Is RAM upgradeable in the Mac Mini?

[NT1440]

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.

I’d imagine you’d just use a plastic nub to release the “catch” on the other side of the ram and pull it out like any other.

If we had an X-ray imagine you’d see the RAM slot mechanisms are exactly like you’d see in any other laptop (that’s the form factor used here).

 

[EightyTwenty]

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.

Not identical at all. The 2012 Mini had RAM completely out in the open. The 2018 model has RAM tucked under a corner.

*edit* I see someone else already responded to that post. But I'll keep this up as I included a pretty picture of the 2012 Mini.

 

[NT1440]

Not identical at all. The 2012 Mini had RAM completely out in the open. The 2018 model has RAM tucked under a corner.

Yes but look at the RAM slot mechanism (there’s a name for it but I don’t know it offhand). It’s clearly industry standard, it will work exactly like RAM slots on any laptop you’ve ever encountered in your life. You just need to get under that corner with a stick to release the other clip and you’re good to go.

 

[EightyTwenty]

Yes but look at the RAM slot mechanism (there’s a name for it but I don’t know it offhand). It’s clearly industry standard, it will work exactly like RAM slots on any laptop you’ve ever encountered in your life. You just need to get under that corner with a stick to release the other clip and you’re good to go.

Yeah, I don't know about that. Might be easier said that done. And you possibly might need to move the logic board, etc. It could be easy, or it could be insanely difficult.

Remember, the 21.5 iMac uses the exact same RAM. It is technically replaceable, but absolutely not for the average home user.

 

[tedson]

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.

I think you need to remove the fan assembly first to get acccess to the DIMM slots.

 

[NT1440]

Yeah, I don't know about that. Might be easier said that done. And you possibly might need to move the logic board, etc. It could be easy, or it could be insanely difficult.

Remember, the 21.5 iMac uses the exact same RAM. It is technically replaceable, but absolutely not for the average home user.

It all depends on how much clearance is under there, which we won’t know until the units actually get a tear down. With the server edition I bought for work I had to buy a $5 tool off amazon and sliding out the internals was dead simple...but I can understand why that would be frightening to some.

 

[StellarVixen]

And one more thing, the fan. There is so little space in between:

 

[Blaze4G]

I use to work on laptops / desktops in the past as my job. Imo I don't think you need to remove the fan. It's definitely hot aas easy as the previous Mac mini but it doesn't seem too bad for customers.

 

[enri1357]

it is unlikely to remove the fan to replace the ram because there should be some heat pipe connecting the cpu with the fan

a simple tool can help you unclick the other side of the ram lock

 

[mr.steevo]

And one more thing, the fan. There is so little space in between: View attachment 799610

Take a look at the 32 minute 41 second mark on the keynote video. It looks like there is a plastic shield covering the entire fan under the foot.

 

[jnachbar]

Lots of confusion on this issue, it seems at least for me. I've had two separate chats with apple sales where they insist the the memory is NOT upgradable, one going so far as to say it would be "tampering" even if possible and that would void my warranty. Neither of them could answer if the base configuration was one 8GB stick with an open slot or 2 4GB sticks, one in each slot. One of them said I could assume both were full since it wasn't upgradable.

I already got an email, as I'm sure many of you have, from OWC pitching memory upgrade preorders and trade-in for stock memory modules.

I'm not sure if this is completely inconsistent with what is being discussed here, Apple probably is being intentionally vague and discouraging since they would rather sell you above market priced memory now and memory vendors would like to sell you their stuff....

It would be nice to clarify:
1. If opening up the bottom of the mac mini does indeed void the warranty.
2. Is the stock 8GB configuration one stick or two.
3. How hard is it to actually do the swap.

Time will tell, I'll have to be patient a bit yet, keep my eyes open and be glad there is at least something to discuss!!

Been waiting a while to upgrade my 2011 Mini.

 

[Moolani]

User accessible RAM is a key concern so I am waiting for a tear down to confirm. Replacing the RAM in my 2012 Mini was really easy. This one might not be the same. And if it voids the warranty, that will really put a damper on DIY upgrades.

 

[BillyBobBongo]

Safest bet is to keep checking this page, no doubt it will be updated around November 7th.

Mac mini: How to remove or install memory

 

[kevink2]

Do you often damage things when you simply open up a removable panel?

I replaced the hard drive in an older mini once, and in the process the bluetooth antenna wire broke. I believe them when they say it isn't designed for user upgrades. However, at least the memory isn't an impossible upgrade.

 

[miatadan]

Only thing stopping from placing order is the issue of installing memory.

 

[Moolani]

Only thing stopping from placing order is the issue of installing memory.

Me too. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long for confirmation.

