• Current CPU: i5-2500S (2.7 GHz Sandy Bridge i5)
• Upgrade to CPU: i7-2600 (3.4 GHz Sandy Bridge i7)

TPD is 65W on the i5, and 95W on the i7. Both share the same socket (LGA 1155)

I am considering a CPU upgrade (and an SSD upgrade while the beast is on the operating table!). I have heard some success stories on the mid 2010 models.

I want to hear from this community and see what the results are in real life trial (there is information out there that says it might be possible, but without any confirmation).

Cost of i7-2600 : $300

Resale value of the i5-2500S : about $150-$200 (OEMs get it for around $200)

For $150, I don't mind the cost of upgrade at all! :-)

I'll also be adding a SSD off the 6.0 Gb/s SATA port while I have this sucker open, and will also fit a eSATA port (as per OWC guide).

If I do decide to do this, I'll post extensive photos and instructions of the whole process.

I am familiar with the fairly detailed answer on EveryMac: Is it possible to upgrade CPU in the aluminum iMacs?