Is RAM upgradeable in the Mac Mini?

[Appleaker]

There still seems to be a bit of confusion, hopefully this clears things up:

• Since they are SO-DIMMs, you can of course upgrade the RAM yourself.
• Like the iMac Pro, Apple recommend that you upgrade the RAM through Apple Authorized Service Providers only.
• The bottom panel does not open in the same way as the 2012 model, and requires tools to remove.
• Removing the bottom panel voids the warranty.
• As for the ease of swapping out the SO-DIMMs once opened, I am told that it may require some disassembly, including removing the fan and logic board.

 

[Yr Blues]

There still seems to be a bit of confusion, hopefully this clears things up:

• Since they are SO-DIMMs, you can of course upgrade the RAM yourself.
• Like the iMac Pro, Apple recommend that you upgrade the RAM through Apple Authorized Service Providers only.
• The bottom panel does not open in the same way as the 2012 model, and requires tools to remove.
• Removing the bottom panel voids the warranty.
• As for the ease of swapping out the SO-DIMMs once opened, I am told that it may require some disassembly, including removing the fan and logic board.

These engineers either suck or they're doing exactly what the bean-counter$ want them to design.

 

[brentsg]

There still seems to be a bit of confusion, hopefully this clears things up:

• Since they are SO-DIMMs, you can of course upgrade the RAM yourself.
• Like the iMac Pro, Apple recommend that you upgrade the RAM through Apple Authorized Service Providers only.
• The bottom panel does not open in the same way as the 2012 model, and requires tools to remove.
• Removing the bottom panel voids the warranty.
• As for the ease of swapping out the SO-DIMMs once opened, I am told that it may require some disassembly, including removing the fan and logic board.

This nonsense of opening an item voiding the warranty has been smacked down in the USA. That crap no longer flies. The FTC has been all over this recently.

 

[StellarVixen]

AppleInsider just got their hands on one of the Minis (do not know how).

In the video, the Mac Mini is shown upside down, and screws are nowhere to be seen, neither of them, Phillips, pentalobe...nothing. Which means that bottom lid of the Mac Mini is meant to be opened without any tools.

One more vote for user upgradable RAM.

 

[redheeler]

AppleInsider just got their hands on one of the Minis (do not know how).

In the video, the Mac Mini is shown upside down, and screws are nowhere to be seen, neither of them, Phillips, pentalobe...nothing. Which means that bottom lid of the Mac Mini is meant to be opened without any tools.

One more vote for user upgradable RAM.

Do you have a link to this article? Can't seem to find it on the website, only a "hands on" video from last Tuesday's event that doesn't show the bottom.

Also, keep in mind the 2014 Mac mini has no screws visible on the bottom as well. The screws are hidden underneath the plastic plate, which must be pried off first.

 

[StellarVixen]

Do you have a link to this article? Can't seem to find it on the website, only a "hands on" video from last Tuesday's event that doesn't show the bottom.

Also, keep in mind the 2014 Mac mini has no screws visible on the bottom as well. The screws are hidden underneath the plastic plate, which must be pried off first.

Their video is gone. I have a link to the web article, but there is nothing interesting to be seen.

I am certain they will upload new one with more details soon.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...first-impressions-and-initial-benchmarks/amp/

 

[Spankey]

Confirmed. RAM upgradeable. 3:22

 

[redheeler]

Their video is gone. I have a link to the web article, but there is nothing interesting to be seen.

I am certain they will upload new one with more details soon.

https://appleinsider.com/articles/1...first-impressions-and-initial-benchmarks/amp/

Good find. Probably posted it a little bit earlier than they were supposed to.

Doesn't give any indication of user-upgradable RAM though.

 

[brentsg]

think they are giving us 2 sticks for each config?

8gb option will get 2x4gb
16gb option will get 2x8gb?

what would kinda suck if they do ......im hoping they give 1x8gb for base option...therefore i just have to just buy 1x8gb to make it 16gb.

This would gimp some performance by losing a chanmel. Don’t see that happening.

 

[EightyTwenty]

• As for the ease of swapping out the SO-DIMMs once opened, I am told that it may require some disassembly, including removing the fan and logic board.

I’m passing then. No point in buying this instead of the iMac if you have to pull the thing apart with 800 different pieces all over your floor just to pop in some extra RAM.
[doublepost=1541216135][/doublepost]

This nonsense of opening an item voiding the warranty has been smacked down in the USA. That crap no longer flies. The FTC has been all over this recently.

It sounds like you have to rip the entire machine apart, so of course that would void warranty. They could have made the RAM easily replaceable, but decided not to.

For all intents and purposes, it might as well be soldered in my opinion. Same as the 22.5 iMac. No way in hell am I tearing apart a $1200 machine into a 1000 different pieces just to add RAM. How stupid can Apple get?

