Memory Upgarde for 2010 MacMini

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Level 1

8 points

Memory Upgarde for 2010 MacMini

Hi folks,

I tried to put the 2x G.Skill 4GB DDR3 PC3-1066 RAMs to my 2010 MacMini. It only kept beeping after reboot. Anybody has the same problem? Would anyone please tell me what brand of RAM. Thank you!

MacMini, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Sep 6, 2010 4:45 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 3, 2010 5:15 AM in response to Iron Monkey

Ran into serious troubles when trying to upgrade my Late 2009 Mac Mini (3.1) 2.66 GHz from the original 4GB to 8GB with Kingston memory KTA-MB1066K2/8G. No boot, just beeps. Then, after consulting Kingston tech support I reset the PRAM and NVRAM, see http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379. After that I inserted the new 2*4GB RAM and now it works like a charm! (Thank you Kingston). I see that other users say that one should stay away from Kingston memories, but the reset maybe is all that it takes?

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Answer 2

peper-

Level 1

11 points

Feb 3, 2011 2:09 PM in response to evebill8

Had the same issues (beeps) when trying to install 2x2G Samsung memory modules in replacement of 2x1Gb Samsung that were in my Mini from the factory. Attempts to reset PRAM/NVRAM were not successfull. But, maybe, my failure here is due to the fact, that I have PC keyboard (Sorry Apple, I have to use two desktops simultaneoulsy - with KVM - and PC came here first :-)).

In my case Mini booted ok with the following configs: 2 old 1GB modules in both slots (factory config), old 1GB module in lower slot and new 2GB module in upper slot, one new 2GB module in upper slot and empty lower slot.

At the same time Mini beeped/not booted in the following configs: 2 new 2GB modules in both slots (my target config), one new 2GB module in lower slot and empty upper slot and, most curios, one old 1GB module in lower slot and empty upper slot(!). The last one made me think bad of my brain, or eyes, or hands, or all at the same time. 🙂

In search for solution I've googled "mac mini reset" and found this KB http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3964. I tried resetting SMC as described in the article with 1GB module in lower slot and "Hurraa!" it booted, than replaced 1GИ module in lower slot with 2GB and again it booted, finally added second 2GB in upper slot and my Mini also booted and showed me 4GBs of RAM in total.

Hope this helps to someone els!

Regards,
Petr

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Answer 3

Oct 19, 2012 3:21 PM in response to Blunderbuss

Just some input to the whole discussion. I bought the 8 gig kingston kit KTA-MB1066K2/8G to upgrade my Mac MIni mid 2010. Same problem as everyone here with the beeps and all. Slot 1 was the one working with the new sticks (check your system information > hardware > memory if you want to be sure which slot is working for you). Resetting the NVRAM did NOT do the trick for me but resetting the SMC did (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964). Now got 8 gigs (2 gigs/spent hour) !

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Answer 4

Gigdan

Level 1

0 points

Nov 20, 2012 5:20 AM in response to evebill8

Update to problem:

After reading instructions on Resetting the SMC for Mac Pro, Intel-based iMac, Intel-based Mac mini, or Intel-based Xserve

Shut down the computer.
Unplug the computer's power cord.
Wait fifteen seconds.
Attach the computer's power cord.
Wait five seconds, then press the power button to turn on the computer.

I had realized that my computer was left unplugged overnight with the two 4-gig sticks installed. So, I went and plugged it in, started it up and was thrilled to see that it started without beeping! I checked the “About This Mac” and sure enough, it had 8 gigs of RAM! I went on to check More Info/Hardware/Memory and both banks showed 4-gigs each with OK status!!

My suggestion to anyone having this problem is: have patience! I was getting frustrated and desperate, trying all kinds of remedies, and all it took was to unplug the darn computer for a little while!

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Answer 5

Sep 8, 2010 2:39 AM in response to evebill8

Take the new ram out.

Put old ram back in.

If the computer boots now, it would point to bad ram.

To troubleshoot, you could install the new ram one stick at a time. If it works with one in and not the other, just one stick is bad.

If neither work, it would probably mean your mac doesn't like that ram.

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Answer 6

Calsifer

Level 1

0 points

Oct 27, 2010 7:31 AM in response to evebill8

Having this exact same error with my 2010 Mac Mini Server.

Updated the firmware, and checked for any software updates before starting this process.

Tried to replace the 2 x 2GB memory modules with 2 x 4GB memory sticks.
Upon restart the Mini just beeps at me.

So. . .

Removed the NEW memory and reseated. Once again upon restart it still just beeps at me. I then removed the new memory all together and replaced the original memory that put me back at 4GB using both slot 0 and slot 1. The Mini works as before.

SO. . .

Removed all memory, insert 1 stick of the 4GB memory. Mini restarts and sees the 4GB stick in slot 0, and says memory is OK.

Removed the memory stick in slot 0 and replaced with the other 4GB stick. Mini restarts and sees the 4GB stick in slot 0, and says memory is OK.

Now. . .

Placed the first 4GM memory stick in Slot 1 and kept the second 4GB memory stick in Slot 0. Upon restart the Mini just beeps at me.

NERD RAGE ENSUES!!!!!1!1!

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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Answer 7

trint

Level 1

0 points

Oct 27, 2010 7:58 AM in response to Calsifer

Have you tried a single stick in Slot 1...?

