iFixit Begins Selling 2018 Mac Mini RAM Upgrade Kit, Save Up to $275 Versus Apple

[iKnowMr.Jobs]

I can’t see risking the warranty (not to mention the time cost) for the $35 savings on the 16 GB upgrade. The 32 is more compelling.

Agree. Apple's upgrade pricing for 16gb is pretty reasonable. I know its not at all difficult to install after the fact, but at the very least, parting with that little extra cash makes the RAM all covered under Apple's warranty and not Corsair's or whoever you'd buy the RAM from. If however, you want/need 32gb of RAM, I'd only recommend going the DIY route. Apple charges $600 to go from 8 to 32gb. RAM of equivalent speeds are about $300. You could upgrade the base model Mini to the hex-core i7 & buy 32gb of RAM with the installation kit for the same price as Apple charges for the RAM upgrade alone. Crazy.

 

[shareef777]

This warranty service is very, very illegal. Both nationally because of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and in many states because of Right to Repair legislation.

Yep, issue is that it's on Apple to prove your self-repair attempt caused the damage. You'd have to go through small claims court, and I'm not sure wether or not Apple send lawyers for that.

 

[Marx55]

Why is Apple RAM and SSD so expensive when they are not made by Apple but others that have much cheaper prices?

 

[lolwuut]

It seems some people think Apple is out there squeezing profit margins by automatically denying service to any system that has upgraded memory. This would be a lose-lose for everyone, and would, in essence, be a decision focused around igniting rage in the most vocal minority for virtually no gain. Your average bear is smarter than this, and so is Apple.

While opening machines with exclusively non-serviceable parts is one thing, it's important to remember that the Mac Mini memory configuration is designed to be upgraded.

To clarify: If you damage your machine while working inside of it, that damage isn't covered, and we can all agree that it shouldn't be. If your 3rd party memory fails, that isn't covered, and we can all agree that it shouldn't be. Aside from that, there are zero issues to be wary of.

You may want to keep your old memory around as a test stick, as it's great for proving that your memory isn't the problem. The act of opening your system and servicing it doesn't void your warranty, and there are no breakable seals you'll encounter, just be careful in there and you'll be totally fine.

Source: ACMT

 

[reden]

It seems some people think Apple is out there squeezing profit margins by automatically denying service to any system that has upgraded memory. This would be a lose-lose for everyone, and would, in essence, be a decision focused around igniting rage in the most vocal minority for virtually no gain. Your average bear is smarter than this, and so is Apple.

While opening machines with exclusively non-serviceable parts is one thing, it's important to remember that the Mac Mini memory configuration is designed to be upgraded.

To clarify: If you damage your machine while working inside of it, that damage isn't covered, and we can all agree that it shouldn't be. If your 3rd party memory fails, that isn't covered, and we can all agree that it shouldn't be. Aside from that, there are zero issues to be wary of.

You may want to keep your old memory around as a test stick, as it's great for proving that your memory isn't the problem. The act of opening your system and servicing it doesn't void your warranty, and there are no breakable seals you'll encounter, just be careful in there and you'll be totally fine.

Source: ACMT

Thanks! I don't know why people make such a huge deal about it, ultimately if access is provided granted you don't have to do insane things to swap stuff like RAM, then yes it's ok, and it won't void your warranty. It took me less than 15min to swap the memory on my Mac mini with a youtube instructional video, sheesh.

 

[techfreak23]

This is what iFixit was talking about:
“Warrantors cannot require that only branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty. This is commonly referred to as the "tie-in sales" provisions and is frequently mentioned in the context of third-party computer parts, such as memory and hard drives.”
[doublepost=1543976981][/doublepost]

It seems some people think Apple is out there squeezing profit margins by automatically denying service to any system that has upgraded memory. This would be a lose-lose for everyone, and would, in essence, be a decision focused around igniting rage in the most vocal minority for virtually no gain. Your average bear is smarter than this, and so is Apple.

While opening machines with exclusively non-serviceable parts is one thing, it's important to remember that the Mac Mini memory configuration is designed to be upgraded.

To clarify: If you damage your machine while working inside of it, that damage isn't covered, and we can all agree that it shouldn't be. If your 3rd party memory fails, that isn't covered, and we can all agree that it shouldn't be. Aside from that, there are zero issues to be wary of.

You may want to keep your old memory around as a test stick, as it's great for proving that your memory isn't the problem. The act of opening your system and servicing it doesn't void your warranty, and there are no breakable seals you'll encounter, just be careful in there and you'll be totally fine.

Source: ACMT

That’s a very good point. I always keep the original sticks, if I can. If I need to get my machine serviced, I just swap the original sticks back in and problem solved.

 

[danny842003]

If you had a problem then changed the memory back is there any way they could tell it had been changed previously?

