2012 Mini, ram question.

[AUTigerMike]

Hi guys have a question. I'm updating the ram in my '12 Mac Mini. Currently has 4gb and looking to go to 8.

I know it needs PC3 1600mhz 12800 memory.. but was wondering is PC3L 12800S will also work?

Thanks!

FTR this is the memory module I'm wondering would work. Model # is M471B5173BH0-YKO

 

[MacCheetah3]

It is indeed a bit confusing. Trying to explain it simplistically, you’ll possibly see two numbers. DDR3-1600 means it’s of type DDR3 with a clock speed of 1600 MHz. The same module may also have PC3-12800 on the label, this is a model number of sorts — I don’t know what that number is derived from. The “L" identifies that it’s a low voltage (or low-power) variant, typically used in portables and small form factor systems. Also related to portables and small form factor, “SO-DIMM” is Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module, those shaped more square rather than the ‘stick’.

FTR this is the memory module I'm wondering would work. Model # is M471B5173BH0-YKO

It should.

 

[AUTigerMike]

Thanks for the reply! I cracked open the Mini and got the type of memory it's currently using. PC3L-12800s -11-11-C3 and the ram im thinking about getting is labeled PC3L-12800s-11-11-B2. Im not sure what the difference is between C3 and B2 or if they're interchangeable. I just don't know alot about memory.. sorry

 

[MacCheetah3]

Im not sure what the difference is between C3 and B2 or if they're interchangeable. I just don't know alot about memory.. sorry

Actually, I don’t know what those refer to either. It may be a different way of stating CAS latency. Anyway, I’ve never paid attention to it nor can I find any articles/documents that explain it, so I suggest you don’t worry about it either. (Again, some of this stuff is confusing, and not even for good reason. Therefore, also, don’t feel bad about not knowing everything.)

 

[Kaida]

Mac mini 2012 can use both DDR3 1.5v and DDR3L (low voltage 1.35v) IIRC
The figures behind are the latency figures and those are the lower the better.
The last pair is the gerber revision of the JEDEC codes and if 2 rams are using differently, it will just pair as the slower clock (mhz) and latency.

 

[Fishrrman]

I'd like to make an alternative suggestion:
Get ONE 8gb DIMM, then put it into the "top slot" (when the back cover is off).

This will give you 10gb of installed RAM.
Some say there will be a speed hit because the two DIMMs are "dis-similar", but I did it and notice no differences at all.

I've had good experiences from buying RAM here:

Mac Mini Memory Upgrades

DMS offers Apple Memory Upgrades for all Mac Mini Intel Core and G4 Models. Use our Apple Memory Finder to find the right RAM for your model Mac Mini.

www.datamemorysystems.com

 

[AUTigerMike]

Thanks for the input everyone! Ive decided not to buy the sticks in question. Thanks Fishrrman I'll check that out also!

 

[MarvinHC]

If you plan on keeping the mini for a bit longer I'd recommend you to go for 16GB (unless you can pick up 2x4GB very cheap somewhere)