This is one of the common questions that arise in front of the Mac Mini: Is it possible to put more RAM once purchased? Can we expand memory or SSD for another one we purchased? The short answer is yes.
But there are some nuances, because Apple only offers these modifications on certain specific models. And in most cases you have to go to the SAT, the official technical service, to make this modification. In the following article we analyze this problem, indicating in which models the RAM can be expanded and in which not.
Which Mac Mini Models Let You Change RAM
Over the past few years, we have read and heard a lot about the lack of modularity of Mac computers, which is only half true. Apple offers dozens of RAM and internal disk configurations on the official website, but all according to the same rules: Apple makes them. That is, we will rarely be able to open and tinker, acquiring RAM modules from third parties cheaply.
An advice. Before making any type of modification, as Apple points out, “it’s important that you use an antistatic wrist strap when working with your computer’s memory.” And, what is more relevant, any manipulation must be carried out with the system completely disconnected of electric current.
That said, there’s some good news: These Mac Mini models allow for RAM installation:
- Models Mac Mini from 2009 or earlier. If we have one of the first Mac Minis, from the original with a PowerPC G4 processor and introduced in 2005 to the late 2009 models, Apple recommends going to one of the specialized technical assistance service points. You can locate the nearest point using this tool: https://getsupport.apple.com/repair-locations?locale=es_ES
- The bone The Mac Minis from 2010 to 2012 are the ones that are doing the best: totally personalized and intuitive RAM modification is allowed, as has already happened in many iMacs, simply by removing a protection and that’s it.
- The Mac Mini 2018 has a particularity: Apple does not allow the user to install RAM but it allows to update the amount of RAM of said model through an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. A significant toll, since you can only install the type of RAM they have. This model allowed to install modules of 8, 16, 32 and up to 64 GB of RAM.
Which Mac Mini Models DO NOT Allow You to Change RAM
And now we come to the bad news. In a good handful of Mac Mini, you can’t do anything, neither extend nor modify. In other words, the configuration you choose once you purchase the product will determine its useful life. And are the following:
- The 2014 Mac Mini cannot be upgraded because the memory is soldered and integrated on the main motherboard.
- The same goes for all Mac Minis introduced between 2020 and 2023. In other words, all the Mac Mini M1, M1 Pro, M2 and M2 Pro They carry the RAM soldered with the motherboard of the computer and any manipulation results in the total loss of the guarantee. As uncomfortable as it sounds.
Step by Step How to Expand RAM on Mac Mini
On the official Apple website, we can find all the information related to updating or installing memory in Mac Mini systems.
On models from 2010 to 2012, the process is very simple and intuitive. You only have to turn the lower cover anti-clockwise and, once this cover is unlocked, open the cover to install the corresponding RAM module. Supported modules are specified by their release years: 2012, 2011, and 2010.
How to know that the RAM is correctly installed
And now we are going to check if the installation was done correctly. It’s as simple as going to the “About This Mac” profile. To do so, follow these steps:
- Turn on the system and log in.
- Once you see the desktop, tap the Apple menu icon
- Click on the first section, ‘About This Mac‘.
- Now confirm that the amount of RAM corresponds to the total installed, already until you have made a modification or a replacement or an application. If the system does not recognize the new amount of RAM, you may need to repeat the process because the memory is not installed correctly. If this happens, you may hear the Mac Mini beep three times.
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