Chosen Solution
I have this A1312 27” mid 2011 iMac, currently running a 2.6 GHz i5 processor. I want to upgrade the processor to the max possible spec, a 3.4 GHz i7. That’s a 95 watt processor and the stock processor is a 65 watt device. Does anyone know if this upgrade will require a different power supply board, and if so, do you know the part number for it? Also, the max processor for this unit as provided by Apple is the 2700K. Given how Apple is about restricting aftermarket upgrade options, I don’t think it would be productive to try to upgrade beyond the max system spec and processor that Apple ever offered this particular version of iMac in. So the 2700K processor is as far as I’m willing to go. Even though there are newer and faster LGA 1155 processors to be had. Sadly, I would not expect them to be viable options.
As @mayer stated the power supplies are the same within the different models within this series. As to what you are planning on doing you’ll want to stick with what Apple used 3.4 GHz Core i7 (I7-2600). Frankly, unless the apps you are using are heavy threaded you won’t see that much improvement. I would recommend maxing the RAM as well as adding a SSD (dual drive config) as your boot drive.
You have a 27" iMac (Mid 2011) 310W Energy Star Power Supply (Apple p/n 661-5972) This is the same power supply used in the faster machine.
