01:00 PM
 
What is the best thermal paste to use on the new CPU? I already have 2gb of ram installed so I think I am good there.
     
iMan G5
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Status: Offline
Reply With Quote
Jan 7, 2008, 09:50 PM
 
iMac G5 1.9Ghz 2.5GB RAM 160 GB HD 17" widescreen + external regular 17
     
   
Thread Tools
 
Forum Links
Forum Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Top
Privacy Policy
All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:15 AM.
All contents of these forums © 1995-2017 MacNN. All rights reserved.
Branding + Design: www.gesamtbild.com
vBulletin v.3.8.8 © 2000-2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.,