More RAM or memory; difficulty to install on 2009 Mac Mini

macsales.com or crucial.com are trusted sellers of RAM. They sell the amount of RAM the system will take, not just what Apple "officially" says it will.

As to instructions ... ifixit.com has detailed instructions for you to read (with pretty pictures!) and decide if you deel comfortable with the process: http://www.ifixit.com/Device/Mac_mini_Model_A1283#guideList

crucial has an option to autodetect your system and shows you the options. Once autodetected, the options will be displayed and you can choose how much based on your budget.

Autoscan page: http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/MacOS.aspx

By the way ... no question is naive if it saves you either money or a return question of "New RAM does not work!".

soonergirl9999 wrote:

Another question ~ I looked at crucial.com's website and am unsure if I have a MB463LL/A computer or MB464LL/A computer. Where do I find this information so I make sure I order the correct item?

According to MacTracker, the only difference between the two model numbers is MB463LL/A comes with a 120 GB hard drive & MB464LL/A comes with a 320 GB hard drive. Both use the same "204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM" modules. http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4432#2 from Apple says you can install up to 4 GB total (with two 2 GB modules) but MacTracker says up to 8 GB total, as does Macsales.com (with two 4 GB modules).

Do note the earlier comment about the steps needed to upgrade your 2009 Mini -- only beginning with the 2010 models did Apple make upgrading memory in the Mini a simple, user-friendly process. The earlier models were not designed for the case to be opened by users.

Because of this (& because more memory is better, all other things being equal), I suggest you buy at least a pair of 2 GB modules (for 4 GB total).

And the person with the funny face symbol fills in what I do not know. Thanks R C-R.

You will have to remove one memory module to install the 4 GB one, assuming your Mini now has a pair of 512 MB ones installed. (There are two memory slots in the Mini.) You will end up with 4.5 GB if all goes well.

"Sleep" requires caching RAM contents into hard disk. A complex-enough cycle that better/more RAM can make that go easier.

But while you are here ... how much free space on your hard disk? You should always keep 15-20 GB free so tha OSX can operate (such as easily saving or retrieving RAM contents during or after sleep). By adding 4 GB of RAM, your system will allocate at least 4 more GB of HD space as "virtual disk".