Putting better-equipped systems to shame, the new Mac mini (2018) is a no-brainer for any Mac mini user looking to upgrade, and a smart choice for anyone else. The Azulle Access Plus is the best.
The actual maximum RAM of eachMac mini is listed below along with its compatible RAM type, default amount of RAM pre-installed, common identifiers suitable to identify a Mac mini in order to determine its RAM capacity, and more.
Who is the Mac mini best for? Though the graphics and RAM remain the same. The top of the range Mac mini has various build to order options, including a 3.2GHz 6-core Intel i7 processor, 2TB.
The storage in the Mac mini is PCI-E storage, with Apple claiming that the drive has sequential read speed of up to four times faster than the previous model, with a peak of 3.4 gigabytes per second.
If you are not sure which Mac mini you have, and the Model Identifier and EMC Number below are not sufficient for identification, you also may look it up with other identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- with EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature and the EveryMac app. If you need more help, refer to Mac Identification.
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Click the triangle to the left of a system to open 'Quick Specs' -- the two most relevant identifiers for RAM capacity, full RAM details and links to buy compatible RAM from site sponsors -- and click on the name or image for complete specifications.
Asterisks indicate important details (such as a different 'official' maximum RAM capacity listed within 'Quick Specs' or other details on the complete specs page).
Note that the 'Late 2014' Mac mini models cannot have the RAM upgraded at all after purchase.
1Apple ComputerActual Max RAMMac mini G4/1.251 GB
Model ID:
PowerMac10,1
EMC No:
2026
Min. Speed:
333 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2700 DDR SDRAM
Std. RAM:
256 MB, 512 MB
Official Max:
1 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
1
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Canada - Australia
Mac mini G4/1.421 GB
Model ID:
PowerMac10,1
EMC No:
2026
Min. Speed:
333 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2700 DDR SDRAM
Std. RAM:
256 MB, 512 MB
Official Max:
1 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
1
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Canada - Australia
Mac mini G4/1.331 GB
Model ID:
PowerMac10,2
EMC No:
N/A
Min. Speed:
333 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2700 DDR SDRAM
Std. RAM:
512 MB
Official Max:
1 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
1
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Canada - Australia
Mac mini G4/1.51 GB
Model ID:
PowerMac10,2
EMC No:
N/A
Min. Speed:
333 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2700 DDR SDRAM
Std. RAM:
512 MB
Official Max:
1 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
1
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Canada - Australia
Mac mini 'Core Solo' 1.52 GB
Model ID:
Macmini1,1
EMC No:
2108
Min. Speed:
667 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2-5300 DDR2
Std. RAM:
512 MB
Official Max:
2 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Canada - Australia
Mac mini 'Core Duo' 1.662 GB
Model ID:
Macmini1,1
EMC No:
2108
Min. Speed:
667 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2-5300 DDR2
Std. RAM:
512 MB
Official Max:
2 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Canada - Australia
Mac mini 'Core Duo' 1.832 GB
Model ID:
Macmini1,1
EMC No:
2108
Min. Speed:
667 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2-5300 DDR2
Std. RAM:
512 MB
Official Max:
2 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Canada - Australia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 1.834 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini2,1
EMC No:
2108
Min. Speed:
667 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2-5300 DDR2
Std. RAM:
1 GB
Official Max:
2 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.04 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini2,1
EMC No:
2108
Min. Speed:
667 MHz
RAM Type:
PC2-5300 DDR2
Std. RAM:
1 GB
Official Max:
2 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.0 (Early 2009)8 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini3,1
EMC No:
2264
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
1 GB, 2 GB*
Official Max:
4 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.26 (Early 2009)8 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini3,1
EMC No:
2264
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
1 GB, 2 GB*
Official Max:
4 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.26 (Late 2009)8 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini3,1
EMC No:
2336
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
2 GB
Official Max:
4 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.53 (Late 2009)8 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini3,1
EMC No:
2336
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
4 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.66 (Late 2009)8 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini3,1
EMC No:
2336
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
4 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.53 (Server)8 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini3,1
EMC No:
2336
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
4 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.4 (Mid-2010)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini4,1
