Mac Mini Memory Upgrade

More Apple. After more than four years unloved and un-updated, the new Mac mini is back, with a vengeance.

Computers How to upgrade the aluminum Mac Mini. Apple has made it easier than ever to upgrade the hard drive and memory in the Mac Mini. Here’s what you need to know to get the job done. Oct 31, 2018 - Apple's 2018 Mac mini has RAM slots users can access, so you can install memory upgrades after you buy your computer.

What's interesting is just how close, way back in April came to what Apple announced today, including the Space Gray color. Must read: What Apple is, essentially, a Mac mini Pro. This new machine starts at $799, but fully maxed out, it can cost as much as $4,199. See it now:. See it now:. See it now: Processor bump First, let's start with the processor. The base Mac mini now starts with a 3.0Ghz 4-core Coffee Lake i3 processor.

It can be configured for up to a 3.2Ghz 6-core Intel Core i7 (which Apple claims can be Turbo Boosted up to 4.6Ghz). Moving from the i5 to the i7 will cost you an extra $200. The new Mac mini also includes an Apple T2 security processor, which allows for 'enabling on-the-fly data encryption, secure boot and up to 30 times faster HEVC video transcoding.' Usually, the T2 also enables 'Hey Siri,' but Apple didn't mention that in its announcement for the Mini. Yep, it's upgradeable. Memory to 64GB Memory, which previously maxed on the Mac mini at 16GB, can now be configured up to 64GB. The base model ships with 8GB RAM, but Apple specifically mentioned that memory is on SO-DIMMs.

I reached out to Apple about this and was told: 'Yes, Mac mini is configurable up to 64GB and uses industry-standard DDR4 SO-DIMMs. While we don't consider the memory directly end-user accessible, service providers can access the internals of the Mac mini to upgrade the memory.' This is the best of both worlds, because Apple's RAM upgrades cost $200 to go to 16GB, $600 to go to 32GB, and a whopping $1,400 to go to 2666MHz DDR 4-based 64GB RAM. If RAM is upgradeable after purchase, this is a big thing. A quick look at the Crucial site today (RAM prices change constantly) show that that same 64GB upgrade can be had for $879, $521 less than Apple charges. Even better, it means you can get an affordable Mac mini and later, as your needs change, can grow your RAM footprint. Storage up to 2TB SSD Flash Storage also can be increased (but it looks like only during purchase).

The base model starts with 128GB SSD flash storage (which is way faster than the spinning platters that used to ship on the old Mac minis and is also faster than the SSD upgrades I did to my Mac minis). Upgrades cost $200 to go to 512GB, $600 to go to 1TB, and a painful $1,400 to go to 2TB SSD. Ethernet up to 10GB Here's an exciting development. You can get a standard 1GB Ethernet port standard. But for a surprisingly reasonable $100, you can upgrade to a 1GB/10GB Ethernet port. This essentially future-proofs the Mac mini for a while. Ports, ports, and more ports This new beast actually adds ports over the previous Mac mini.

There are four Thunderbolt 3 ports (which also support USB-C). In addition, I am thrilled to see two USB 3 ports available, for compatibility to older devices. Add to that an HDMI 2.0 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack and this becomes a very versatile device. Wireless networking Rounding out the specs for this powerful little machine are 802.11ac Wi-Fi networking compatible with 802.11a, b, g, and n. It also includes a Bluetooth 5.0 radio as well.

Built-in graphics The device has Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is fine for most tasks. Power video folks are likely to want to add an external GPU, which is possible with the new Mac mini's USB-C ports. Conclusion So there you go.

It's a long time coming. I won't say it was worth the wait, because waiting four years without even a processor upgrade is insane.

That said, it's a relief to see this machine back in the lineup with new life. And since I know you're going to ask, yes I'm going to buy one (more, if memory can be upgraded after purchase). You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media.

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2:45 Has the hard drive in your filled up, or even worse, died? Is it taking longer for programs to load? It may be time for an upgrade, but don't worry - there is no need to go out and buy a new computer. Simply swap out the old components for newer ones. Believe it or not, Apple actually made it a lot easier to swap out the hard drive, and even the memory when it redesigned the Mac Mini in 2010. Newer models include a removable cover that gives quick and easy access to the internal components. Here's what you need to know to get the job done: This how-to guide is for Mac Mini models from 2010 to 2013.

To learn how to replace the hard drive in earlier Mac Mini models, check out. The tools You will need a 2.5-inch hard drive or solid-state drive with a height of no more than 9.5mm, and both a T6 and a T8 screwdriver. Dan Graziano/CNET As always, be sure to work on a static-free surface, and to discharge any electrostatic build-up before handling any internal components. You should also transfer your old data to your new hard drive using a program such as or, which can be used to clone your old drive. The process Flip the Mac Mini over and remove the black cover by twisting it counterclockwise. If you are only interested in replacing the computer's memory, simply spread the clips that keep the memory sticks in place and swap them out. Dan Graziano/CNET To access the hard drive, you need to remove the three T6 screws that keep the fan in place.

Once done, gently lift the fan out of the case and remove the cable connecting it to the motherboard. On the left-hand side, you will see a plastic cover. This is held in with a T6 screw on the lower right-hand side; remove the screw, then shimmy the cover out of the case. The hard drive is located under the antenna grill, which is held in place with four T8 screws. Remove the screws and lift the grill out of the Mac Mini. Be careful, though, because it's attached to the case.

Dan Graziano/CNET The drive connector must be disconnected from motherboard before you remove it from the case. Once it's out, remove the two T8 screws from the side of the drive and screw them into your new one. Gently peel the black protective cover off of the drive and remove the connector. Then, attach the hard drive connector to your new drive and replace the black protective cover. Getting the drive back into the Mac Mini can be tricky.

You will notice that there are two slots for the screws to sit in. Kerbal space program demo free. You want to make sure the screws are in the top two slots and not the bottom. Try using a pair of tweezers or another small tool if you are having trouble.

After getting the drive in place, don't forget to reattach the connector to the motherboard. Replace the four T8 screws and the antenna grill, followed by the plastic guard and the T6 screw that keeps it in place. Reconnect the fan to the motherboard, and secure it with the three T6 screws. Lastly, place the cover back on the device and turn it clockwise to lock it in. For step-by-step photos of the entire process, check out our gallery below.