 

[Nihilvor]

Confirmed. RAM upgradeable. 3:22

A transcript is available here:

https://www.imore.com/vector-mac-apple-tom-boger
[doublepost=1541218197][/doublepost]

I’m passing then. No point in buying this instead of the iMac if you have to pull the thing apart with 800 different pieces all over your floor just to pop in some extra RAM.
[doublepost=1541216135][/doublepost]

Based on the OWC ads and the Apple VPs statements, all signs lead to this being a relatively easy install. We're waiting for the details of the procedure (and AppleInsider promises an update when they get around to it). I doubt that Apple wants us all ripping apart our machines when they're out there claiming that it's user upgradable. I'm sure someone will post the details sometime over the next few days in any case.

 

[jmiddel]

Don’t they have to come in pairs?

 

[Nihilvor]

Don’t they have to come in pairs?

Yeah. The memory is always sold in pairs. It works better with the motherboard that way.

 

[waloshin]

Dual channel with two sticks.

 

[SoCalReviews]

I have used Crucial brand RAM in all my user upgradeable Macs. It can cost a little more than other brands but I plug their RAM when the question comes up in threads because it has never let me down in the past. You can use their OEM RAM search on their web site or call them direct. http://www.crucial.com/

1) They have been an OEM RAM supplier for Apple for years.
2) If you order the recommended RAM directly from Crucial in matched pairs they guarantee it will work with your model of Mac.
3) Lifetime warranty on their RAM as long as you order direct from Crucial the recommended RAM for your model of Mac.

Btw... Obviously I don't work for or specifically promote Crucial brand. Any compatible spec RAM should be good but purchasing manufacturer matched pair RAM is the best way to go regardless of which brand you choose... OWC, Crucial, etc.. Most of the major brands will all probably work well.

 

[brentsg]

I’m passing then. No point in buying this instead of the iMac if you have to pull the thing apart with 800 different pieces all over your floor just to pop in some extra RAM.
[doublepost=1541216135][/doublepost]

It sounds like you have to rip the entire machine apart, so of course that would void warranty. They could have made the RAM easily replaceable, but decided not to.

For all intents and purposes, it might as well be soldered in my opinion. Same as the 22.5 iMac. No way in hell am I tearing apart a $1200 machine into a 1000 different pieces just to add RAM. How stupid can Apple get?

That’s still now how warranty voiding works. This thread has so many people certain about so many different things they as yet know nothing about.

I’ve just grown used to actual tech forums I suppose, as opposed to forums that certainly have some technically inclined people, but mostly a lot of normal people who use tech goods.

 

[Appleaker]

AppleInsider just got their hands on one of the Minis (do not know how).

In the video, the Mac Mini is shown upside down, and screws are nowhere to be seen, neither of them, Phillips, pentalobe...nothing. Which means that bottom lid of the Mac Mini is meant to be opened without any tools.

One more vote for user upgradable RAM.

They were sent one but posted their first impressions too early.
Screws are nowhere to be seen because there are no screws on the bottom.
It doesn't mean it's meant to be opened without tools, as I said that's not the case.
[doublepost=1541236030][/doublepost]

Confirmed. RAM upgradeable. 3:22
[/MEDIA]

No, he just reiterates that the new Mac mini uses SO-DIMMs. He said that in the keynote and it is shown in numerous images. In that respect of course it's upgradeable however, they don't allow the user to upgrade it themselves.

 

[hvfsl]

think they are giving us 2 sticks for each config?

8gb option will get 2x4gb
16gb option will get 2x8gb?

what would kinda suck if they do ......im hoping they give 1x8gb for base option...therefore i just have to just buy 1x8gb to make it 16gb.

The RAM is dual channel, so it is faster if you use 2 sticks. So I don’t think Apple would use just one stick.

 

[TheBigApple2006]

They were sent one but posted their first impressions too early.
Screws are nowhere to be seen because there are no screws on the bottom.
It doesn't mean it's meant to be opened without tools, as I said that's not the case.
[doublepost=1541236030][/doublepost]
No, he just reiterates that the new Mac mini uses SO-DIMMs. He said that in the keynote and it is shown in numerous images. In that respect of course it's upgradeable however, they don't allow the user to upgrade it themselves.

Much really depends on where they have placed the So-DIMM slots. The Mac Mini 2014 needed tools too to open the round bottom case too, but it wasn't that difficult, as per the iFixit guide. If the slots are where shown in the presentation, there should be direct access to them once the case is out. If they are hidden behind the board, then you're right. We won't know until someone opens up the bottom and finds out.

 

[Macintosh IIcx]

There still seems to be a bit of confusion, hopefully this clears things up:

• Since they are SO-DIMMs, you can of course upgrade the RAM yourself.
• Like the iMac Pro, Apple recommend that you upgrade the RAM through Apple Authorized Service Providers only.
• The bottom panel does not open in the same way as the 2012 model, and requires tools to remove.
• Removing the bottom panel voids the warranty.
• As for the ease of swapping out the SO-DIMMs once opened, I am told that it may require some disassembly, including removing the fan and logic board.

