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Is RAM upgradeable in the Mac Mini?
- Thread starter bumfluff
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The presenter on stage made a point of mentioning new Mac Mini ram was installed via SO-DIMMs. Showed the RAM modules visible under the bottom cover.
As far as SSD's go it doesnt look good. The pictures show socketed RAM so one would think we could open it up and replace what we need but this is apple so who knows.
yeah it would be nice to get confirmation though. I think a lot people are in the same boat dont want to get stuck a 8gb ram machine that they void the warranty if they open it
There’s no way in hell Apple will
Void your warranty for merely opening a device the way it’s designed to be opened. This isn’t like prying a screen out of an iPad.
from apple:
This Warranty does not apply:...(f) 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”);
Uhm... of course your warranty doesn't apply then. It never did, that doesn't mean there's no warranty if you open it up, just don't damage anything.
ok just called apple tech support and according to them if you bring it for repair and it has non-apple ram "they wont touch it"
also this from zdnet: "I reached out to Apple about this and was told: "Yes, Mac mini is configurable up to 64GB and uses industry-standard DDR4 SO-DIMMs. While we don't consider the memory directly end-user accessible, service providers can access the internals of the Mac mini to upgrade the memory."
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uhm...do you know for sure mr. know it all? because some of us want confirmation before dropping $3k+
also this from zdnet: "I reached out to Apple about this and was told: "Yes, Mac mini is configurable up to 64GB and uses industry-standard DDR4 SO-DIMMs. While we don't consider the memory directly end-user accessible, service providers can access the internals of the Mac mini to upgrade the memory."
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uhm...do you know for sure mr. know it all? because some of us want confirmation before dropping $3k+
Do you often damage things when you simply open up a removable panel?
Two RAM slots are clearly visible in the photos on Apple's website.
That’s standard practice, they only warranty their parts which is why your supposed to keep any RAM you’ve removed from the original machine. I feel like you’re selectively trying to write a narrative here.
what narrative would that be? look it's a known issue and frequent question.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/does-swapping-a-ssd-void-an-applecare-extension.2058686/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/opening-up-your-imac-voids-the-warranty-right.1509356/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/does-opening-the-macbook-pro-retina-void-warranty.1496021/
what happens if someone does damage it by opening it? sounds like you're saying "yeah no big deal just get it, swap the ram, no problem" those of us who are about to drop multiple thousands want a clear picture. are you considering getting a mac mini?
It hadn't occurred to me, but I think you might be right. Sliding out the logic board requires removing the CPU heatsink and fan, meaning it isn't considered user-accessible by Apple. So much for listening to customers on this one...
If you manage to damage it simply by opening it then you clearly aren’t qualified to be working on the machine.
I am ACMT certified and I’ve never damaged a machine by using the right tools and procedures. What I’m telling you though is if you aren’t comfortable doing it, don’t. No warranty on the planet covers someone damaging a device by doing it improperly.
I’m not looking for a mini at this time, but I’ve serviced hundreds of Macs. Hell one of my clients just had a replacement SSD fail on them on their 2015 mbp and Apple has no problem placing the original drive back in for them so I could get the aftermarket one replaced for them. Me installing the aftermarket one absolutely did not void the warranty on that machine.
Been there, done that. If you damage something it's your fault and you're out of luck. If you just upgrade something and don't damage anything, that's not a problem. If you're in doubt, just swap things back before going to service. On the other hand, if you have to ask and don't know what you're doing and in addition don't have the right tools, then simply don't do it.
from another MR forum
exactly you're a certified tech who is not buying a mac mini. you have no skin the game im looking for concrete facts and all you can contribute is "spend $3k open it up and if you damage something you shouldn't have been working on it in the first place" see how that's not really helpful?
how about this, lets put your expertise to work. from the pictures on the apple site does it look to you like the ram is easily accessible (ie dont need to pull out motherboard or fan)? what about the T2 chip? considering the issues with the ssd's, could that somehow prevent upgrading?
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exactly you're a certified tech who is not buying a mac mini. you have no skin the game im looking for concrete facts and all you can contribute is "spend $3k open it up and if you damage something you shouldn't have been working on it in the first place" see how that's not really helpful?
how about this, lets put your expertise to work. from the pictures on the apple site does it look to you like the ram is easily accessible (ie dont need to pull out motherboard or fan)? what about the T2 chip? considering the issues with the ssd's, could that somehow prevent upgrading?
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The design looks identical to the 2012 mac mini. The ram is user upgradable by just unscrewing the bottom. It is a 5 minute job.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Late+2012+RAM+Replacement/11726
2018 mac mini
Upgrading the ram is infinitely easier than upgrading a second SSD on the 2012 mac mini which involves pulling out the power supply and proprietary hard drive cage and internals.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Late+2012+RAM+Replacement/11726
2018 mac mini
Upgrading the ram is infinitely easier than upgrading a second SSD on the 2012 mac mini which involves pulling out the power supply and proprietary hard drive cage and internals.
Edit: looks like the poster above me did the work. It’s a dead simple job that only requires taking off the bottom plate. This will either be a turn and lift or “pop off at the tabs” procedure. Easy enough for anyone to do it...just make sure it’s not plugged in at the time.
The design looks identical to the 2012 mac mini. The ram is user upgradable by just unscrewing the bottom. It is a 5 minute job.
https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Mac+mini+Late+2012+RAM+Replacement/11726
2018 mac mini
Upgrading the ram is infinitely easier than upgrading a second SSD on the 2012 mac mini which involves pulling out the power supply and proprietary hard drive cage and internals.
it's not identical though is it?
https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/OHeH6POHN2YreiPQ.large
the most notable difference being that the 2018 mm has some of the ram tucked under, whereas in the 2012 its right there and not obscured. hopefully they just slide out.