Wednesday, 31 October 2012

How to upgrade your Mac mini's memory(RAM)


Mac mini 2009

Supports up to 4.0GB memory
(PC3-8500 DDR3 1066MHz DIMM)
NiceMacMini
The Mac mini is a great computer but is under powered when it comes to RAM. You can buy more RAM from Apple and have them install it from you but that can cost almost as much as the mini itself! This is a Do-It-Yourself guide to upgrading the memory in your 2009 model Mac Mini for under$80 USD!

You Need RAM!

The RAM has to be “PC3-8500 DDR3 1066MHz DIMM”. The Mac mini has 2 ram slots and supports up to 4GB. I suggest you buy 2 x 2GB modules. I was able to buy 4GB of RAM from MacSales.comfor $69.99 USD.

Tools Needed

  • Phillips head screw driver
  • Metal putty knife
  • A clean work surface
  • New RAM – up to 4 GB (2x 2GB) of PC3-8500 DDR3 1066MHz DIMM)

Tear Down

MacMiniRamUpgrade-01
You need a screw driver, a putty knife, and new ram
MacMiniRamUpgrade-02
Flip the mini over. Insert the blade of the putty knife between the plastic and metal housing on the computer. It's going to be a tight fit.
Pull down on the putty knife to release the clips holding the case together. Work your way slowly around the entire computer.
Pull down on the putty knife to release the clips holding the case together. Work your way slowly around the entire computer.
This is what it will look like when you are ready to move on to the next steps.
This is what it will look like when you are ready to move on to the next steps.
At the back of the computer you should be able to see a gap between the housings that is similar to this.
At the back of the computer you should be able to see a gap between the housings that is similar to this.
Flip the mini back over. Remove the outer housing and set it aside.
Flip the mini back over. Remove the outer housing and set it aside.
Proof that we are working with a 2009 model Mac mini
Proof that we are working with a 2009 model Mac mini
Highlighted are 3 antennas that need to be disconnected before we can move on.
Highlighted are 3 antennas that need to be disconnected before we can move on.
The first antenna, in the upper left can be removed by pulling straight up with gentle pressure
The smaller antenna, on the left side can be removed by pulling straight up with gentle pressure
After removing the smaller antennas, remove the springs on the posts under them.
After removing the smaller antennas, remove the springs on the posts under them.
Detach the tape that holds down the wire to the second antenna.
Detach the tape that holds down the wire to the second antenna.
The larger antenna on the right side is attached by 2 clips, they are highlighted in this photo.
The larger antenna on the right side is attached by 2 clips, they are highlighted in this photo.
Release the antenna by gently squeezing the posts together. Remove the antenna and the spring.
Release the antenna by gently squeezing the posts together. Remove the antenna and the spring.
After the antennas have been disconnected, we need to remove the screws holding the drive assembly to the base. The screw locations are highlighted here.
After the antennas have been disconnected, we need to remove the screws holding the drive assembly to the base. The screw locations are highlighted here.
The screw on the lower left side is easy to find and remove.
The screw on the lower left side is easy to find and remove.
The screw on the upper left side is a bit harder to find and remove.
The screw on the upper left side is a bit harder to find and remove.
This is where the next screw is. Make sure not to lose them after they are removed.
This is where the next screw is. Make sure not to lose them after they are removed.
The last screw is the hardest to get to. It's a bit larger then the others. Remember where is went.
The last screw is the hardest to get to. It's a bit larger then the others. Remember where is went.
Next we have to find and detach the ribbon cable.
Next we have to find and detach the ribbon cable. It's highlighted in this photo.
I stuck the corner of the putty knife behind the connector and gently twisted until the connection popped off.
I stuck the corner of the putty knife behind the connector and gently twisted until the connection popped off.
The ribbon cable should disconnect with out much force.
The ribbon cable should disconnect with out much force.
You can now gently lift the drive assembly off of the base. Set the drive assembly to the side, the RAM is in the base.
You can now gently lift the drive assembly off of the base. Set the drive assembly to the side, the RAM is in the base.

Removing the RAM

The RAM is held in place by 2 retention clips. One of them is highlighted here.
The RAM is held in place by 2 retention clips. One of them is highlighted here.
Gently press outward on both clips at the same time to free the RAM.
Gently press outward on both clips at the same time to free the RAM.
The RAM will pop up at an angle. Remove the RAM by pulling it straight out of its slot.
The RAM will pop up at an angle. Remove the RAM by pulling it straight out of its slot.
The RAM has been removed. This is a factory 1GB RAM module.
The RAM has been removed. This is a factory 1GB RAM module.

Installing the new RAM

We are going to be installing 2 x 2GB RAM modules.
We are going to be installing 2 x 2GB RAM modules.
Put the new RAM in the slot we just took the old RAM out of.
Put the new RAM in the slot we just took the old RAM out of.
Press down on the RAM with 2 finger applying even pressure. The retention clips should catch the RAM.
Press down on the RAM with 2 finger applying even pressure. The retention clips should catch the RAM.
The retention clips will hold the RAM in place. Congratulations, you just installed some RAM!
The retention clips will hold the RAM in place. Congratulations, you just installed some RAM!
Install the second RAM module into the second slot.
Install the second RAM module into the second slot.
Press down on the RAM until the clips catch.
Press down on the RAM until the clips catch.
This is what the RAM will look like once installed.
This is what the RAM will look like once installed.

Re-Assembly

Place the drive assembly back onto the base. Make sure that the antenna wires aren't getting pinched.
Place the drive assembly back onto the base. Make sure that the antenna wires aren't getting pinched.
Screw the drive assembly back onto the base. The screw locations are highlighted.
Screw the drive assembly back onto the base. The screw locations are highlighted.
Re-Attch the ribbon cable.
Re-Attach the ribbon cable.
Apply gently pressure on the connector until it snaps into place.
Apply gently pressure on the connector until it snaps into place.
Replace the antenna springs.
Replace the antenna springs.
Replace the antena and press down on it until snaps into place. Re-attach the tape on the wire to the drive assembly.
Replace the antena and press down on it until snaps into place. Re-attach the tape on the wire to the drive assembly.
Replace the next antenna. Press down on it until is locks into place.
Replace the next antenna. Press down on it until is locks into place.
Attach the last antenna by gently squeezing together the 2 posts under it, pressing down on the antenna and releasing the posts.
Attach the last antenna by gently squeezing together the 2 posts under it (highlighted here), pressing down on the antenna and releasing the posts.
Replace the top cover.
Replace the top cover.
Gently press down with even pressure until the clips grab the top cover and lock into place.
Gently press down with even pressure until the clips grab the top cover and lock into place.
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