How hard is it to install memory into a mac mini?

[viccles]

I'm thinking if 512 isn't enough for me I will upgrade to 1gb. Is there a certain place/way I should buy my memory for a decent price and is it difficult to install or will I need someone to do it for me?

[EricNau]

The mac mini was not meant to be user upgradable, therefore it is not an easy machine to open up. Plus, if you break anything while opening the computer it will not be covered under warranty. If you aren't that experienced I would recommend having a professional do it.

[RacerX]

I'd second that...

Like the compact Macs of old, the mini requires special tools to get the case apart. If you don't know what you are doing, you can blemish or damage the case... or worse, the system itself.

I charge for an hour of work... which includes making sure that the memory is fully functional (more important than most systems because of the pain of getting into the case). This is compared to the normal half hour rate for most Macs (basically covering the house call... there isn't any real work involved in most systems).

I'm not sure what other people are charging as I've done mini memory upgrades of other Mac consultants I know.

[GimmeSlack12]

Although people here will tell you that it is a difficult task, how comfortable are you taking on Do-it-yourself projects?

I have read enough about the Mac Mini to understand it is a medium difficulty project and yet I do look forward to one day getting my hands on one and dissembling one. I say go for it.

[viccles]

Should have got apple to upgrade the memory while I was ordering it! Too late now :( ill have to ask around. Where would I find someone who can upgrade the memory for me...should i look in the phone book or the apple shop?

[RacerX]

Where would I find someone who can upgrade the memory for me...should i look in the phone book or the apple shop?The best place to find people like that is via Mac user groups. You'll meet a lot of Mac users in your area and everyone pools their information and experiences. It is the best way to find what local resources you have... and what people think of different places.

I've given quite a few presentations for our local Mac user group (Mini'app'les (http://www.miniapples.org/)) on a wide range of subjects. They have two special interest groups (SIGs) that I tend to speak at; the General Mac SIG and the Mac OS X SIG.

I would guess that most major cities would have similar groups.

[viccles]

My brother used to own a mac shop and he just sold it :( Any aussies around here know where I can get cheap good quality memory? :o

[caveman_uk]

Although people here will tell you that it is a difficult task, how comfortable are you taking on Do-it-yourself projects?

I'd agree. It's not rocket science but certainly not something to undertake if you've never taken a computer to bits before. If you do do it then get your self a good take apart guide and make sure you record which screw etc came from where.

the mini requires special tools to get the case apart.
a palette knife is now a special tool?

[viccles]

I think i'd rather have someone do it for me :P I've never opened a computer before. I guess ill see how everything runs then decide

[hellodon]

Why did they make those a pain for the user to get into?

I'll tell ya, I couldnt believe it when I got my ram and went to install it in my intel mac and just had to remove a plate and pop it in. Took me literally 20 seconds. It was amazing.

[viccles]

Yeah dont know why they had to make the mini so complicated to upgrade :(

[viccles]

If I wanted to upgrade the memory in the mac mini to 1GB would I have to get 2 256 mb ones? Any aussies have any idea how much that would cost? Definitely would have to get someone to install it for me. Or would it be a huge price jump to get a 1gb one

[Temujin]

This guide will answer all your questions http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/82.13.1.html

[Cowinacape]

This guide will answer all your questions http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/82.13.1.html

Looking at the link Temujin, it doesn't look any more difficult (maybe even easier than) pulling apart on of the original imacs. Which I did to my rev B Bondi several times to swap ram, hardrive, and install a scsi card. Would depend more on your level of cofidence than anything. Just repeat, "I think I can, I think I can....." ;)

[RacerX]

a palette knife is now a special tool?It isn't what I'd use, but it may work (or it'll make your mini look like a dog used it like a chew toy :D ). And the last time I checked those don't come standard in any computer repair tool kit... and unless you want to show us one that includes it, yes, it is a special tool.

