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8GB won't install

I have a fast 2010 Mini. The lower memory upgrade slot won't accept 4GB... when I try to install two 4GB SO-DIMMs, the mini won't boot. The lower memory slot will only accept 2GB. No matter how I try to mix and match the best I can do is 6GB (2GB in the bottom slot and 4GB in the top). What's up?

MINI, Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Feb 16, 2011 2:23 PM

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26 replies

Mar 1, 2017 6:46 AM in response to Gigdan

Yes this is major necro, sorry. But others coming here with the problem I was having will want to know this:


Tried everything in this thread and others all over the web, no joy. My particular problem: MacBook Pro mid-2009, had 2 2GB SIMMs installed, was trying to install 2 4GB. Any combination worked, in any slots (e.g., 4GB in slot0, 0 or 2GB in slot1, or vice versa), EXCEPT the intended upgrade: both 4GB installed at same time. Made sure SIMMs were seated properly and not touching anything, reset PRAM/NVRAM/SMC. Nothing, same issue.


Came across this post, last ditch effort: since not an iMac, can't just unplug. Had to unplug and then let run until battery was drained. Let it sit that way overnight. Plugged in and powered up next day - now it recognizes the 8GB! Very strange, must be something besides SMC and NVRAM that gets reset when all power is lost. But thank you for posting, now is working for me!

Feb 17, 2011 3:28 AM in response to Jeaux

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 18, 2011 8:09 AM in response to Jitanjafora

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 PM in response to Jeaux

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 AM in response to Jeaux

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 PM in response to 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 AM in response to Jeaux

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 PM in response to Jeaux

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 PM in response to macconvert11

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.

8GB won't install

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