EMC No:
2364
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
2 GB
Official Max:
8 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.66 (Mid-2010)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini4,1
EMC No:
2364
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
2 GB
Official Max:
8 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core 2 Duo' 2.66 (Server)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini4,1
EMC No:
2364
Min. Speed:
1066 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-8500 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
8 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.3 (Mid-2011)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini5,1
EMC No:
2442
Min. Speed:
1333 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-10600 DDR3
Std. RAM:
2 GB
Official Max:
8 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.5 (Mid-2011)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini5,2
EMC No:
2442
Min. Speed:
1333 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-10600 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
8 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i7' 2.7 (Mid-2011)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini5,2
EMC No:
2442
Min. Speed:
1333 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-10600 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
8 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i7' 2.0 (Mid-2011/Server)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini5,3
EMC No:
2442
Min. Speed:
1333 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-10600 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
8 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.5 (Late 2012)16 GB
Model ID:
Macmini6,1
EMC No:
2570
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-12800 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
16 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i7' 2.3 (Late 2012)16 GB
Model ID:
Macmini6,2
EMC No:
2570
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-12800 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
16 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i7' 2.6 (Late 2012)16 GB
Model ID:
Macmini6,2
EMC No:
2570
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-12800 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
16 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i7' 2.3 (Late 2012/Server)16 GB
Model ID:
Macmini6,2
EMC No:
2570
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-12800 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
16 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Best Memory For Mac Mini 2012
Mac mini 'Core i7' 2.6 (Late 2012/Server)16 GB
Model ID:
Macmini6,2
EMC No:
2570
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
PC3-12800 DDR3
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
16 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Best Ram Upgrade For Mac Mini 2012
Mac mini 'Core i5' 1.4 (Late 2014)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini7,1
EMC No:
2840
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
LPDDR3 SDRAM*
Std. RAM:
4 GB
Official Max:
16 GB*
Soldered:
4 GB*
RAM Slots:
None
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Australia
Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.6 (Late 2014)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini7,1
EMC No:
2840
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
LPDDR3 SDRAM*
Std. RAM:
8 GB
Official Max:
16 GB*
Soldered:
8 GB*
RAM Slots:
None
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Australia
Mac mini 'Core i5' 2.8 (Late 2014)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini7,1
EMC No:
2840
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
LPDDR3 SDRAM*
Std. RAM:
8 GB
Official Max:
16 GB*
Soldered:
8 GB*
RAM Slots:
None
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Australia
Mac mini 'Core i7' 3.0 (Late 2014)16 GB*
Model ID:
Macmini7,1
EMC No:
2840
Min. Speed:
1600 MHz
RAM Type:
LPDDR3 SDRAM*
Std. RAM:
8 GB
Official Max:
16 GB*
Soldered:
8 GB*
RAM Slots:
None
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - Australia
Mac mini 'Core i3' 3.6 (Late 2018)64 GB
Model ID:
Macmini8,1
EMC No:
3213
Min. Speed:
2666 MHz
RAM Type:
PC4-21300 DDR4
Std. RAM:
8 GB
Official Max:
64 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i5' 3.0 (Late 2018)64 GB
Model ID:
Macmini8,1
EMC No:
3213
Min. Speed:
2666 MHz
RAM Type:
PC4-21300 DDR4
Std. RAM:
8 GB
Official Max:
64 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
Mac mini 'Core i7' 3.2 (Late 2018)64 GB
Model ID:
Macmini8,1
EMC No:
3213
Min. Speed:
2666 MHz
RAM Type:
PC4-21300 DDR4
Std. RAM:
8 GB
Official Max:
64 GB
Soldered:
None
RAM Slots:
2
Buy RAM:
US & Intl - UK & Ireland - Canada - Australia - SE Asia
<< Actual Maximum Mac RAM (Main) Also see: Mac Upgrade FAQs
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More Apple
After more than four years unloved and un-updated, the new Mac Mini is back, with a vengeance. What's interesting is just how close my spec for what I called the Mac Mini Pro, way back in April came to what Apple announced today, including the Space Gray color.
Must read: Apple's new iPad Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Mini: Can features, specs retain business momentum?
What Apple announced today is, essentially, a Mac Mini Pro. This new machine starts at $799, but fully maxed out, it can cost as much as $4,199.
