Ram For Mac
Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini Q&A
Apr 11, 2018 While Macs certainly aren’t as easy to upgrade as a typical PC, it’s surprisingly simple to upgrade some components like RAM—especially if you’ve got a Mac desktop or an older laptop. Adding more RAM can breath new life into an old Mac. Upgrade your Mac Pro memory past Apple factory specs - up to 128.0GB in select models. Includes free DIY installation videos to make upgrading easy.
To see how much memory you have in your computer, click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac. In the dialog that appears, click the More Info button, and then click the Memory toolbar button. Click the Memory Upgrade Instructions link at the bottom of the dialog, and OS X Mountain Lion automatically opens a Safari browser window with online instructions on how to upgrade the RAM in your specific MacBook model. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This memory is temporary and used by the CPU to hold information that processes are actively using on your system. Your Mac slows down when it experiences high memory usage, in other words, when the running applications demand more RAM than your Mac is able to provide. Shop for mac ram at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. RAM stands for Random access memory and it provides storage for ongoing tasks and processes. The difference between the RAM and the rest of the storage on your Mac is that it’s faster, therefore.
Update Published November 21, 2018
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How do you upgrade the RAM in the Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM do they actually support? Is it even possible to upgrade the RAM?
There are five different lines of Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models -- the 'Mid-2010', 'Mid-2011', 'Late 2012', 'Late 2014' and 'Late 2018' -- all of which are quite different from one another in terms of memory.
Although the memory types are different, the upgrade procedure for the 'Mid-2010', 'Mid-2011' and 'Late 2012' Mac mini lines is easy and essentially the same and it is quite similar for the current 'Late 2018' models, as well. Unlike vintage polycarbonate Mac mini models, which require one to pry open the case and are not easy to upgrade, these Aluminum Mac mini models have a black plastic base on the bottom that can be removed with a quick turn to access the RAM slots.
Unfortunately, as first reported by Macminicolo and confirmed by site sponsor OWC, the now discontinued 'Late 2014' Mac mini models have soldered RAM. These models could be upgraded to as much as 16 GB of RAM at the time of system purchase, but the RAM cannot be upgraded later at all. In a pleasant surprise, Apple returned to upgradable memory for the current 'Late 2018' Mac mini models (sadly the storage is onboard, though).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Non-Server Mid-2010 - Left, 2011-2014 Models - Right)
Identification Help
If you're not sure which Aluminum Mac mini model you have, these models can be identified by the Model Identifier in software and externally by EMC Number for the purposes of upgrading the RAM. More details about specific identifiers are provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
To locate the model identifier in software, select 'About This Mac' under the Apple Menu on your computer and click the 'More Info..' button. If the Mac mini is running OS X 10.7 'Lion' or later, you will need to click the 'System Report' button after clicking 'More Info..' as well. EveryMac.com has carefully hand documented each model identifier for your convenience.
For the pre-Late 2014 Mac mini models, the EMC number is visible upon removing the bottom 'spin off' panel to the right of the memory slots (when the ports are facing you). It is on the bottom of the 'Late 2014' and 'Late 2018' models toward the ports. As always, EveryMac.com has hand documented the EMC numbers unique to each series, too.
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These identifiers are most easily visualized as a chart:
Alu. Mac mini | Subfamily | Model ID | EMC No. |
Mid-2010 | |||
Mid-2010 | |||
Mid-2010 | |||
Mid-2011 | |||
Mid-2011 | |||
Mid-2011 | |||
Mid-2011 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2012 | |||
Late 2014 | |||
Late 2014 | |||
Late 2014 | |||
Late 2014 | |||
Late 2018 | |||
Late 2018 | |||
Late 2018 |
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can identify these models by their Serial Numbers.
RAM Types & Actual Maximum RAM Capacities
The 'Mid-2010' Mac mini models have two memory slots that support 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Originally, they both officially and unofficially supported a maximum of 8 GB of RAM with two 4 GB memory modules. However, as discovered more recently by site sponsor Other World Computing, if these systems are running OS X 10.7.5 or higher, have been updated to use the latest EFI, and are equipped with proper specification memory modules, they can support up to 16 GB of RAM with dual 8 GB memory modules.