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Wouldn't this be illegal under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act?

Not if you damage something during the replacement. That's the concern, I wouldn't risk damaging the Mac and having to pay for that damage, to save $35. For a 32GB upgrade, maybe.

IANAL but here's a basic summary of how things go with the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This info is only valid in the USA, rules may vary completely in other countries. Under the act, you can't require a customer to buy "tie-in" products from your company as a term of keeping the warranty active. So a car maker can't require that you use their oil & filters, a vacuum cleaner maker can't require you use their bags & belts, etc. But, if a problem develops that was caused by 3rd party components, the manufacturer isn't liable to cover those problems under warranty.

So in terms of Apple with RAM - if you break something while installing it, that's definitely on you. There's no doubt about that, count on a paid repair. The tricky part is if there is an issue with the computer, Apple might require you to reinstall the original RAM to see if the issue is still present. So you're doubling your chances of breaking something if you need to have the Mac repaired, or really tripling it since you'll no doubt then re-install your 3rd party memory after the repair.

There is a third option, let an Apple Authorized Service Provider (AASP) do the installation. You'll pay for that of course, but you'll still likely save money if you're doing a 32GB upgrade at least. Work done by an AASP is covered; the warranty specifically states that it does not apply... "to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider (“AASP”)".

 

[Superhai]

OWC has for some time already had kit ready for RAM upgrade and are even slightly cheaper and also offer trade-in. They also have 64 GB.

 

[mdriftmeyer]

And the 64GB Kit? What? Nothing? Shocking.

 

[iLilana]

aren't we supposed to be able to upgrade to 2x32?

 

[cocky jeremy]

Not worth my time for $35. The 32 GB upgrade would be a little more tempting though.

 

[jimthing]

Can people add links to 64GB (2x32GB) modules/kits, please?

Only one I've seen is the OWC at a mere $1080(!) with their crap non-US European distribution...
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/owc/apple-mac-mini/2018

Crucial (aka Micron) on their online chat, said the 32 modules wouldn't arrive until mid-Jan.
And no other companies/suppliers seem to have them. Who makes these things... the only others I know are these ones:

Are the 32's likely to fall in price rapidly over next couple of months, or will it be longer? AFAIU, there's been some upwards movement in RAM over the last 12months, hence me asking.

(PS. I think the RAM brand Apple supply in the machines is SK Hynix, if wondering. ;-)

 

[ignatius345]

Not worth my time for $35. The 32 GB upgrade would be a little more tempting though.

For the first time I've got "double-digit RAM" (24 GB because I was too cheap at the time to buy 4x 8 GB) in a Mac and I love it. Photoshop loves it too.

Question for folks here: I've got 2x4GB and 2x8GB installed on an iMac 5K -- would I see much of a difference replacing the 4GB sticks with 8GB sticks? I understand there's some benefit to "matching" right? The upgrade would cost me $50 and would put me at the max capacity for this 2014 machine.

 

[kildraik]

Unless you have an ESD workstation and are properly grounded, why risk frying your logic board?

You shouldn’t touch anything inside of that machine unless you’re doing it right, and you need a lot more than a few tools.

 

[VictorTango777]

As long as computers have cooling fans, it is important to keep the fans clean from dust to avoid malfunctions including heat damage. But any computer with a fan is going to pull in dust. As long as Mac computers have fans, owners should be able to easily open up their Macs to clean the insides without fear of voiding warranty. Cleaning out a computer should not require major surgery just to open it up. People should not have to carry desktop computers to an Apple store just to have it cleaned out. Of course, it is easier to just blame Mac users for not living in an ISO certified sterile cleanroom and wearing a bunny suit.

 

[doctor-don]

The Mac Mini I ordered to replace a Mac Pro (early 2008) due to freezes and no available replacement using new electronics is to have 16 GB RAM. I have watched the video about opening the Mini to replace the RAM, and this model is not the same simple opening and replacement design of the 2012 model. I'll pay the additional price so I don't cause any damage in separating any of those electronic connector cables. If it were not new, I would be confident to upgrade this myself.

 

[jimthing]

Can people add links to 64GB (2x32GB) modules/kits, please?

Only one I've seen is the OWC at a mere $1080(!) with their crap non-US European distribution...
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/owc/apple-mac-mini/2018

Crucial (aka Micron) on their online chat, said the 32 modules wouldn't arrive until mid-Jan.
And no other companies/suppliers seem to have them. Who makes these things... the only others I know are these ones:

View attachment 808597

Are the 32's likely to fall in price rapidly over next couple of months, or will it be longer? AFAIU, there's been some upwards movement in RAM over the last 12months, hence me asking.

(PS. I think the RAM brand Apple supply in the machines is SK Hynix, if wondering. ;-)

I take that to be no then. :-(