Yes, if you take a look under the cooling part https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/ you can see that the cooler almost certainly obstruct at least one of the RAM SO-DIMM, maybe even both. So my vote is that you will have to disassemble the cooler first. I may not be a big deal of the heat pipes stay on place, and you can just remove the fan part, but I cant tell from that image.

 

[Appleaker]

A transcript is available here:

https://www.imore.com/vector-mac-apple-tom-boger
[doublepost=1541218197][/doublepost]

Based on the OWC ads and the Apple VPs statements, all signs lead to this being a relatively easy install. We're waiting for the details of the procedure (and AppleInsider promises an update when they get around to it). I doubt that Apple wants us all ripping apart our machines when they're out there claiming that it's user upgradable. I'm sure someone will post the details sometime over the next few days in any case.

Unfortunately this is not the case, as I've said. They do not want users taking apart the machines, which is why opening it up will void the warranty and they only advise for the RAM to be upgraded at Apple Authorized Service Providers.
In addition, upgrading the RAM requires tools and disassembly. They are not claiming that it's user upgradeable, they are stating that it uses SO-DIMMS and therefore can be upgraded.
[doublepost=1541241248][/doublepost]

Much really depends on where they have placed the So-DIMM slots. The Mac Mini 2014 needed tools too to open the round bottom case too, but it wasn't that difficult, as per the iFixit guide. If the slots are where shown in the presentation, there should be direct access to them once the case is out. If they are hidden behind the board, then you're right. We won't know until someone opens up the bottom and finds out.

Yes, I think it's like the 2014 but with some adhesive, perhaps because there is no secondary panel beneath.
As for the slots, they are definitely in the same place as shown on the images, you technically have direct access but are unable to remove or install any RAM without taking the logic board out.

 

[TheBigApple2006]

Unfortunately this is not the case, as I've said. They do not want users taking apart the machines, which is why opening it up will void the warranty and they only advise for the RAM to be upgraded at Apple Authorized Service Providers.
In addition, upgrading the RAM requires tools and disassembly. They are not claiming that it's user upgradeable, they are stating that it uses SO-DIMMS and therefore can be upgraded.
[doublepost=1541241248][/doublepost]
Yes, I think it's like the 2014 but with some adhesive, perhaps because there is no secondary panel beneath.
As for the slots, they are definitely in the same place as shown on the images, you technically have direct access but are unable to remove or install any RAM without taking the logic board out.

Thanks for all this, but I wonder what to make of the VP’s comment that it will only require a modicum of skill - the way you mention it, it will require true expertise in disassembly!

 

[DVD9]

It sounds like you have to rip the entire machine apart, so of course that would void warranty. They could have made the RAM easily replaceable, but decided not to.

For all intents and purposes, it might as well be soldered in my opinion. Same as the 22.5 iMac. No way in hell am I tearing apart a $1200 machine into a 1000 different pieces just to add RAM. How stupid can Apple get?

I have a NUC. To add or remove RAM you don't need any tools. The bottom plate removes by turning the soft rubber around the screws. You don't lose the screws because they remain in the plate after removal.

To add or remove the NVME drive there is one screw. It's as easy as you see in a YouTube video.

Apple certainly is not stupid. Tim Cook and his crew are certainly psychopathic. Tim wants to cell you 32 GB of RAM for $600.

Do you think there is anyone on this planet owning a NUC who would pay $600 for 32GB of RAM?

 

[kevink2]

At least some of the NUCs I've researched before seem to have a different target. Some I've seen have been available without storage or RAM. Designed to be bought, and have the buyer install the RAM and storage they desire.

This allows systems to be sold complete, with OS, or without OS (which Apple wouldn't do).

 

[D.T.]

I'd take all this "leaked" information with a grain of salt until we get some mix of machines in hand (users/reviewers willing to bust into them ...) and clarifying statements directly from Apple.

The thing that makes me question the idea of "voiding the warranty", is this: the configuration info for RAM for the iMac Pro, we know this machine has socketed RAM/SODIMM, but it clearly states, "not user accessible".

However, it's not like it's _not_ (so to speak), if you're willing to open the machine, have a few specialized tools (that are easily sourced), once you have access, the RAM swap itself is trivial.

Compare that to the same RAM config info from the new Mac Mini:

There's a pretty notable omission of "not user accessible".


I believe Apple is effectively using not-user-accessible interchangeably with will-void-warranty (on the iMac Pro), vs. the lack of such language for the Mini, meaning: you can perform a user / home RAM upgrade and it won't void the warranty.

And obviously, if you open a Mac Mini, and do something like break a DIMM clip or a connector, etc., due to your negligence, the repairs would be done on your dime.