The 'Mid-2011' Mac mini models likewise have two memory slots but instead support faster 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. Officially, these models only support 8 GB of RAM, but as also reported by OWC, they likewise are capable of supporting 16 GB of RAM with dual 8 GB memory modules. These models only run OS X 10.7 and later versions of the operating system.
The 'Late 2012' Mac mini models also have two memory slots but use faster still 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. At least for now, they both officially and unofficially support 16 GB of RAM, but should this number increase in the future (Intel reports that the underlying chipset can support up to 32 GB of RAM), this EveryMac.com Q&A will be updated.
Unfortunately, the 'Late 2014' Mac mini models have soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded after the initial system purchase. By default, these models have 4 GB or 8 GB of 1600 MHz 'Low Power' LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard, and this can be upgraded to 16 GB, but only at the time of initial purchase. The RAM in these models cannot be upgraded later.
The current 'Late 2018' Mac mini models triumphantly return with two memory slots and use even faster 2666 MHz PC4-21300 DDR4 SO-DIMMs. They support as much as 64 GB of RAM with two 32 GB memory modules.
Much like the identification help, the details are most easily visualized as a chart:
Alu. Mac mini | Subfamily | Model ID | SO-DIMM | Max |
Mid-2010 | 1066 PC3-8500 | 16 GB* | ||
Mid-2010 | 1066 PC3-8500 | 16 GB* | ||
Mid-2010 | 1066 PC3-8500 | 16 GB* | ||
Mid-2011 | 1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB† | ||
Mid-2011 | 1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB† | ||
Mid-2011 | 1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB† | ||
Mid-2011 | 1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB† | ||
Late 2012 | 1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB | ||
Late 2012 | 1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB | ||
Late 2012 | 1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB | ||
Late 2012 | 1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB | ||
Late 2012 | 1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB | ||
Late 2014 | Soldered RAM‡ | 16 GB‡ | ||
Late 2014 | Soldered RAM‡ | 16 GB‡ | ||
Late 2014 | Soldered RAM‡ | 16 GB‡ Grow for mac. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. | ||
Late 2014 | Soldered RAM‡ | 16 GB‡ | ||
Late 2018 | 2666 PC4-21300 | 64 GB | ||
Late 2018 | 2666 PC4-21300 | 64 GB | ||
Late 2018 | 2666 PC4-21300 | 64 GB |
* Officially, the 'Mid-2010' models support 8 GB of RAM, but they actually can support 16 GB of RAM. However, this is if and only if they are running OS X 10.7.5 or higher, have been updated to use the latest EFI, and are equipped with proper specification memory modules.
† Officially, the 'Mid-2011' line supports 8 GB of RAM, but they actually support 16 GB.
‡ The 'Late 2014' Mac models support a maximum of 16 GB of onboard 1600 MHz 'Low Power' LPDDR3 SDRAM, but only if configured with 16 GB at the time of system purchase. The RAM cannot be upgraded later.
RAM Upgrade Instructions
For polycarbonate Mac mini models, Apple does not provide instructions or recommend that users upgrade their own memory. However, for the Aluminum Mac mini, the company provides instructions on pages 31-38 and 39-46 of the 'Mid-2010' and 'Mid-2011' User's Guides, respectively. Apple does not provide instructions in the 'Quickstart Guide' for the 'Late 2012' models, but the procedure is the same. Apple likewise does not provide instructions for the current 'Late 2018' models, but it is a similar process, as well.
When available, the manuals provide installation instructions complete with drawings, which absolutely should be reviewed in their entirety before one installs memory. However, the below videos may be even better.
Mid-2010 Mac mini RAM Upgrade Videos
This video -- from YouTube user DetroitBORG -- specifically covers the optical drive-equipped 'Mid-2010' (Macmini4,1) models:
Mid-2011 & Late 2012 Mac mini RAM Upgrade Video
OWC provides an exact video covering the slotless 'Mid-2011' (Macmini5,1, Macmini5,2, Macmini5,3), and 'Late 2012' (Macmini6,1, Macmini6,2) models, too:
Late 2018 Mac mini RAM Upgrade Video
Finally, OWC provides a specific video for the current 'Late 2018' (Macmini8,1) models:
After watching these videos, it should be clear that upgrading the RAM is a simple procedure in aluminum Mac mini models released prior to and after the Mid-2014 series.
