Mid-2011 Mac Mini CPU Upgrade?

[indigo_k]

Hey, gang:
I've got a mid-2011 mini that I'd like to just max out, so I'm looking for information on upgrading the 2.5MHz i5 processor to a 2.7MHz i7 - IF THAT'S EVEN POSSIBLE. Which I guess is my bigger question - can just the processor be swapped out on this one? Do I need to replace the whole logic board? Could I maybe even swap in a board from a 2012 or later model Mini to fit in the same enclosure? What are my options here?
Thanks!

 

[Nixontheknight]

Hey, gang:
I've got a mid-2011 mini that I'd like to just max out, so I'm looking for information on upgrading the 2.5MHz i5 processor to a 2.7MHz i7 - IF THAT'S EVEN POSSIBLE. Which I guess is my bigger question - can just the processor be swapped out on this one? Do I need to replace the whole logic board? Could I maybe even swap in a board from a 2012 or later model Mini to fit in the same enclosure? What are my options here?
Thanks!

it should be possible as long as you go for a same-generation chip, which might give you the same performance as a mid 2011 Server Mac Mini, like I have

 

[indigo_k]

it should be possible as long as you go for a same-generation chip, which might give you the same performance as a mid 2011 Server Mac Mini, like I have

How is graphics performance of the Server variant? I use my mini as a media center, so I want to make sure I'm not losing anything on video playback. I mean I assume if it's still going out to HDMI it should be alright, but I don't know.

 

[Nixontheknight]

How is graphics performance of the Server variant? I use my mini as a media center, so I want to make sure I'm not losing anything on video playback. I mean I assume if it's still going out to HDMI it should be alright, but I don't know.

it uses Intel's integrated HD Graphics 3000, so it's very middle of the road, decent for media playback, not for gaming