Installing a Core 2 Duo in a Mac mini
par
Lionel
- 08/02/2007
Conclusion
These tests have taught us a lot about the architecture of the Core processors and their efficiency.
In summary, the Core 2 Duo is around 20% more efficient than a Core Duo at the same frequency. On the other hand, the value in doubling the L2 cache is indiscernable, at least in our tests. But it is also necessary to look at the prices. Indeed, a Core 2 Duo T7600 processor is priced around 650 Euro (including tax), which is extremely expensive, especially when compared to the price of the T5600 which costs but a "mere" 250 Euro. Of course there is a performance gain with the most expensive, but when seeing the difference in price, it will only intrest those who must have the best.
However, compared to the 1.66 GHz Core Duo and - even more so - the Core Solo, the T5600 is a good product, effective and affordable.
We bought the Mac mini for 479 Euro at the Refurb store. Augmented with the 1.83 GHz Core 2 Duo, it comes to 729 Euro. That's only 110 Euros more than a new Mac mini for a more powerful machine. It is now most likely that our Mac mini will retain the T5600 processor inside. As for the T7600 processor, we will be trying to graft it into a iMac Core Duo as soon as we have a machine in our possession.
These tests have taught us a lot about the architecture of the Core processors and their efficiency.
In summary, the Core 2 Duo is around 20% more efficient than a Core Duo at the same frequency. On the other hand, the value in doubling the L2 cache is indiscernable, at least in our tests. But it is also necessary to look at the prices. Indeed, a Core 2 Duo T7600 processor is priced around 650 Euro (including tax), which is extremely expensive, especially when compared to the price of the T5600 which costs but a "mere" 250 Euro. Of course there is a performance gain with the most expensive, but when seeing the difference in price, it will only intrest those who must have the best.
However, compared to the 1.66 GHz Core Duo and - even more so - the Core Solo, the T5600 is a good product, effective and affordable.
We bought the Mac mini for 479 Euro at the Refurb store. Augmented with the 1.83 GHz Core 2 Duo, it comes to 729 Euro. That's only 110 Euros more than a new Mac mini for a more powerful machine. It is now most likely that our Mac mini will retain the T5600 processor inside. As for the T7600 processor, we will be trying to graft it into a iMac Core Duo as soon as we have a machine in our possession.
Edited and translated by: jwa
