HT205041: Mac mini: How to remove or install memory

Learn about Mac mini: How to remove or install memory
xice101

Q: fusion drive

Will more memory from 4GB to 16GB give me more speed ? Or just more memory?

I heard of a FUSION DRIVE for my Mac Mini. Is it FAST, where do I get it?

iPod touch, iOS 6.1.3

Posted on Oct 30, 2014 7:29 PM

Close

Q: fusion drive

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Oct 30, 2014 7:39 PM in response to xice101
    Level 10 (271,184 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 30, 2014 7:39 PM in response to xice101

    Adding RAM only makes it possible to run more programs concurrently.  It doesn't speed up the computer nor make games run faster.  What it can do is prevent the system from having to use disk-based VM when it runs out of RAM because you are trying to run too many applications concurrently or using applications that are extremely RAM dependent.  It will improve the performance of applications that run mostly in RAM or when loading programs.


    A Fusion Drive is a joining of an SSD of low capacity with an HDD of high capacity such that the SSD is used for files that are frequently accessed so that they are found and loaded quicker than if they were on an HDD. This is handled automatically by the Fusion Drive. The overall impact is that data is handled faster by a Fusion Drive than by an HDD alone. A Fusion Drive is  made possible by the use of Core Storage technology that is part of OS X.


    If you do some Google searching you will quickly find how one can create a Fusion Drive if you have an SSD and HDD that you can use together. But you can't simply go out and get one unless you buy a Mac that has it included in its original factory configuration.

  • by xice101,

    xice101 xice101 Oct 30, 2014 7:50 PM in response to Kappy
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 30, 2014 7:50 PM in response to Kappy

    Thank you Kappy,

    So seem to be very knowledgeable . I guess my real concern is, how do i get more speed on my (late 2012) mac mini?

    I have:

    Your Mac contains 2 memory slots, each of which accepts

    a 1600 MHz DDR3 memory module.

    2.5 GHz Intel Core i5

    4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

    IF I INSTALL 16GB (2X8GB), will that give me a noticeable speed differance? And avoid the spinning beach ball?

     

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Oct 30, 2014 7:57 PM in response to xice101
    Level 10 (271,184 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 30, 2014 7:57 PM in response to xice101

    Reread my first paragraph from the earlier reply. More memory is not a speed increase unless you are running out of memory now. You can test for that as follows:

     

    Understanding top output in the Terminal

     

    To use top open the Terminal in the Utilities folder. Enter top at the prompt and press RETURN. The amount of available RAM for applications is the sum of Free RAM and Inactive RAM. This will change as applications are opened and closed or change from active to inactive status. The Swap figure represents an estimate of the total amount of swap space required for VM if used, but does not necessarily indicate the actual size of the existing swap file. If you are really in need of more RAM that would be indicated by how frequently the system uses VM. If you open the Terminal and run the top command at the prompt you will find information reported on Pageins () and Pageouts (). Pageouts () is the important figure. If the value in the parentheses is 0 (zero) then OS X is not making instantaneous use of VM which means you have adequate physical RAM for the system with the applications you have loaded. If the figure in parentheses is running positive and your hard drive is constantly being used (thrashing) then you need more physical RAM.

     

    Your Mini's RAM requirements are:

     

    Maximum Memory16 GB
    Memory Slots2 - 204-pin PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

     

    You can't hurt by putting in 16 GBs of RAM, although 8 GBs is probably adequate. Got the max if you can afford it.