JMHall1946

Q: Upgrading Memory on Mac Mini (mid 2111)

As instructed, I purchased one slot of (8GB) of memory.  I was told to just replace one of the existing (1GB) slots and leave the other in place, for a total of (9GB).  Upon reading the information in my Mac mini booklet: "Your Mac mini has two memory slots in which you can install a pair of 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB memory modules, for a maximum of 8GB of memory.  For best performance, don't mix modules of different sizes; always install two identical memory modules."  I know that seems to answer my question, but I called the store back, and they told me it was okay to install the one slot of 8GB.  Should I return the 8GB and purchase two 4GB slots for  better results, or doesn't it really matter.  I was also told it is a big savings to buy one 8GB over two 4GB of memory.   I didn't open the package yet.  I was also told that if it didn't work, I could just return it for the package of two 4GB of memory.  I asked how I would know if I had a problem, and was told that my computer just won't start up if it is an issue. Thank you for your assistance.

Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3), (mid 2011) 2.3GHz Intel Core i5

Posted on Mar 6, 2016 5:35 PM

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Q: Upgrading Memory on Mac Mini (mid 2111)

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  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Mar 6, 2016 7:26 PM in response to JMHall1946
    Level 7 (27,661 points)
    Mar 6, 2016 7:26 PM in response to JMHall1946

    More RAM always trumps the lesser pair and it will work just fine.

     

    FWIW my Late 2012 has been running on 10 GB for the last 3 years without any problems.

     

    Screen Shot 2016-03-06 at 7.22.34 PM.jpg

  • by lllaass,Solvedanswer

    lllaass lllaass Mar 7, 2016 1:08 AM in response to JMHall1946
    Level 10 (189,795 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 7, 2016 1:08 AM in response to JMHall1946

    What memory did you purchase? Macs are picky about memory, only get memory fro a place that guarantee it will work with your Mac or money back. Good places ae OWC/MacSales and Crucial.

  • by JMHall1946,

    JMHall1946 JMHall1946 Mar 7, 2016 10:06 AM in response to den.thed
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 7, 2016 10:06 AM in response to den.thed

    Thank you for your response last night.  With your advise, I actually replaced the old (1GB) with the new (8GB).  So I currently am showing a total of (9GB), and my computer is working and in the memory information, about my mac, it is reading the (9GB) correctly, showing the (8GB) in one slot and (1GB) in the other.

    Thank you again for your quick response.  I hope I will have the same luck that you have had.

  • by JMHall1946,

    JMHall1946 JMHall1946 Mar 7, 2016 10:15 AM in response to lllaass
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 7, 2016 10:15 AM in response to lllaass

    Recommended to me by the sales representative at Best Buy for $38.99, who knew I had a Mac mini, the memory had the following information on the packet:  "PNY Make Life Simple; 8GB; PC Memory; Ideal for upgrading your laptop; DDRC3; PC3-12800; compatible with •1600MHz •1333MHz •1066MHz; Compatible with Windows 8.  It also showed two icon pictures, one of Windows Ready Upgrade and one of Mac.  I received a reply last night to my question and went ahead with the replacement today.  All is working well, and I hope it will continue to do so.  Thank you for your inquiry.

  • by den.thed,

    den.thed den.thed Mar 7, 2016 12:39 PM in response to JMHall1946
    Level 7 (27,661 points)
    Mar 7, 2016 12:39 PM in response to JMHall1946

    You are welcome!