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Is RAM upgradeable in the Mac Mini?

Dombera listed the necessary tools:

Hex robe driver T type T 9 x 60 (Torx 9) [No_ 6300 T 9 X 60]
Superfit Precision Driver Torx 6 [No_3543]
Penta Roof Driver No. 5 [AirDriverP 5]​

I spent a few minutes sorting out exactly what these are because some of the nomenclature is a little unusual. Any corrections appreciated...

Hex robe driver T type T 9 x 60 (Torx 9) [No_ 6300 T 9 X 60]

The generic name for Torx screws is hexalobular. A company called Anex makes a series of Torx drivers that it calls 6300 that includes a T9x60mm. This appears to be a driver for standard Torx screws, size T9.

Superfit Precision Driver Torx 6 [No_3543]

It is unclear from a search for "Supefit Precision 3543" whether this driver is for regular or special Torx screws. Based on several posts here, I believe that it is a driver for special Torx screws variously called Security, Tamper-proof or Tamper-resistant. The driver/screw size is T6. You may also see it listed as TR6 or T6s.

Penta Roof Driver No. 5 [AirDriverP 5]

This is a Pentalobe driver for Apple Pentalobe screws. It is size P5 (as distinct from PL5) and has a 1.2mm head.
 
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EightyTwenty said:
Honestly... **** that noise. Apple made this far too difficult. I’m not tearing apart a $1,000 machine just to upgrade RAM.
Click to expand...

I understand the sentiment. I actually bit the bullet last night and ordered another mini with 16GB of RAM. I am going to send the 32GB back and save $90 bucks. Not that I don't think I can do it. It is just not worth the risk of voiding the warranty on a new machine. 16GB will do me well for now. I can always consider adding more RAM in the future.

Enjoy the 8GB refurbs Apple.
 
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Spankey said:
I understand the sentiment. I actually bit the bullet last night and ordered another mini with 16GB of RAM. I am going to send the 32GB back and save $90 bucks. Not that I don't think I can do it. It is just not worth the risk of voiding the warranty on a new machine. 16GB will do me well for now. I can always consider adding more RAM in the future.

Enjoy the 8GB refurbs Apple.
Click to expand...

does it really void the warranty? Keep the 8gb and put it back in if you have a problem and need to take it to apple. They have no way of knowing if you opened it up by the looks of it.
 
archer75 said:
Just about anywhere that sells computer parts.
Click to expand...

Okay. I just want to make sure I'm getting the correct size physically. I know it's DDR4-2666 but the sizes vary depending on the brand. Corsair seems to be the only option for me locally and they're special order. $386 for two 16GB sticks.
[doublepost=1541605468][/doublepost]
F-Train said:
Have a look at this Crucial link: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Apple/mac-mini-(late-2018)
Click to expand...

Thanks. If I can grab those from Amazon that would be great.
 
My thoughts:

I would need only 16gb RAM at most.

The difference between ordering 16gb "from the factory" vis-a-vis buying and installing it yourself works out to about $30-50.

BUT... when you factor into the equation the additional cost of buying the needed tools (looks like I'd need all 3 of those mentioned above), that will probably run at least $25-30 right there.

Then there is the risk (perhaps minimal, perhaps more) of "doing it yourself".

When it comes down to it, if "all you need" will be 16gb of RAM, might as well just "pay Apple up front" and save the time and trouble of doing it yourself.
 
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bigpoppamac31 said:
Where could one buy ram for the 2018 Mac Mini besides OWC?
Click to expand...
Anywhere, where you can get 2666 MHz SO-DIMM DDR4 memory modules.
[doublepost=1541606434][/doublepost]Well, finaly we have the recommende prices for the country, where I live:
Bzb0F9E.jpg


Oh, my...
 
dombera said:
Ok, steps taken:
- remove plastic bottom (pray off)
- unscrew metal base - be very careful - wifi connection cable is super short
- unscrew wifi connector and undo the wifi connector cable
- unscrew fan (4 screws) and lift it up
- remove two large screws on the motherboard
- undo two connectors at the back of the motherboard (one is psu, second no idea)
- slide off the motherboard
- unscrew ram cage (4 screws)
- remove rubber sides from ram
- remove ram
- put new ram in - do it properly (there are two tiny holes on the bottom of the sticks - they need to align once inserted)
- reverse and enjoy.

Be super careful and take your time. I am not great at writing things up, sorry folks.
Click to expand...


Thanks dombera for the write up.
 
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zx128k said:
does it really void the warranty? Keep the 8gb and put it back in if you have a problem and need to take it to apple. They have no way of knowing if you opened it up by the looks of it.
Click to expand...
Apple was really easy-going with respect to service on my 2010 Mini. My kid jammed 2 DVDs in the SuperDrive after the warranty period and wrecked it. I had opened the Mini three times to upgrade the HDD and the RAM.

When I took it to the Apple Store for service, I didn't remove any of the upgraded parts. They didn't comment on the new components. In fact, they did me a real solid by replacing the shell and SuperDrive at no charge, outside the warranty period.
 
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FurkanGls said:
Does the RAM need to be exactly 2666Mt/s? Can I use a 2400Mt/s module?
Click to expand...
Still no response, I am interested in this question too, but I think that you will be fine.

And the difference in performance between the two is most likely insignificant.

You wouldn't be bad with even faster RAM, but that would be just waste of money, as 3000 MHz would be limited to 2666
 
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