

Note that upgrading a Core Solo or Core Duo Mac mini with a Core 2 Duo CPU does not allow it to use more than 2 GB of RAM or install Mac OS X 10.7 Lion unless you update the EFI firmware to version 2,1. The amount of installed memory makes a difference in Geekbench scores – more RAM will give you a higher score.


These are rough averages under Geekbench 2. It’s crazy how much faster this will make the pokey 1.5 GHz Core Solo model! Geekbench 2 Scores
#Mac mini memory upgrade 2006 plus#
For the 1.5 GHz Core Solo model, it will nearly double your power.įor the ultimate in speed, you’re looking at the 2.33 GHz T7600, which provides a 16% speed boost for the 2.0 GHz model, 25% higher than 1.83 GHz, 40% more than 1.66 GHz, and 55% higher than the 1.5 GHz Core Solo – plus a second core, the improved Core 2 Duo architecture, and a twice-as-large cache. Definitely worth it for 1.83 GHz and slower models – probably not worth the effort on a 2.0 GHz Mac mini, since the Geekbench score is only about 5% higher. Be sure to get good thermal paste, such as Arctic Silver.įor a real boost on the cheap, the 2.16 GHz T7400 provides 8% more speed than the T7200, and you should be able to find one for under $9 shipped on eBay. With its larger cache, it will give a significant performance boost, and it typically sells for under $3 shipped. If you’re spending money, at the very least pick the 8% faster 2.0 GHz T7200. If you have a pulled T5600, you can upgrade any Core Solo or Core Duo to 1.83 GHz and Core 2 Duo for free. The T5600 sells for more on eBay than the T7200, so there’s no sense buying the T5600.