[viccles]

I dont know where to look for someone to upgrade my memory for me. Would an apple shop do it? I havent opened the box would the best option be to return it and get them to do it for me or would it be cheaper to get someone to do it for me

[Temujin]

Looking at the link Temujin, it doesn't look any more difficult (maybe even easier than) pulling apart on of the original imacs. Which I did to my rev B Bondi several times to swap ram, hardrive, and install a scsi card. Would depend more on your level of cofidence than anything. Just repeat, "I think I can, I think I can....." ;)
Heh, yeah a scratch free mindset is crucial when messing with a Mac :)

[viccles]

Looks like im going to have to ring around tomorrow. Has to be cheaper (and faster) than apple. I HOPE :eek:

[Temujin]

I dont know where to look for someone to upgrade my memory for me. Would an apple shop do it? I havent opened the box would the best option be to return it and get them to do it for me or would it be cheaper to get someone to do it for me
I believe an Apple shop will do it. For a fee of course. But I don't know if they will install anything but Apple bought ram. I kind of doubt it.

[Jeonat]

I bought one of the Mini's that only shipped with 256Mb stock, last year. Before I switched it on, I upgraded the memory to 512 and it was a bit of a challenge! Took me about 15 minutes to get the case off but once that was done everything was fine. Unfortunately it made some scratches on the bottom of the Mini but I'm not too bothered because nobody will see it!

Why did they have to make it so hard to open?! The thing is really slow and I want to upgrade to 1Gb but don't feel like opening that case again ;)

Compared to the Mini, it was a refreshing change inserting memory into an iBook, except for those damn size 00 screws!

[srf4real]

If i'd have known it was such a pain (and expense) to do the upgrade I'd have just paid the extra $$ up front to get the 1gb, and airport ready. I feel like a sucker.

[aristobrat]

It isn't what I'd use, but it may work (or it'll make your mini look like a dog used it like a chew toy :D ). And the last time I checked those don't come standard in any computer repair tool kit... and unless you want to show us one that includes it, yes, it is a special tool.
If a palette knife is the same thing as a putty knife is in the US, I think more average folks are likely to have one of those than a computer repair toolksit.

FWIW, Apple's offical Mac mini repair manual says to use a putty knife that's had its edge sharpened by sandpaper to open the mini. :eek: :D

[Unspeaked]

If a palette knife is the same thing as a putty knife is in the US, I think more average folks are likely to have one of those than a computer repair toolksit.

If he doesn't make a big deal about it being an out-of-the-ordinary tool, how can he charge his consultant fee to upgrade it?

;)

[aristobrat]

LOL. I guess that's why I'd never be able to go into business for myself (and make a profit, anyway!) :D

[RacerX]

If he doesn't make a big deal about it being an out-of-the-ordinary tool, how can he charge his consultant fee to upgrade it?

;)I charge $25 per hour for home (non-professional) users.

LOL. I guess that's why I'd never be able to go into business for myself (and make a profit, anyway!) :DAre you assuming that I make a profit? I've upgraded three minis since their release... first one was for a friend (no charge), which means that (after transportation to and from these people's homes, I've made about $40.

Fortunately the tool I use is the same tool I use for splitting the case on the original compact Macs (not much of a profit in that either... which is why I'm one of the last people who supports them).

:rolleyes:

Oddly enough I don't own a putty knife (sharpen or unsharpened) or a palette knife. I guess if I had had to buy either (and taken the time to sharpen either) I'd have even less of that astronomical $40 profit I made with that massive consultants fee I charge.

But if I made any less I'd need to stop providing free help in online forms and to people who e-mail asking for free help with their... I might even have to start charging for phone support. :eek:

If I got minimum wage (and nothing else) for every hour of work I do helping other people with their computer related problems I'd make more than I make right now.

[Unspeaked]

I charge $25 per hour for home (non-professional) users.


That's totally reasonable, and less than most shops seem to charge ($30+).

My comment was totally made in jest; thus the ;)

[viccles]

I paid $200 for a memory stick and installation but I got a $50 discount ;)

[aristobrat]

Are you assuming that I make a profit?
Nope, just commenting that I have zero business sense. Sorry if that offended you somehow!!! :eek:

[caveman_uk]

And the last time I checked those don't come standard in any computer repair tool kit... and unless you want to show us one that includes it, yes, it is a special tool.
I have a palette knife in my kitchen drawer so no, it's not what I'd call a special tool.