RAM maximum for 2010 mac mini

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Level 1

6 points

RAM maximum for 2010 mac mini

I have a 2.3 Gh i5 Mac Mini. I know Apple says 8gb total is the maximum, but is there anyone who has gone to 16gb and what is the effect?

Thanks for any insight

/Chris

Mac mini, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Aug 29, 2012 12:03 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

tetpsy

Level 1

7 points

May 30, 2013 1:27 PM in response to chrismaticSF

Hey i just bought two 8 Gig DDR3 1333 RAM Chips (16Gigs), i have a mid 2010 Mac Mini 4.1 it works perfectly..

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Answer 2

Aug 29, 2012 12:06 PM in response to chrismaticSF

Hi. It looks like a 2.3gHz i5 is actually a Mid 2011 Mini. If so it can handle 16gB as indicated in specs below.

Maximum Memory 16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple)

Memory Slots 2 - 204-pin PC-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

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Answer 3

chrismaticSF Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 29, 2012 12:15 PM in response to chrismaticSF

I should add that what triggered this question is that on Crucial's site they say:

Memory Type: DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-12800, DDR3 (non-ECC)

Maximum Memory: 16GB

Slots: 2

Each memory slot can hold DDR3 PC3-10600, DDR3 PC3-12800 with a maximum of 8GB per slot.*

*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.

This is put forward as their recommended upgrade. Wondering what gives.

Thanks again

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Answer 4

Aug 29, 2012 12:14 PM in response to chrismaticSF

From many reports on the forum, I wouldn't even attempt to use any RAM other than what is called for in a Mac. They are quite fussy about the RAM, and if it did work it will increase performance. Although looking at the specs I found it seems to indicate it needs 10600, 1333mHz RAM.

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Answer 5

chrismaticSF Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 29, 2012 12:20 PM in response to stedman1

stedman1 I updated my query just as you answered. Thanks. Curious though where you find that info regarding the 16gb specs. Apple site http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4805 clearly says

You can use RAM module sizes of 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB in each slot.

So, not sure what to make of this.

Thanks for your answers

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Answer 6

Aug 29, 2012 12:26 PM in response to chrismaticSF

I generally rely on an App (available for iDevices and Macs) called MacTracker. http://www.mactracker.ca/

The discrepancy in RAM amounts seems to stem from the fact that when the computers were released, the readily available RAM (IE: 4gB chips) only gave Apple the ability to verify with that amount. Field testing with higher amounts are done by outside sources after the release of the computer.

The site listed below may be good to check the amount of they specify for your computer.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memory/

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Answer 7

chrismaticSF Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 29, 2012 12:41 PM in response to stedman1

That's a very interesting app. Thanks for it just downloaded it. And yes they make a difference between "actual" (8gb) and Apple (4gb). I think you hit the nail on the head re: this difference.

Curious who these guys are and how they accumulate/edit their info.

Otherwise, thanks again for the speedy reply and assistance.

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Answer 8

Aug 29, 2012 12:46 PM in response to chrismaticSF

My pleasure, glad I could help.

The MacTracker App has been quite reliable for information. They seem to be quite current with new models and offer an App update shortly after a new model release from Apple.

Stedman

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Answer 9

RoyQ1975

Level 1

5 points

Sep 5, 2012 6:09 AM in response to chrismaticSF

Actually, even the real 2010 Mac mini/Mac mini Server supports RAM up to 16GB.

You guys can check out my article (for people who can't read Chinese, the pictures) at http://www.oikos.com.tw/v4/viewtopic.php?id=74002.

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