Mac mini Processor upgrade

Hello,
Can I upgrade the processor in my Mac mini ? If so is there a limit to speed ? I was looking at the 2.16ghz chip...I think mine is the T2300 (yonah) and the 2.16ghz is the T2600 (similar energy consumption I believe?) Is it worth it in speed terms ? Im not bothered about taking mini apart etc Im in the process of upgrading the hard drive so the chip is the only thing left...any tips, advice, tutorial would be great.
Cheers
Jay

Hi.
You certainly can upgrade the processor, all the way to a 2.4GHz Core2 Duo.
However I'm afraid I can't give you a part number; I'm much more PowerPC focused, but I do know it's a 'mobile' chip/socket. I suggest a quick Google search; I was reading through a discussion on another site about the subject a few months ago.
It's quite easy to get in there and upgrade it, and what you want to do is use a little half-pea-sized drop of thermal paste on the CPU die itself(to ensure it's properly aligned).
Before you do so, remember to clean the top of the CPU & the contact point on the heatsink thoroughly; I believe isopropyl alcohol is the best for this.
Now having said all that, I wouldn't really consider this a worthwhile upgrade. The Core2 Duo processors you need really aren't cheap - I would, instead, recommend waiting for Apple to update the mini's specifications, and investing in a new model. Upgrading the processor in yours or buying a current-generation one would net you very little by way of performance gains; you'd still be stuck with the atrocious onboard graphics, among other things.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
Edit: Thought I'd throw this in here; I've just noticed your current processor is a 1.66GHz Core Duo.
Upgrading to a >2GHz Core2 Duo might be worthwhile if you can easily afford it; you'll gain 64-bit computing & a substantial speed boost.
However, do keep in mind that such CPUs will cost you a good percentage of a new computer - for an overall better experience, maybe look into a new iMac?
I'm starting to feel a bit hypocritical - considering the amount of money I've spent upgrading my old PowerMac.

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