See it now: Apple Pencil 2 from Apple
See it now: iPad Pro (2018) from Apple
See it now: MacBook Air (2018) from Apple
Processor bump
First, let's start with the processor. The base Mac Mini now starts with a 3.0Ghz 4-core Coffee Lake i3 processor. It can be configured for up to a 3.2Ghz 6-core Intel Core i7 (which Apple claims can be Turbo Boosted up to 4.6Ghz). Moving from the i5 to the i7 will cost you an extra $200.
Also: Waiting on Apple's new Macs: Four scenarios for my next computer
The new Mac Mini also includes an Apple T2 security processor, which allows for 'enabling on-the-fly data encryption, secure boot and up to 30 times faster HEVC video transcoding.' Usually, the T2 also enables 'Hey Siri,' but Apple didn't mention that in its announcement for the Mini.
Memory to 64GB
Memory, which previously maxed on the Mac Mini at 16GB, can now be configured up to 64GB. The base model ships with 8GB RAM, but Apple specifically mentioned that memory is on SO-DIMMs.
I reached out to Apple about this and was told: 'Yes, Mac Mini is configurable up to 64GB and uses industry-standard DDR4 SO-DIMMs. While we don't consider the memory directly end-user accessible, service providers can access the internals of the Mac Mini to upgrade the memory.'
This is the best of both worlds, because Apple's RAM upgrades cost $200 to go to 16GB, $600 to go to 32GB, and a whopping $1,400 to go to 2666MHz DDR 4-based 64GB RAM.
If RAM is upgradeable after purchase, this is a big thing. A quick look at the Crucial site today (RAM prices change constantly) show that that same 64GB upgrade can be had for $879, $521 less than Apple charges. Even better, it means you can get an affordable Mac Mini and later, as your needs change, can grow your RAM footprint.
Best monitor for mac pro. Best Monitors for MacBook Pro (with USB-C) in 2018 Monitor Buying Guides By monitorboy Until Apple makes a stand-alone monitor option to replace the now-defunct Cinema Display monitor discontinued in 2014, finding an external monitor to increase the real estate of your MacBook Pro means heading out of the Apple universe. One of the highest-rated USB-C, 4K monitors that you can buy right now also comes from LG, the 27-inch ‘ 27UD88-W’. Currently available around $700 shipped, this monitor is a great alternative. In case you haven’t given a 4K USB-C display a shot with your MacBook or MacBook Pro, one of the primary benefits is being able to use one cable for charging, video output, and data.
Storage up to 2TB SSD Flash
Storage also can be increased (but it looks like only during purchase). The base model starts with 128GB SSD flash storage (which is way faster than the spinning platters that used to ship on the old Mac Minis and is also faster than the SSD upgrades I did to my Mac Minis).
Upgrades cost $200 to go to 512GB, $600 to go to 1TB, and a painful $1,400 to go to 2TB SSD.
Ethernet up to 10GB
Best Ram For Mac Mini 2018
Here's an exciting development. You can get a standard 1GB Ethernet port standard. But for a surprisingly reasonable $100, you can upgrade to a 1GB/10GB Ethernet port. This essentially future-proofs the Mac Mini for a while.
Ports, ports, and more ports
This new beast actually adds ports over the previous Mac Mini. There are four Thunderbolt 3 ports (which also support USB-C). In addition, I am thrilled to see two USB 3 ports available, for compatibility to older devices. Add to that an HDMI 2.0 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack and this becomes a very versatile device.
Best Ram For Mac Mini Mid 2010
Wireless networking
Rounding out the specs for this powerful little machine are 802.11ac Wi-Fi networking compatible with 802.11a, b, g, and n. It also includes a Bluetooth 5.0 radio as well.
Built-in graphics
The device has Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is fine for most tasks. Power video folks are likely to want to add an external GPU, which is possible with the new Mac Mini's USB-C ports.
Best Ram For Mac Mini Late 2012
Conclusion
So there you go. It's a long time coming. I won't say it was worth the wait, because waiting four years without even a processor upgrade is insane. That said, it's a relief to see this machine back in the lineup with new life.
And since I know you're going to ask, yes I'm going to buy one (more, if memory can be upgraded after purchase). Best mac for your money.
You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @DavidGewirtz, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz, on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz, and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.
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