General
To minimize the possibility of damage to the computer components due to static discharge, it's important to wear an antistatic wrist strap while you work with your computer's memory.
Choose your model
If you need help determining which Mac mini you have, use the information in How to identify Mac mini models.
Applicable models
- Mac mini (Late 2014)
Mac mini (Late 2014) does not have user-installable RAM. You can configure the memory in your Mac mini (Late 2014) when you purchase it.
Applicable models
- Mac mini (Late 2012)
- Mac mini (Mid 2011)
- Mac mini (Mid 2010)
Memory specifications
This Mac mini has these memory specifications:
| Number of memory slots | 2 |
| Maximum memory |
|
| Memory card specifications | |
| Additional notes | For best performance, don't mix sizes of memory modules. Install two identical memory modules.
|
Removing or installing memory
Warning: Always shut down your Mac mini and remove the power cord before installing memory. Do not install memory while your Mac mini is plugged in.
Step 1: Remove the bottom cover
- Turn off your Mac mini. From the Apple menu (), choose Shut Down.
- Disconnect all cables. Disconnect the power cord and all other cables from your Mac mini.
- Lay your Mac mini upside down on a soft cloth or towel, and then rotate the bottom cover counterclockwise to the unlocked position.
- Press on the cover to pop up the opposite side, and then remove the cover.
Step 2: Remove the original memory modules
- Gently spread the clips at the ends of the top memory module just enough to let the free edge pop up.
- Pull the module out of the slot.
- Repeat to remove the second, bottom module.
Step 3: Install the new modules
- Carefully press the notched edge of the new memory module into the bottom slot while keeping the opposite edge slightly raised.
- Press down on the raised edge until the clips snap into place.
- Repeat to install the top memory module.
Step 4: Replace the bottom cover
Warning: Don't connect the power cord or turn on your Mac mini until you replace the bottom cover. Never operate your Mac mini without the cover in place.
- Replace the bottom cover using the alignment dots to place it in the unlocked position.
- Rotate the cover clockwise to lock it in place.
- Reconnect the power cord and any other cables you disconnected.
Applicable models
- Mac mini (Late 2009)
- Mac mini (Early 2009)
Memory specifications
These Mac mini models have these memory specifications:
| Number of memory slots | 2 | |
| Base memory | Configure to order (CTO) to its maximum SDRAM configuration | |
| Maximum memory | 4 GB | |
| Memory card specifications | Compatible: - Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (SO-DIMM) format - 1066 MHz PC3-8500, DDR3 - Unbuffered - Non-parity - 204-pin |
Not compatible: - Registers or buffers - PLLs - ECC - Parity - EDO RAM |
| Additional notes | For best performance, don't mix sizes; always install two identical memory modules (a pair of 1 GB or 2 GB memory modules). |
Removing or installing memory
Important: You should not manually upgrade or replace the memory in these Mac mini models. Instead, contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider to install memory for you.
Applicable models
- Mac mini (Mid 2007)
- Mac mini (Late 2006)
- Mac mini (Early 2006)
Memory specifications
These Mac mini models have these memory specifications:
| Number of memory slots | 2 | |
| Base memory | Configure to order; at least 512 MB or DDR2 SDRAM (one 256 MB SO-DIMM in each slot) | |
| Maximum memory | 2 GB | |
| Memory card specifications | Compatible:
|
Not compatible:
|
| Additional notes | For best performance, use two SO-DIMMs (one in each slot) of the same DIMM size (example: two 512 MB SO-DIMMs). | |
Removing or installing memory
You should not manually upgrade or replace the memory in these Mac mini models. Instead, contact an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store to install memory for you.
Learn more
Checking that your computer recognizes the new memory
To check that the computer recognizes the new memory:
- Start up your computer.
- When you see the Mac OS X desktop, choose Apple () from the upper-left menu bar, then choose About This Mac.
The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added, or if all the memory has been replaced, the new total for that memory. For detailed information about the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by choosing Apple (), then About This Mac. Click More Info and then Memory from the Hardware section that appears in System Profiler.
If the reported memory size isn't correct or if your Mac mini repeatedly plays three tones, it may be having trouble recognizing a memory module. If this happens, shut down your Mac mini, verify the module specifications against the requirements listed above, and then repeat the memory installation instructions to make sure the modules are installed correctly. If you still have issues, remove the memory and consult the support information that came with the memory, or contact the vendor who provided the memory.