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I would like to upgrade the CPU of my mid 2017 imac 5k retina (3.8 GHz Intel Core i5 with Radeon Pro 580 8192 MB) to the i9 9900k or 9900kf cpu. Is this possible? I believe that the pinout for both these chips is the same, but I’m not sure if the chipset will accept the new cpu and whether my current motherboard will be able to utilize the full power of i9 and the OS will be able to handle it.
Sorry just not possible! This series is limited to what Apple released iMac18,3. In this case the best you could install would be a 4.2 GHz Core i7 (I7-7700K). Intel Core i5-7600K ProcessorIntel Core i7-7700K ProcessorIntel Core i9-9900K ProcessorIntel Core i9-9900KF Processor While all of them use the same socket (FCLGA1151) The RAM speeds are also different DDR4-2133 Vs DDR4-2666 the logic board is not able to support it. And lastly the TDP this system requires is 91 W Vs the hotter 95 W CPU’s. The systems firmware won’t recognize the CPU.
Luke Miani performed this upgrade on You Tube and was successful. i9900 not k chips must be LGA 1151 and have a TDP of 65 watts. K designated chips have a TDP of 95 watts. I am preparing to do this cpu swap on my 2017 iMac also on the fence Highest end i7 or i9.
Hi! Your iMac will not braek, it will just blink the Logic Board but it will not work. Your iMac can only work eith i7 7700K… iMac 2019 Can work with i9 9900K. I have both versions and i have try both processors at the imac 2017.. In your place i would sell my imac, anf buy another one (2019 i5 at low price) and upgrafe it to i9.. This is what i have now. iMac 2019-i9 9900K, 128GB ram, 4GB Nvram, 2TB Nvme-4TB SSD.
If you have the equipment and tools to flash the ME region with new CPU power sequence, give it a try. There is nothing to lose.