 

[DonCarlos]

Well. we won’t really know about what is user replaceable until we get a “tear down” from the many out there that will do that after November 7th.

My getting one will depend on the ability to self upgrade....or I stay with my 2013.

 

[jlsm511]

Hopefully this clarifies some things.

 

[Cape Dave]

Lots of confusion on this issue, it seems at least for me. I've had two separate chats with apple sales where they insist the the memory is NOT upgradable, one going so far as to say it would be "tampering" even if possible and that would void my warranty. Neither of them could answer if the base configuration was one 8GB stick with an open slot or 2 4GB sticks, one in each slot. One of them said I could assume both were full since it wasn't upgradable.

I already got an email, as I'm sure many of you have, from OWC pitching memory upgrade preorders and trade-in for stock memory modules.

I'm not sure if this is completely inconsistent with what is being discussed here, Apple probably is being intentionally vague and discouraging since they would rather sell you above market priced memory now and memory vendors would like to sell you their stuff....

It would be nice to clarify:
1. If opening up the bottom of the mac mini does indeed void the warranty.
2. Is the stock 8GB configuration one stick or two.
3. How hard is it to actually do the swap.

Time will tell, I'll have to be patient a bit yet, keep my eyes open and be glad there is at least something to discuss!!

Been waiting a while to upgrade my 2011 Mini.

Having seen the prices they get for RAM, I will bet one million dollars that it is NOT upgreadable. $600 for 24GB of Ram????????? Freaking insane!

Side note* The CPU is also upgradeable! Yes, all you have to do is get under there with a really super tiny soldering iron and undo 10000 solder points. The put in new CPU and solder 10000 points and done! LOL!

 

[wallysb01]

Hopefully this clarifies some things.

View attachment 799711

I think its clear it will somehow be possible to upgrade it. But does that mean to keep the warranty it has to be done by an approved service provider or can you do it in your mom's basement? That's the question. I guess once you're off warranty anyway, who give a rip?

 

[EightyTwenty]

I think its clear it will somehow be possible to upgrade it. But does that mean to keep the warranty it has to be done by an approved service provider or can you do it in your mom's basement? That's the question. I guess once you're off warranty anyway, who give a rip?

I couldn't care less about warranty. I care about whether it is an easy upgrade or not. If you need to be removing the fan and pulling apart the logic board, count me out.

 

[FlyingTexan]

Lots of "I think" and "it looks like" floating around, can anyone confirm the RAM is upgradeable (without voiding warranty)?

"I think" and "it looks like"? Not if you bothered watching the presentation or simply visiting apple.com where they updated the store instantly and it's one of the very first things they mentioned. The keynote was literally still going and it was updated. I'm willing to bet it took longer to come here and write your question then it would have to read it on the front page of the mini website itself.

 

[tedson]

Hopefully this clarifies some things.

View attachment 799711

What is the source of these screen shots? Is it posted on Apple.com or a third party website?
[doublepost=1540954365][/doublepost]

I'm willing to bet it took longer to come here and write your question then it would have to read it on the front page of the mini website itself.

Well, if the question is explicitly answered on the front page of of the mini website, I must be blind. I've looked at every page regarding the Mini and have not found this question answered conclusively.

 

[jnachbar]

"I think" and "it looks like"? Not if you bothered watching the presentation or simply visiting apple.com where they updated the store instantly and it's one of the very first things they mentioned. The keynote was literally still going and it was updated. I'm willing to bet it took longer to come here and write your question then it would have to read it on the front page of the mini website itself.

Not trying to pick a fight, but I did see the webpage where it said upgradable memory and hear about the part of the keynote that mentioned memory is upgradable. I also did a couple of chats with apple sales staff on this topic.

The point is...all this means so far is that the memory is "upgradable" by apple when you order one. . It says nothing about ability to add or upgrade memory later either by the user, Apple certified or anybody for that matter. If you want more than 8GB apple says you have to do it when you order it from apple.

The confusion about upgradability of memory is around the ability to do it after ordering and getting a Mini from Apple.

 

[tedson]

Not trying to pick a fight, but I did see the webpage where it said upgradable memory and hear about the part of the keynote that mentioned memory is upgradable. I also did a couple of chats with apple sales staff on this topic.

The point is...all this means so far is that the memory is "upgradable" by apple when you order one. . It says nothing about ability to add or upgrade memory later either by the user, Apple certified or anybody for that matter. If you want more than 8GB apple says you have to do it when you order it from apple.

The confusion about upgradability of memory is around the ability to do it after ordering and getting a Mini from Apple.

That is my understanding as well of the official position but I still intend to upgrade it myself if that is possible when iFixIt does their teardown.