Switching from a PowerPC processor to an Intel processor is a frequent question asked to computer technicians on a regular basis due to many operating systems no longer operating on the PowerPC processor. The answer to this question is simple, you are unable to swap the processors due to the hardware.

Hardware Issues

When looking at the inside of your computer, there is only one unique difference between your PowerPC processor compared with an Intel processor. The main reason why an Intel processor cannot replace your PowerPC processor is because the place where it plugs in on the motherboard will not allow for the Intel processor to plug in because the prongs do not match up. Because of this, the only way to swap from the PowerPC processor to an Intel processor is to put a new motherboard into the computer and, even then, the connections going out to the rest of the computer including the video card, hard drives and other drives may not be able to connect. Apple Computers' new deal with Intel has left everyone on a bind with its refusal to upgrade operating systems running on PowerPC processors. The only way to fix this is to buy a new computer for optimal usability. Switching motherboards is very costly and time-consuming, which could only lead to complications. Switching to a newer Mac with an Intel processor will also include better specifications for RAM expansion slots and other better hardware, which will hopefully last longer than the Mac and PowerPC agreement.

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Every Mac: What are the differences between Intel and PowerPC