Chosen Solution
Hi, I have a late 2012 21.5 iMac running the 2.7 Ghz i5. I’m planning on upgrading the CPU. Now, I know it is a lot of work, but I feel comfortable attempting it. I know the i7-3770S (3.1 Ghz, 65W TDP) was an bto option, so it should work (also confirmed in a thread I red here). Do you think the normal i7-3770 (3.4 Ghz, TDP 77W), which is far more common, would also work or does the Mac not boot up when it recognizes a different type of CPU (or TDP) than originally available for the machine ? Would be very grateful about an advice. Also, I would have the option to get an i5-3570S (3.1 GHz, TDP 65W) for a very good price, so it would definitely be interesting to know if only CPUs used by the manufacturer, only CPUs with the same TDP or all CPUs of the same socket work? I read on another forum that people successfully upgraded their 2011 21.5 iMacs to i7-2600(K) CPUs…so many things to consider :D
First, the amount of processing gain is not that much here. A lot of work, cost & risk of damage for so little gain.
If you are looking for a speed bump, I think you would be much happier upgrading the hard drive to an SSHD or SSD. You’ll get a lot more bang for the buck than a CPU upgrade. If you are interested we cn give you some options and also how to address the thermal sensor issue that comes with it.
Regarding that YT video - yes he showed it is working - BUT - why did he NOT show it under FULL CPU and GPU load + maximum brightness with EVERYTHING on (BT WiFi etc.) - I talk about PSU capability.
