2018 Mini ram compatibility

[marclondon]

Just tried to upgrade to 2 x 16GB on a new 2018 Mini but couldn't get it to boot. Putting the original 2 x 4GB back in and it's fine.

I ordered without much thinking Crucial ram as shown as compatible:

Crucial 32GB Kit (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 SODIMM

• CT2K16G4SFD832A
• Configuration ID: CT14305017

DDR4 PC4-25600 • CL=22 • SINGLE RANKED • X16 BASED • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR4-3200 • 1.2V • 512MEG X 64

But I see they also have a slightly cheaper:
Crucial 32GB Kit (2 x 16GB) DDR4-2666 SODIMM

• CT2K16G4SFD8266
• Configuration ID: CT13492047

DDR4 PC4-21300 • CL=19 • DUAL RANKED • X8 BASED • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR4-2666 • 1.2V • 2048MEG X 64 •

Is the first one actually OK? Will be calling Crucial. But maybe I didn't seat the ram properly although it seemed to go in OK. I noticed also that the ram chips are on the other side of the board to the original memory.

 

[baddj]

The factory ram is DRR4-2666 it could be possible the Mac mini does not like the faster DRR4-3200 Ram.

 

[mpfuchs]

2666 from OWC is what I put in my Mini. No problems with it.

 

[baddj]

I'll be trying 2x Kingston KVR26S19D8/16 DDR4-2666 as I got it at a good discount price in Australia, next week once the tools come in the mail. I was originally going to go OWC I'm hoping the money I saved does not come back and bite me.

 

[marclondon]

The factory ram is DRR4-2666 it could be possible the Mac mini does not like the faster DRR4-3200 Ram.

That's what I'm thinking but Crucial do list it as compatible. I'm going to ask if they'll swap it for the 2666 ram. I don't want to take the Mini apart again and retry it.

 

[marclondon]

Just sent the ram back to Crucial - they say it is compatible but have accepted it back.

 

[MSastre]

Crucial is an excellent company to deal with. I've used their memory sticks and SSD's formany years.

 

[mavots]

Similar question:

I own a 2017 27" iMac with 2 x 16GB DDR4-2400 modules.
I'm considering buying a Mini and using those modules in it. (And sell the iMac with only the original 8GB) The Mini is rated for DDR4-2666. Will the slightly slower RAM really be noticeable?
FYI, I have always used OWC RAM myself. Never really considered anything else since the early 2000's. Never failed on me. Crucial gets good marks and is slightly less expensive so is tempting.
Thanks.

 

[marclondon]

I returned the 3200 memory and reordered 2 x 16GB 2666 from Crucial. In the meantime the price has come down as well. Only cost me £106 + tax. It has arrived and sitting on my desk waiting for install.

 

[tagumcity]

Presently using Crucial 32GB Kit (16GBx2) DDR4 2666 MT/s (PC4-21300) DR x8 SODIMM 260-Pin Memory - CT2K16G4SFD8266 and paid $200, now it's $135. Going for 64GB now with the price drop to $335.

 

[D.T.]

Going for 64GB now with the price drop to $335.

Is that a Samsung 32GB x 2 part# M471A4G43MB1 ... ?

 

[tagumcity]

Is that a Samsung 32GB x 2 part# M471A4G43MB1 ... ?

Yes, that is the part number at $170/module. I’m waiting for a few more offerings to be available while the price should move $150/ module. Meanwhile I’ll get by with 32GB (crucial ct2k16g4sfd8266) lol.

 

[teksurv]

I use G.Skill 2x16gb @ 2400 and it works just fine in my 2018 mini.

Similar question:

I own a 2017 27" iMac with 2 x 16GB DDR4-2400 modules.
I'm considering buying a Mini and using those modules in it. (And sell the iMac with only the original 8GB) The Mini is rated for DDR4-2666. Will the slightly slower RAM really be noticeable?
FYI, I have always used OWC RAM myself. Never really considered anything else since the early 2000's. Never failed on me. Crucial gets good marks and is slightly less expensive so is tempting.
Thanks.

 

[D.T.]

