November 11th, 2024

Converted a MacBook into a PC

KCB successfully converted a 2010 MacBook into a PC using a Framework 13 mainboard, creating custom PCBs, enhancing cooling, and addressing community inquiries about similar modifications on other models.

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Converted a MacBook into a PC

A user named KCB shared their experience of converting a 2010 MacBook into a PC using a Framework 13 mainboard. They added I/O boards and extra components for the keyboard, Magsafe, and charge state button. KCB noted that the original MacBook was slow and non-functional, making the upgrade necessary. They created custom green PCBs for the project and replaced the original screen with an LG display connected via a Framework cable. To enhance cooling, KCB added an additional heatsink and fan to address overheating issues experienced with the initial prototype, which used an Intel i5 CPU. The user mentioned that the Ryzen board runs cooler, reducing the need for extensive cooling modifications. Other community members praised KCB's work and inquired about the technical aspects of the conversion, including the cooling system and the feasibility of similar modifications on smaller MacBook models. KCB responded positively, suggesting that while a 15-inch model could work, fitting components in a 13-inch model might be challenging.

- KCB converted a 2010 MacBook into a PC using a Framework 13 mainboard.

- Custom green PCBs were created for the project, and the original screen was replaced.

- Additional cooling was added due to overheating issues with the initial prototype.

- Community members expressed admiration and asked technical questions about the conversion.

- KCB indicated that modifications could be possible on other MacBook models, though space may be limited.

Link Icon 11 comments
By @alsetmusic - 6 months
> The Macbook is a 2010 17" so it would have been pretty easy to upgrade and repair (socketed Ram and HDD, screwed in battery) but the age would have made this laptop not only unusably slow but it was also dead as a doornail. Its [sic] one of the still good Macbooks with the glowing apple logo.

This detail from the comments explains why they'd replace hardware rather than simply installing Linux as-is. I was a little perplexed until I saw this.

By @userbinator - 6 months
I thought "aren't MacBooks already PCs, at least between when they were PPC and before they started using ARM", but then this is actually an "engine swap".
By @_rm - 6 months
Does anyone else get a horrible feeling inside when seeing these pointless hobby projects? Like, instead of buying a PC, spent many valuable hours doing this.

Maybe it's just because they're time rich and I'm time poor. Perhaps it's similar to how a hungry person feels when they see a food fight on TV.

Revelling in waste.

By @tholm - 6 months
Frameworks recent dig at "upgradeable" storage in the new m4 mac mini made me chuckle, upcycling an old macbook shell is even better.
By @nopelynopington - 6 months
I've wanted to do this same thing for quite some time, with even older hardware, but I'm not confident I could pull it off.

I would love to turn an old PowerBook or an IBM era ThinkPad into a modern machine

By @iluvcommunism - 6 months
I like how he has the Apple logo light still working.
By @bimguy - 6 months
I notice that the bluetooth antenna is unplugged not sure if you're using the wifi/bluetooth card from the Mac.
By @nopelynopington - 6 months
Amazing work!

Is there a longer write up on this somewhere? I'd love to know more about the project and process

By @tiffanyh - 6 months
OT: what's the current best way to run Windows (guest) on Apple Silicon (macOS as host)?

VMWare, UTM, Virtual Box, etc?

By @tyronehed - 6 months
Why would you want to?
By @underseacables - 6 months
I have a 2011 MBP running Mint and it works great. Not unreasonably slow at all. I wish the author had at least tried to use Linux, maybe it was the learning curve.