Is RAM upgradeable in the Mac Mini?

[Jonnyappleskins]

I appreciate your view, but I want to point out the other side. ESD screwdrivers cost $2-$3 more than non-ESD. For all the discussion here about warranty, one thing is clear. If you zap your Mac mini, the warranty won't be covering it.

I own a standard Torx T9, but I've ordered an ESD T9 for this project.

Agree. I think the point is that if you already have non-ESD screwdrivers, there is no sense in re-ordering them. I would recommend to anyone with or without ESD screwdrivers to get an ESD wristband. I have seen all kinds of hardware in my lifetime get screwed up from ESD. I dont know the exact numbers but ESD can happen at levels below what you can feel. So there are a lot of people out there who don't take proper precautions, mess things up and still dont know that it was the ESD that did it. Wristbands and other ESD gear is cheap. Get some and hang on to it. It you are a tech enthusiast and/or DIYer, they will earn their keep. I promise you.

Just got my Mac Mini. Time to rip this sucker open with forensic style grace and poise. Wish me luck!

 

[thoang77]

Hi,

Can you (or dombera) confirm that the Torx T9 needed is a standard T9 rather than a Security/Tamper-proof T9?

I used a security T6 and a normal t5 and T10. Did not use a T9 anywhere

 

[Jonnyappleskins]

I used a security T6 and a normal t5 and T10. Did not use a T9 anywhere

Security/Tamperproof bits are needed.

 

[F-Train]

I used a security T6 and a normal t5 and T10. Did not use a T9 anywhere

Interesting. Dombera used a T6 and a T9. However, these might well adequately fit the screws on which you used a T5 and a T10.

 

[D.T.]

Interesting. Dombera used a T6 and a T9. However, these might well work where you used a T5 and a T10.

Torx can allow for a little "fudge factor", if the tolerances (fasteners or tools) are a little off and the fasteners aren't super tight.

 

[thoang77]

Interesting. Dombera used a T6 and a T9. However, these might well adequately fit the screws on which you used a T5 and a T10.

I did originally grab a T9 and it did fit, but a 10 fit better so that's what I elected for. The only security screws are the 6 on the exterior, the rest are standard. I'll do a write up shortly

 

[F-Train]

Torx can allow for a little "fudge factor", if the tolerances (fasteners or tools) are a little off and the fasteners aren't super tight.

My thought exactly. I have interchangeable faceplates on a Sony RX0 camera (sort of like a GoPro) on which I can use a T4 or a T3, and never have quite figured out which is "correct".

 

[Jonnyappleskins]

@thoang77 and F-Train, did either of you guys boot it first or did you do the swap and then boot?

 

[dombera]

@thoang77 and F-Train, did either of you guys boot it first or did you do the swap and then boot?

I've booted first to ensure it works Then off and did RAM swap

 

[D.T.]

I've booted first to ensure it works Then off and did RAM swap

Hahaha, that would've taken a big, umm ... pair.

 

[Dr. Stealth]

I had screws flying out of this thing before UPS was out of my Driveway!

Installed the RAM before hitting the Power button for the first time...

 

[Dr. Stealth]

A few more...

 

[BillyBobBongo]

I had screws flying out of this thing before UPS was out on my Driveway!

Hahaha, that would've taken a big, umm ... pair.

Cojones!

 

[mr.steevo]

That was quick

Looks totally doable. Easier than the hard drive replacement I had to do on the inlaws iMac years back.

 

[F-Train]

A few more...

View attachment 802225 View attachment 802226 View attachment 802227 View attachment 802229 View attachment 802230 View attachment 802231 View attachment 802232

I'm trying to order some screwdrivers

Which ones did you use? Also, how did you get the backplate off?

Ignore if you're going to do a write-up, or are engaged at the moment with a glass of celebratory champagne.

 

[archer75]

A few more...

I wonder if you could stress the mini a bit? Like start a file encoding in handbrake to max the CPU. I'm curious if it can handle it and what kind of heat it puts out? If there's thermal throttling?

 

[strawbale]

A few more...

Thanks a lot!

Seeing your Dell UP3216Q 10bit monitor, would you be so kind to feed back, when you have time, if the UHD 630 is capable of feeding 10bit color to your monitor? Much appreciated!

 

[xylitol]

So didn't get an answer to this... Do you guys know if lower frequency ram will work? Ordered 2400mhz by accident

Yes. Return it nevertheless.

 

[Shaddix-be]

Really happy to see people having success with swapping the RAM. Have fun with your Minis and thanx for sharing!

 

[D.T.]

@Dr. Stealth So no way to fiddle the RAM (and cage/cover) out with the logic board in place, right? It doesn't seem like it, but the actual space/clearance isn't totally clear from the photos.

I mean, by the time you've removed the bottom plate, antenna/cover, fans, etc., it's not much more to go ahead and slide the board out, but was just curious

Oh, did see the really clear photo with the fasteners on the cage, those would be tricky, I'm gonna say that's a big no (but no biggie )

 

[oldtime]

I'm trying to order some screwdrivers

Which ones did you use? Also, how did you get the backplate off?

Ignore if you're going to do a write-up, or are engaged at the moment with a glass of celebratory champagne.

A spudger or even Credit card should do.

 

[thoang77]

@thoang77 and F-Train, did either of you guys boot it first or did you do the swap and then boot?

Went straight for it.

 

[csrini1]

so close to $300 for the 32GB RAM?

 

[L-Viz]

Some pics (sorry for the quality), highlighted areas wher you need to be careful.
[doublepost=1541599169][/doublepost]More:
[doublepost=1541599262][/doublepost]I will be testing it more (i5 noisem etc) but cannot spend more time on this right now, sorry folks. Hopefully you've found it useful

dombera, on Your voyage to boldly go, where no one has gone before, have You spotted the SSD?

 

[PianoPro]

dombera, on Your voyage to boldly go, where no one has gone before, have You spotted the SSD?

How hard is it to get the antenna cable off and then back on again? Looks pretty short for big fingers.