Upgrading the CPU of a Mac mini

par Lionel - 07/02/2007

A step-by-step procedure

Upgrading the CPU
Once the heatsink is removed, first wipe out all traces of thermal paste (70% alcohol and cotton dips). You can unplug the temperature sensor to make your life easier, but do not forget to plug it back in later on.

The CPU is installed on a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket. To release the CPU from its socket, simply rotate the screw indicated by the arrow on the photo 180°. The CPU will then be "ejected" from the socket.

To avoid improper installation in the socket, one should align pins from the CPU according to the pin-holes scheme found on the socket. Then, insert the CPU into the socket, then lock it by turning the screw back 180°.

The photo below shows a Core 2 Duo T7600. One can notice that CPU designs are not identical between a Core 2 Duo and a Core Duo.

Then, before reinstalling the heatsink, add some thermal paste as shown on the photo, but not more than that as it would be useless and could even be detrimental to the CPU life-span.
You then have to reassemble the entire Mac mini, proceeding backwards, plugging all connectors and wires back. Ensure that the antennas are properly installed.