[w8ing4intelmacs]

I realize that this is a stretch, but f I upgrade my CD Mac Mini with a C2D CPU, would it be able to access more memory (i.e., the 3GB limit of the current minis)? I'm guessing not?

[Simon]

No.

Your CD Mac mini is limited in firmware to 2 GB. No matter which socket M C2D you put in there, you will always be limited to 2 GB RAM.

[w8ing4intelmacs]

Okay. So is it worth installing a 1.83 C2D CPU in my 1.66 CD Mac Mini? I do video editing, video conversions, and record and edit OTA HD video. The performance bump from my old Power Mac G4 to an Intel Mini was huge.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by w8ing4intelmacs 

Okay. So is it worth installing a 1.83 C2D CPU in my 1.66 CD Mac Mini? I do video editing, video conversions, and record and edit OTA HD video. The performance bump from my old Power Mac G4 to an Intel Mini was huge.

No. If anything you would have to go with the top of the line T7600 (2.33 GHz, 4 MB L2) socket M C2D and that CPU will be fairly expensive (and believe it or not it won't be getting any cheaper). The bump from CD 1.66 to C2D 1.83 will be there, but in no means comparable to what you experienced when you upgraded from your G4.

Video editing is pretty demanding. If I were you I'd get a new Mac. A Mac mini is probably not very suited for such tasks anyway (slowest CPU, limited RAM, slow and small HDD, integrated graphics, etc.).

[Eriamjh]

Sell the mini and move up to a 20" iMac (new or used). It will cost less than the fastest processor you could put in your mini.