With my non-working 8GB Kingston memory configuration in the Mac mini 2010, both 4GB sticks failed to work in Slot 0 (individually) and so I contacted Kingston but they were uncertain as to why it was failing.

The 1GB working factory sticks and the 4GB Kingston sticks both use Hynix chips but the component codes are different (factory - H5TQ1G83TFR, Kingston - H5TQ2G83BFR).

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Answer 8

trint

Level 1

0 points

Oct 28, 2010 3:40 AM in response to Calsifer

Calsifer,

When I first spoke with Kingston they were under the impression the Hynix chips were the same (exact H5TQ.... codes) but having realised they are different they are now raising the issue with their technical team in the US.

You might want to check your memory stick codes and if they are similar to the ones I've mentioned in my previous post you might want to get in touch with your memory brand's technical support and suggest Kingston are making further investigations.

Hynix have a code interpreter for ram modules on their website and it would seem the difference in codes means that a different Die Generation and chip configuration was used to the new modules from those that worked from factory.

Hope some of this helps you out.

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Answer 9

Mr Kirk

Level 1

20 points

Nov 21, 2010 6:43 AM in response to MacValley

Hi MacValley,
I was about to purchase the same memory upgrade from Kingston KTA-MB1066K2/8G, when I noticed it is (according to Kingston) the same memory as the Macbook Pro, so I've found this discussion. Anyway, can you confirm the you reset the PRAM/NVRAM BEFORE you inserted the new ram? And then it worked and shows the full 8GB?

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Answer 10

Nov 26, 2010 11:11 AM in response to evebill8

I went for broke with an 8Gig upgrade fom Crucial. Put them in and just go the beeps. Took one 4Gig out and replaced it original 1Gig and it worked. Did the VROM thing mentioned further down the thread where you boot whilst pressing option-command-p-r and wait for two start up noises. Then put the other 4Gig in and I'm "cooking with gas" on 8Gig.

I reckon you can only do so much per step with the PROM VROM thingy.

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Answer 11

PAULSG63

Level 1

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Nov 26, 2010 11:05 PM in response to evebill8

I also get beeps when I put two sticks of 4Gb mem.. one works fine by itself.
I tired the resseting PRAM NVRAM... but it never resets >:|
I have a PC keyboard not an apple keyboard. I use the <windows>-<alt>-P-R But it doesn't reset.
Anyone else have this issue? Do I need to buy an MAC keyboard?

Paul G

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Answer 12

Jan 3, 2011 8:00 AM in response to MacValley

Thanks for providing info in this thread. I too bought the Kingston KTA-MB1066K2/8G. I tried to install it in my MM (2010 Unibody) and had the same results as you fine folks. Having the 4GB Dimm in slot 0 resulted in a singular beep indicating no ram detected.

I tried calling Kingston Tech Support and they told me that they had no record in their DB of issues with this RAM and the MM Unibody. I was going to call AppleCare, but decided to take the Cruical 8GB (2x4GB) RAM from my MBP 13" and swap it out.

Lo and behold, the Crucial RAM works in the MM and the Kingston RAM works in the MBP.

Although I did the research prior to purchase, I neglected to check the forums here. I learned a good lesson. 🙂

Happy New Year!

S

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Answer 13

Jan 6, 2011 7:59 AM in response to Benjamin Brossard

I just had the same problem with a 2x4GB Crucial upgrade, nothing but beeps. Went back to the original sticks, booted OK. Shut down, stuck the 4GB in the lower slot and the original in the top, booted OK and showed 5GB RAM installed. Shut down, stuck the other 4GB in the top slot, booted OK w 8GB installed.

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Answer 14

Mar 11, 2011 5:42 PM in response to Calsifer

I am experiencing this same issue with my 2010 Mac mini... but with an added twist.

I purchased 2 2010 Mac Mini's at the same time last summer, and on one, having a 4GB module in the lower slot always fails (continuous beeps) ... however, on the other 2010 Mac Mini, both 4GB modules (the same modules!) work fine, giving a total of 8Gb.

In my other 2010 Mac Mini - again, purchased at the same time - I cannot put a 4GB module in the lower slot without getting beeps.

Both boxes are identical in every way - firmware, OS - therefore, this must be a memory slot or other hardware issue on the Mac Mini that does not accept the 4GB module in the lower slot.

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Answer 15

Jul 24, 2011 7:00 PM in response to macconvert11

Also got a beep-memory-upgrade-problem. I bought 2x4GB from a local Asian brand (strontium). Without really checking on compatibility, since I thought several of these chips have come from the same source.

After inserting I got the beeps, tried to do the NVRAM and PRAM reset, but not sure if I should then have it boot, or reset it when it tries to reboot again, guidelines are kinda obscure on that one.

The thing I managed so far is placing original 2GB in slot 0 and new 4GB in slot 1, resulting in 6GB and working flawlessly. So it seems the RAM is fine, just placing one of the new ones in slot 0 results in beeps. Seems very similar to the people upgrading with (2x4GB) 8GB kingston memory. I feel there must be a way in getting these chips to work, but haven't found it as of yet.

macconvert 11, did you resolve your issue with the 2 identical mac mini's? one would think it's due to a faulty slot but after all I read on the forums I think there must be another reason (like using the NVRAM reset etc...)

Any more suggestions?

cheers

phil

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