Memory Increase NOT possible on late Mini - TERRIBLE!

What to do?

Purchase the 2012 Mini and upgrade the memory

Puchase the 2014 Mini with the memory you want for life

If you bought the computer direct from official Apple Store or from Apple Store online and

less than 14 days has passed, you can contact Apple directly to arrange a return to get

your money back. But, not if bought through an independent reseller who has their own

sales policies.

You may be able to buy a Late 2012 Mini, new through online resellers, such as B&HPhoto.

Of course, they too won't be obligated to the 14-day Apple return policy, as an independent.

The server quad-core i7 2.3GHz has two 1-TB 5400-RPM HDDs, so that may be too slow

without an 7200-RPM HDD or a combination SSD, Fusion, or other. An official Apple upgrade

to these will help retain the warranty, so consider that should you so choose to go there.

Other resellers have been asking considerably more for used product, some upgraded by

who knows, but may sport 16GB RAM and one or more SSDs. A few could have been of

the original CTO or built-to-order direct from Apple, prior to October 2014 when they were

available. After about mid-Oct 2014, the new ones were available with fixed RAM, etc.

And most Apple centric online information sources compared their hardware specs, then.

In any event...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

.....

I have been on Macs since 1985! and this is the first time I have seen such as this. ALWAYS, to my knowledge, we have been able to upgrade Memory as needed, desired, etc.; and I have done so, even on my late 2009 MacMini!

....

This is not the first "fixed memory" Mac. The Macbook Pros with Retina

displays have had fixed memory as well as Macbook Airs. The recent 21.5"

iMacs have also been sort of fixed memory since there is no easy access

without tearing down the entire computer.

I am also not a big fan of fixed memory computers.

If you could have an Apple authorized certified trained service provider replace the

original 5400-RPM HDD with a faster spin-rate 7200-RPM (which also should have

a larger buffer or cache) so there still would be a guarantee or if you have it, coverage

under the optional AppleCare plan. For a bit more cost than rotational HDD upgrade

the Apple Fusion 1-TB HDD (probably like some portable Apple MB/Air) would be like

having a small SSD and a 700GB HDD together in one unit.

Though some of these new Mac Mini computers may have a space for a second HDD

they seldom include one. The Late 2012 Mac Mini i5 and i7 models had space for two.

So with that configuration, one space could hold an SSD and the other a storage HDD

of fast spin-rate. Also, with two internal hard drives, it may be easier to have two different

bootable systems in one computer. An external backup drive for Time Machine would be

a recommendation... and yet another for backup clones or bootable copies of OS X.

There have been some issues with unofficial upgrades, to an Apple certified authorized

upgrade with correct parts and training is recommended with the newer hardware. Esp.

if yours is otherwise not user-upgradable. See the iFixit.com repair guides for an idea of

what could be in store or the perils of messing around. It also can void warranties...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

The AppleCare extended plan should be OK to get as authorized service repairs would be

covered in most any location where available. The auto-enroll can be bought at time of

purchase, then it is applied immediately to your order and the product. If the original

reseller you bought the computer from can auto-enroll it for you after the fact, that may be

a good way to go. I see that I can order a lower cost version (after original Mini purchase)

for as little as $69. plus shipping, then I'd have to go online once it arrives in the post, to

register AppleCare online or by phone. For you, if MacMall can auto-enroll the Mini that

you bought from them so you don't have to mess with it, that would be good.

Oh, if you have someone upgrade the internal hard drive, it may be good to check to see

if the computer may support two hard disk drives. Or a Fusion if not too costly, and one

hard disk drive (7200-RPM) and you could probably use up to 2-TB in replacement HDD.

The options also may depend on the ability of the service center to perform the work and

also have it covered under AppleCare should there be resulting issues. This may require

some research to be sure. Since the parts and labor may be limited in coverage when the

unit was not CTO or built to order custom upgrade by Apple originally. But there should

not be an issue, so long as an AASP authorized Apple service provider with experience

in upgrade & repair of newer model Mini Mac. And they have & use good quality parts.

Hopefully that works out OK and good luck with your India experience...! 🙂

You will have to contact an Apple Authorised Service Provider in India to see if you can either:

- Purchase Apple Care in India. If that is true then India will provide service if necessary

- Purchase it in USA and have India provide service if necessary

The AppleCare Protection Plan for Mac, for iPod, for Apple TV, and for Apple Display provide global repair coverage. Service will be limited to the options available in the country where service is requested. Service options, parts availability, and response time vary by country.

https://www.apple.com/support/products/faqs.html