Q: 8GB won't install
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Feb 17, 2011 3:28 AMby jonty1512,Hi there
To expand on Daddypaycheck's post I would try using just one of the DIMMS and put it in the first slot. If it boots up ok then power down and try it in the 2nd slot. If that is ok then repeat the process with the other DIMM. That way you can test both DIMMS in both slots and get an accurate result. If you find that you get this problem with both DIMMs in the lower slot then it's the slot that is faulty and I guess the mini will have to go back to Apple for service.
Just be thankful that Apple have redesigned the Mini as to make this kind of testing easy. Would've been a nightmare in the old style Mini!
Jonty -
Feb 17, 2011 10:45 PMby Jitanjafora,Jeaux,
The 2010 Mac minis shipped with a crippled firmware version that does not allow them to accept over 4GB/6GB of RAM. Check the firmware in your mini. Here's the Apple article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1237
If the firmware is not up-to-date, it will simply not accept the RAM update.
HTH,
Felix -
Feb 18, 2011 8:09 AMby Jeaux,Thanks, Felix
I assumed it was an OS/firmware problem, but system profiler suggests that my mini is up to date:
Model Name: Mac mini aluminum
Model Identifier: Macmini4,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 6 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MM41.0042.B00
SMC Version (system): 1.65f2
Serial Number (system): C07D705EDD6L
Hardware UUID: CC62B441-F452-502A-9689-5A515ED56831
When I downloaded the recommended firmware (1.2) and attempted to install, I received a warning that the update wasn't needed - firmware was up to date. Thoughts? -
Feb 18, 2011 8:47 PMby Jitanjafora,Hmm. You have been sorting this out in a very thorough and well-informed fashion, so I guess the only possibility left at this point is some sort of malfunction in your lower memory slot, since it can recognize a 2GB stick but not a 4GB stick. I would just take it to the Genius Bar and have Apple deal with it. The mini should still be under warranty. -
Feb 19, 2011 10:08 AMby VinodB,I have the same problem. I installed a *GB kit and its just recognizing 4GB.
I tried both 4GB individually and it works. Together the mac mini just recognizes 4GB. Anyone can help?
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: Mac mini aluminum
Model Identifier: Macmini4,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MM41.0042.B00
SMC Version (system): 1.65f2 -
Mar 7, 2011 4:21 PMby robert777nj,So I believe I have figured out what is causing my problem. Thought I should share the results of my findings.
So the Mac Mini comes stock with DDR3-8500 (1066MHz) and the RAM I purchased was DDR3-10600 (1333MHz).
My theory is that the MAC cannot adjust the speed down without a 1066MHz speed chip.
I also have a MacBook Pro with 8GB from Apple so I mixed 1 4gb from each and now both machines register 8GB.
So I have in the Mini now 1 x 4GB DDR3-8500 (1066MHz) in the lower slot and 1 x 4GB x DDR3-10600 (1333MHz) in the upper slot.
Watch the type of RAM you buy... Good Luck All! -
Mar 11, 2011 5:30 AMby beischel,This is why I always go to a vendor like Crucial and use the specific memory they recommend for the system. When I have done that I have never had a memory issue. Only problems I have had, and they have been few, is trying to use memory that "should be compatible."
BTW, I highly recommend the specific Crucial memory for the Mac Mini. I have 8GBs of their memory for both 2010 Mac Minis and it works perfectly without issue. -
Mar 11, 2011 6:11 PMby macconvert11,Exact same issue here ... however I have TWO identical 2010 Mac Mini's, purchased at the same time.
Same OS version, same firmware version.
One will accept 8GB (2 x 4GB modules), the other fails (endless beeping) when the SAME EXACT 4GB modules are installed in it. Works ok if only one 4GB module is installed in the upper slot, but not both 4GB modules.
This is obviously a hardware defect. -
Jul 9, 2011 3:21 PMby bbellina,I just upgraded my 2009 (Model 3,1) and 2010 (Model 4,1) Mac Minis to 8 GB. I purchased the 4 4GB DDR3-1066 RAM cards I needed from RamJet.
I had an enormous amount of trouble upgrading the 2010 Mac Mini's memory because I kept getting the endless beeping anytime I had anything installed in slot 0. I thought initially it was bad chips, but every one of the 4 that I purchased worked fine in slot 1 alone. Eventually what I determined is that it was a hardware problem with slot 0 easily fixed with a small flat-blade screwdriver. What was happening is that the memory card inserted into slot 0 was being unseated slightly when the card was pressed down. The unseating was not enough to see and there was no way to avoid it. What I did to correct it finally was this: after the card was inserted and pressed down, I inserted a small flat blade screwdriver blade between the top of the card and the Mini and then turned the screwdriver blade so that it exerted some additional pressure on the card, pushing it further into the slot. I didn't see any difference or hear any difference, but after doing so the Mac booted up fine and all 8 GB was recognized.
Ironically I had no trouble at all upgrading my older Mac Mini.
