Buffered vs. unbuffered RAM

Buffered or Unbuffered RAM refers to the micro-architecture of the RAM and not the external components. You need to use the specified buffered or non-buffered ram in most machines. Your machine will accept all kinds of different vendors memory.

In fact this is the 'mac mini' memory guide from Apple for you:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303378

Note that it states you MUST use UNBUFFERED SO-DIMM modules.

The heat sinks do not increase processing power (except in situations where the overall heat causes speed to be scaled back through slewing, speedstep, or buzz-this-n-that). I didn't see any heat sinks on my ram modules. In fact, I think if you have the external ones like you see on full size modules you wouldn't be able to fit them in.

I think the stock module is hynix. I went w/ patriot. I could probably have gone w/ a little lower latency, but whatever. The price and convenience was there. Don't break your machine installing the RAM. Unless you know what you are doing, it is probably worth getting Apple to install it.

What you will benefit from is getting a pair of matched 512's or 1 gig modules with a low latency (you might see cas 4 or whatever).

Apple specs are:
667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) on two DIMMs; supports up to 2GB

That's what you need. No heat sink. keep the speed at the 667. If you see PC2-5300 or 5400 that's often a vendors decision and is technobabble. I'd stay on the safe side.

Check out dealram
http://dealnews.com/memory/prices/systems/Apple-Mac-mini-Intel-PC2-5300-DDR2-SO- DIMMS/41592/256MB.html

Intel does some internal qualification for some memory..I'll see If I can find it..
Oh yeah, here's part of the intel qualifications info. Might be an interesting read.

http://www.intel.com/technology/memory/ddr/valid/ddr2667_sodimmresults.htm

Just get memory that conforms to the Apple Specifications as published and you will be fine. Especially if you have Apple install it.

Good Luck,
-j