In this video, the presenter upgrades a mid-2012 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro from its stock 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 CPU to a quad-core Intel Core i7 CPU. This upgrade was considered impossible for this laptop model, but it becomes feasible due to a unique chipset called the QE series Intel Ivy Bridge, which shares the same BGA footprint and pinout as the original dual-core CPU.
The video demonstrates the process of desoldering the original CPU, preparing the new CPU with flux, aligning and soldering the new CPU onto the board. Surprisingly, the MacBook Pro successfully boots with the new CPU without requiring custom firmware modifications.
After the upgrade, the presenter runs a Geekbench benchmark to showcase the significant performance improvement. The new quad-core CPU results in a higher single-core score of 713 and a multi-core score of 2739 compared to the original CPU's scores.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The author is upgrading a mid-2012 Apple MacBook Pro from a 2.5 gigahertz dual-core Intel Core i5 CPU to a quad-core Intel Core i7 CPU.
2. Intel released a unique chipset called QE series that theoretically allows this upgrade.
3. The QE series CPUs share the same BGA footprint and pin layout as the dual-core M series Ivy Bridge and Sandy Bridge CPUs.
4. The author discusses the differences in BGA footprints between QE series and standard quad-core CPUs.
5. The author mentions the possibility of creating custom firmware (core boot port) if needed for the upgrade.
6. Before starting the upgrade, the author runs a Geekbench test to establish a performance baseline.
7. The text describes the process of removing the old CPU, applying flux, and soldering the new CPU.
8. The author highlights some challenges with the soldering process, including potential issues with solder ball size.
9. The upgraded MacBook Pro successfully boots with the new CPU without requiring custom firmware.
10. A Geekbench test after the upgrade shows significant performance improvements, both in single-core and multi-core scores.
These facts provide an overview of the author's process and the successful upgrade of the MacBook Pro's CPU.