Instructions: Upgrade Mac Mini 2018 RAM (with video)

Are you planning to buy a Mac Mini 2018, but don't want to pay too much for a lot of RAM, but rather upgrade it yourself? This is quite possible with the right tools and a little tact! In the following, I'll show you which screwdrivers you need and which memory bars fit in the new Apple computer. In addition, I have selected a video for you, which is useful as a guide to upgrading the Mac Mini 2018 RAM;)

Do you want to upgrade the Apple Mac Mini 2018 RAM to use more memory? You can find the step-by-step and video instructions here! I have also linked the appropriate tools and RAM bars to you;)
Do you want to upgrade the Apple Mac Mini 2018 RAM to use more memory? You can find the step-by-step and video instructions here! I have also linked the appropriate tools and RAM bars to you;)

Step by step: replace the Mac Mini 2018 RAM

Anyone who is already a little familiar and has already taken apart one or the other Mac could be sufficiently informed with a simple list of steps to be taken. If you'd rather see instructions in picture and sound, then please keep scrolling. First of all, here are the "simple" step-by-step instructions for replacing the Mac Mini 2018 RAM:

  1. Turn the computer upside down to access the bottom
  2. Remove the bottom plate of the Mac Mini 2018 (with a spatula or old EC card)
  3. Loosen the six screws of the grille underneath with a TR6 Torx screwdriver
  4. Move the grille slightly to the side; it is connected to the WiFi antenna cable!
  5. Loosen the connection of the WLAN antenna on the main board with the TR6 Torx screwdriver
  6. Remove the four screws from the fan with the same screwdriver
  7. Lift the fan slightly and pull the connection cable out of the main board
  8. Remove two screws from the main board with a T10 Torx screwdriver
  9. Loosen the small cable connection and the power supply on the main board
  10. Slide everything out on the heat sink to bring the hardware out of the case
  11. Loosen four screws (T5 Torx) of the RAM protection and this yourself
  12. Pull the RAM latch retainer outward to reveal the installed chips
  13. Pull it out and replace it with the new Mac Mini 2018 RAM
  14. Press the new RAM bar lightly downwards / backwards until they click into place
  15. Put everything back together

All details of the model: Mac Mini 2018 - technical data, pictures, price

Disassembling the Mac Mini 2018: You will need these screwdrivers

To upgrade the Apple Mac Mini 2018 RAM, you need three screwdrivers: the Torx sizes T5, T10 and T6 with a hole. A set with additional tools is recommended for further upgrades or repairs to technical devices. For example the Screwdriver set from Qiaoyou offers, in addition to other screwdrivers, tweezers, a pin and two spatulas. Ideal for the steps outlined above!

Torx screwdriver set for security screws
The Torx screwdriver set for security screws for technical devices also includes the T10, T5 and T6 (TR6) with holes that you need to unscrew the Apple Mac Mini 2018 and thus to replace the RAM bar. There is also another practical tool included!

RAM bars compatible with the Apple Mac Mini 2018

There aren't many RAM chips that are compatible with the 2018 Mac Mini. Anyone who also wants to use the maximum performance of 64 GB RAM will also be disappointed. Because there are still no 32 GB bars for the two slots. However, you can already buy some models from 8 GB RAM bars to 16 GB double packs for a total of 32 GB of upgraded RAM. Here are the RAM memories compatible with the current Apple computer:

Crucial CT8G4SFS8266 8GB memory
The Crucial CT8G4SFS8266 8GB memory (DDR4, 2666 MT / s, PC4-21300, SR x8, SODIMM, 260-pin) can be used to replace / expand the Apple Mac Mini memory.
Crucial CT16G4SFD8266 16GB memory
The Crucial CT16G4SFD8266 16GB memory (DDR4, 2666 MT / s, PC4-21300, DR x8, SODIMM, 260-pin) also fits into the new Apple computer.
19,36 EUR
32 GB RAM with two 16 RAM bars
The Crucial double pack (2 x 16 GB) brings you plenty of RAM for complex processes, creative apps, image editing, video editing, games and more! Details on the product page.

Mac Mini 2018 RAM upgrade: video tutorial

And finally, as promised, there are instructions for upgrading the Mac Mini 2018 RAM as Video. It's in English, but the pictures say more than a thousand words. You are also welcome to use the above instructions in German as a guide to understand the video. It shows the expansion of the hardware, the replacement of the RAM bars and the assembly of the computer - a complete package;)

 

 

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The page contains affiliate links / images: Amazon.de

8 comments on “How-to: Upgrade Mac Mini 2018 RAM (with video)”

  1. Thanks for the summary article – including purchase recommendations! I also bought a mini that was only 8GB with the intention of upgrading if the need arose. At the moment I'm quite happy, I make software, so I run Xcode, Affinity Designer, iOS Simulator and Safari for example in parallel. It "swaps" a bit, but works surprisingly well.
    One question: can individual bars be upgraded? Your links to individual bars make me believe that.

    1. Hello Robert! Good question. :) I once put them in a YouTube video as a comment. Maybe I can get expert advice. Unfortunately, I personally have to pass. But I strongly assume that you have to exchange both bars... But it's surprising that it runs so well with 8 GB, despite the many programs. And thanks to the SSD, “swapping” isn’t as bad as it used to be. ;-)

  2. Unfortunately, there is nothing precise in the information dialog about the memory, and the link to the memory upgrade does not reveal any details but recommends Apple support.
    I'll guess it works, it always worked, right? Well, my 2007 MacBook Pro may not be a benchmark ;-)

    1. So I got feedback from another user who said that you can only upgrade one RAM slot. So it should go as we thought it would! ;-)

  3. Hello, yesterday evening I used the tool described in the article, the RAM (32GB) and the video instructions to my freshly delivered Mac Mini (post route Shenzen/China > Hamburg is faster than Rosenheim/Bavaria > Hamburg ... just by the way :) and calmly upgraded the RAM. The video guide is good. Had concerns about the really tiny plug connections for the WLAN antenna and fan, but a courageous push on the respective plug connection is rewarded with a very quiet click of "locking in". Conversion was very easy and even fun. Another little tip: some of the screws are really tiny, so be careful and don't sneeze ... otherwise they'll be gone and disappeared into the carpet.

    1. An acquaintance had once given me the tip to get such pill jars for morning, noon, evening and night to sort the screws. Certainly not the stupidest idea with such tiny parts. : D Nice that everything worked out for you!

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