mini 2018 RAM replacement with "home" tools?

[nampramos]

Hi,

So I am soon planning a RAM upgrade to my 2018 mini and wondering if I need to order a tool kit or not. I have all the torx screwdrivers at home and wondering if the following things iFixit recommends can be replaced by something everyone might have at home?
- iFixit Opening Tools
- Spudger
- Tweezers (I am guessing normal bathroom tweezers will do?)

I will take the opportunity to ask if you had the chance to get 32GB or 64GB, what would you do?

Thanks for your help!

 

[mpfuchs]

I got the tool kit from OWC with my 32GB and it only came with the 3 torx and a pry tool.
Instead of the pry tool you could probably use an old credit card. Maybe cut it a little narrower if needed.
I'm mainly using Lightroom and Photoshop and I'm very happy with the upgrade.

 

[nampramos]

Good to know, thanks!

Then I should be all set once I order the sticks.

Still debating 32gb vs 64gb since I only want to do this once but I'm pretty sure its overkill...

 

[nampramos]

By the way, are there any benchmarks on running a single 32gb stick on the mini vs 2 sticks of 16gb?

 

[mpfuchs]

By the way, are there any benchmarks on running a single 32gb stick on the mini vs 2 sticks of 16gb?

Asked the same question here:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/memory-and-ssd-size-sweet-spot.2180004/#post-27339863

Sounds like keeping them the same is recommended.
I think 64GB is overkill, but also it's easy enough to change if you decide two years down the road that you need it.

 

[bpd115]

Just did this upgrade. It's easy. Make sure you have a TR 6, not just a Torx 6. The R is a security Torx with a post in the middle of the screw. Got one from amazon for 8 bucks.

 

[harriska2]

Just used the ifixit memory upgrade kit yesterday ($7). The only thing that didn't work for us was the Torx 10 - it didn't seem as good to get the motherboard screw loosened as the all in one torx screwdriver from Home Depot (Husky brand). The different torx drivers are in the handle and it contained the #10. https://www.amazon.com/Husky-1000-0...ocphy=1024429&hvtargid=pla-420861104780&psc=1

 

[Partron22]

R is a security Torx with a post in the middle of the screw.

A diamond bit on your moto-tool will fix that.

old credit card

I've used putty knives and Fender guitar picks. I got something with a spudger tool. It's easier with the tool. However, beware, some manufacturers use cruddy plastic which dulls and bends instead of spudging.

 

[bpd115]

A diamond bit on your moto-tool will fix that.

I've used putty knives and Fender guitar picks. I got something with a spudger tool. It's easier with the tool. However, beware, some manufacturers use cruddy plastic which dulls and bends instead of spudging.

Possibly. But for 6 bucks I wasn’t about to take a dremmel to a new Mac I hadn’t even turned on yet.

 

[MacUser2525]

Possibly. But for 6 bucks I wasn’t about to take a dremmel to a new Mac I hadn’t even turned on yet.

I would think he meant taking it to the non-security T6 to convert it to a little post on it security one with that tool.

 

[mpfuchs]

I would think he meant taking it to the non-security T6 to convert it to a little post on it security one with that tool.

Yeah, take the Dremel to the tool, not the mac!

 

[nollimac]

I have always believed it is best to maxed out the RAM on any upgrade...That's what I have done to all my computers going back to my PowerPC 7200 then costed me $1,000 ...that way one only open the computer once. I cannot wait to experience 64GB RAM.

 

[jaxhunter]

Be extremely careful with the LED cable - other folks have reported it's incredibly easy to break the connector when pulling it out.

 

[marclondon]

A plastic spudger is best for gently wheedling out connectors. As for the TR6, for those in the UK this for £2.95 does the job - it's a bit long but fits into a standard 1/4 inch screwdriver set (not one of the mini sets):

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-4-Hex-Shank-100mm-Long-T6-Magnetic-Torx-Security-Screwdriver-Bit/202427375754?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Spudgers come in cheap sets like this - just £2.79:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/23-in-1-...=2331340919178d8c00cd0f7d4c56a5d8dbff19b289f2