I have a bit of frugality I have to wrestle with on occasion, even for purchases that are for my business/profession.

So based on refurb pricing of a 3.2GHz 6-core MM, specifically a 32GB/512GB vs. a 8GB/512GB + DIY 32Gb upgrade, if you calculate the total price difference (factoring in taxes where applicable) I'm seeing $426 dollars __less__ for the DIY option.

I have zero qualms about doing the upgrade, just still some minor concerns over warranty, in the eventuality where I'd need to get the machine serviced. Also, if I went with a factory Apple 32GB machine, since that's a no-questions-asked warranty consideration, I'd also add AC+, which is another ~$100 - and I'm not sure I'd even add it with a DIY machine since it might be a total bust (so potentially a $530-ish savings).

Again, it's a business machine, $500 more over 3 three years is not even a blip on the radar, but that little voice in my head that LOVES to DIY things, that made my previous business highly successful for saving a buck here and there, keeps telling me to save the money

 

[marclondon]

I have a bit of frugality I have to wrestle with on occasion, even for purchases that are for my business/profession.

Mine too was a business buy - but like you I just can't help saving if I can when money is actually of little consequence - as my wife keeps telling me, you can't take it with you when you're gone...

I did spend more on the SSD - specified a 1TB, which I think is a good decision. I've put in 32GB ram now successfully – only cost a little over £100 UK - and I had fun doing it.

 

[gbredneck]

My machine was business buy, I've just done the upgrade with the crucial 2 x 16gb modules, Apple just charge too much for the ram, I also went for the 1TB SSD, which also went down in price between shipping and delivery, so got a little cash back as well.

 

[hagjohn]

I just finished putting 32GB of RAM (CT2K16G4SFD8266) in my Mini... I'm surprised by how it seems more responsive.

 

[life27]

I have installed 2 x 32GB Samsung RAM (M471A4G43MB1-CTD). I paid about $400 for a set of two. It works like a charm.

 

[rumz]

I just finished putting 32GB of RAM (CT2K16G4SFD8266) in my Mini... I'm surprised by how it seems more responsive.

Oddly, Crucial no longer lists a 32gb kit for Mac Mini. However, I see this particular kit commonly successfully used in the 2018 Mac Mini so I'm going with it.

Any recommendations on a tool kit to do the upgrade?

 

[hagjohn]

Oddly, Crucial no longer lists a 32gb kit for Mac Mini. However, I see this particular kit commonly successfully used in the 2018 Mac Mini so I'm going with it.

Any recommendations on a tool kit to do the upgrade?

I used... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRNIFR6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[rumz]

I used... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRNIFR6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Awesome, thanks! I almost ordered that directly from iFixit... saved the cost of shipping by going via Amazon. Thanks again. And here's hoping I don't destroy a brand new Mac Mini.

 

[hagjohn]

Awesome, thanks! I almost ordered that directly from iFixit... saved the cost of shipping by going via Amazon. Thanks again. And here's hoping I don't destroy a brand new Mac Mini.

Go to iFixit and use their how to instructions. It will tell you how you should pull off connectors, etc...

 

[rumz]

Go to iFixit and use their how to instructions. It will tell you how you should pull off connectors, etc...

Will do. I've gone through that guide a couple times -- looks doable, just a tad out of my comfort zone. (I missed a screw when pulling a 2006 MacBook Pro apart and ended up messing up the trackpad and inadvertently disconnected the bluetooth ... so I have a little bit of Mac servicing PTSD I just need to take my time and double / triple check against the guide as I go.)

 

[Sabelonada]

Will do. I've gone through that guide a couple times -- looks doable, just a tad out of my comfort zone. (I missed a screw when pulling a 2006 MacBook Pro apart and ended up messing up the trackpad and inadvertently disconnected the bluetooth ... so I have a little bit of Mac servicing PTSD I just need to take my time and double / triple check against the guide as I go.)

It's really not that difficult. The antenna and the rubber bumpers on the memory were the only areas which were at all stressful.

 

[tagumcity]

Ram prices are dropping, so I just ordered 64GB, lol! Samsung 32GB (M47A4G43MB1)/$137.75