However, even though the RAM upgrade procedure is simple (when possible), if you do not feel comfortable -- or have the time -- to perform the upgrade yourself, hiring a professional always is a good option.
Mac mini RAM Purchase Options
Just because RAM meets the minimum listed criteria does not mean that it will necessarily function as intended in your Mac. Be sure to buy from a quality vendor that has tested their RAM with the Mac mini to ensure full compatibility.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory compatible with all of the Mac mini models and provides a professional upgrade service for the Mac mini, too.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells Mac mini compatible memory with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells memory for all Mac mini models with guaranteed compatibility, fast shipping, and no customs.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells quality memory for all Mac mini models with affordable delivery country-wide and in person pick up and professional installation service available in Munich.
In Australia, site sponsor RamCity sells Mac mini compatible memory with a lifetime warranty and fast, flat-rate shipping Australia-wide.
In Southeast Asia, site sponsor SimplyMac.sg sells Mac mini compatible memory with free delivery -- and optional upgrade service -- in Singapore and free shipping to Brunei, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Also see:
- How do you upgrade the hard drive(s) in the Aluminum 'Unibody' Mac mini models? What type of hard drive or SSDs do they support?
- How do you upgrade the RAM in the Polycarbonate Intel Mac mini models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM do they actually support?
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One of the most common questions among Mac users today is how to reclaim enough memory to provide great working performance. People are concerned about keeping their Mac in a good condition, so they look for any useful methods for speeding it up. The first solution that comes to mind is to do an effective Mac cleaning to remove unnecessary files and prevent system glitches.
But sometimes users don’t know how to clean Mac to free memory or have no time to clean their PCs manually. We understand that this is a boring or difficult process, but it is highly recommended to start with reclaiming RAM memory. This will definitely be useful for boosting the performance of your computer.
Try These Three Ways to Free Inactive Memory on Mac OS X
First, let’s clarify what inactive memory is on Mac. Inactive memory is used by recently active and terminated applications. The system of your computer saves this memory in case you want to use these applications again. If you no longer want to open those programs, the inactive memory will eventually be released or transferred.
But what to do when there is not enough memory and you see your Mac’s performance degradation? In this situation, we advise you to clear the inactive RAM by following the instructions below.
Before we begin, let us introduce one very useful and interesting application for Mac, namely MacFly Pro. This innovative cleaning software has been developed to take care of your Mac and keep it in a nice shape. MacFly Pro does the following: it removes inactive or old apps, as well as related files, cleans inactive memory, clears the cache and duplicates, gets rid of language and log files, and scans the overall condition to warn system of violations or threats. So if you want a fast and proper cleaning for your Mac, make sure you download and run MacFly Pro on your PC.
And now, we go directly to the ways how to free up ram on Mac:
1. Use Terminal
Open the Terminal application on your Mac.
Then, enter the command below:
Ram For Mac Pro
sudo purge
After that, enter the password to clear inactive memory.
The advantage of this simple method is that it’s a default application and you don’t need to download any other programs. On the other hand, it might cause some slowdowns and so that you will have to enter the lines one more time.
2. Use Script Editor
The second way how to free up ram mac is to use Script Editor (the most popular technique used by Apple developers). Now, follow these steps:
Launch Script Editor
This is how it looks in an opened window:
Next, write down the following text:
display dialog “Free inactive RAM?” buttons {“Cancel”, “OK”} with icon 2 with title “Freeing RAM” default button 2
set buttonAnswer to the button returned of the result
if buttonAnswer is “ОК” then
say “Freeing RAM. Wait please.”
tell application “Terminal”
do shell script “purge”
quit
end tell
say “Done!”
end if
After that, you should press ⌘+S and save the script in Application folders. Also, select Application format instead of Script.
This specific app is certainly useful, but actually, it is hard to open an app if you urgently need to clean your RAM on a Mac.
3. Use Third-Party Software
Ram For Mac Computer
The last thing you do to free RAM is to look for and find some efficient cleaning applications. For instance, MacFly Pro is a great digital software and document scanner that will take care of your PC. With this app, you will forget about the necessity to clean Mac manually since it will do it for you in a matter of minutes. What is more, it will constantly support the system and optimize the performance of your Mac OS X.