20GB RAM in 2018 Mac Mini

[De Brujin]

Hi!

I decided to buy a new 2018 Mac Mini with Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. I want to have at least 16GB RAM so I will add my own. I noticed that Mac Mini has at default 2X4GB RAM-cofiguration. Will it be okay if I add 1X16GB DDR4-2666 memory module so I could have 20GB total? I'm wondering if combination of these mismatched modules could have any negative repercussions?
If there is, I could just buy two 8GB modules but default RAM-modules in that case will be wasted. This is my first MacOS computer so I'm not familiar with technical limitations of this OS so I'm thankful for your help!

 

[F-Train]

Hi!

I decided to buy a new 2018 Mac Mini with Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. I want to have at least 16GB RAM so I will add my own. I noticed that Mac Mini has at default 2X4GB RAM-cofiguration. Will it be okay if I add 1X16GB DDR4-2666 memory module so I could have 20GB total? I'm wondering if combination of these mismatched modules could have any negative repercussions?
If there is, I could just buy two 8GB modules but default RAM-modules in that case will be wasted. This is my first MacOS computer so I'm not familiar with technical limitations of this OS so I'm thankful for your help!

You could try looking at this thread, which was started two days ago on the identical question: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ram-configuration-4gb-16gb-possible.2158634/#post-26880990

If you do a search, you will find more on the same subject.

 

[padams35]

Hi!

I decided to buy a new 2018 Mac Mini with Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. I want to have at least 16GB RAM so I will add my own. I noticed that Mac Mini has at default 2X4GB RAM-cofiguration. Will it be okay if I add 1X16GB DDR4-2666 memory module so I could have 20GB total? I'm wondering if combination of these mismatched modules could have any negative repercussions?
If there is, I could just buy two 8GB modules but default RAM-modules in that case will be wasted. This is my first MacOS computer so I'm not familiar with technical limitations of this OS so I'm thankful for your help!

Been there, done that, posted results.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2018-mini-8gb-vs-20gb-benchmark.2156474/

TLDR; It works but in singe-channel mode. 33% lower memory bandwidth, typically 5% slower overall speed (for tasks that wouldn't be memory limited with just 8GB).

I'd recommend 2x8 unless you have reason to believe that 16GB will not last the life of your new computer.

 

[De Brujin]

Thank you very much for the answer I needed! I will use 2X8GB configuration so I will get best benefit from new RAM!

Been there, done that, posted results.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2018-mini-8gb-vs-20gb-benchmark.2156474/

TLDR; It works but in singe-channel mode. 33% lower memory bandwidth, typically 5% slower overall speed (for tasks that wouldn't be memory limited with just 8GB).

I'd recommend 2x8 unless you have reason to believe that 16GB will not last the life of your new computer.

 

[Fishrrman]

My opinion only, but...
... you'd do better to buy it with 16gb pre-installed and just leave it at that.

The "bump up" from 8gb to 16gb isn't that expensive, and opening and installing it yourself is not without some risk.

 

[De Brujin]

Problem is, 16GB of RAM costs in Apple Configurator 240€ (~274USD) and RAM bought myself just 110€ (125USD) so the price difference is pretty massive. I could get 32GB RAM for the same price if I install them myself. RAM prices are very reasonable here in Finland, Apple prices generally not...

My opinion only, but...
... you'd do better to buy it with 16gb pre-installed and just leave it at that.

The "bump up" from 8gb to 16gb isn't that expensive, and opening and installing it yourself is not without some risk.

 

[madrag]

Also if you buy your own RAM you still get the original RAM, which you could sell, so the cost would be even lower.

However, there is always the risk of installing it yourself.

On topic, I wouldn't go for the unpaired RAM, unless I had already a 16RAM module and wouln't mind testing it first and then if it would be proven to be actually faster/better to have the 20GB of RAM I would stick with it until getting the other 16GB stick (or more).

 

[De Brujin]

Thank you for all your help! I ordered 2X8GB RAM-sticks and will maybe sell those original sticks for something like 35-45€. This will reduce costs even more, as you suggested!

Also if you buy your own RAM you still get the original RAM, which you could sell, so the cost would be even lower.

However, there is always the risk of installing it yourself.

On topic, I wouldn't go for the unpaired RAM, unless I had already a 16RAM module and wouln't mind testing it first and then if it would be proven to be actually faster/better to have the 20GB of RAM I would stick with it until getting the other 16GB stick (or more).

 

[nampramos]

Someone here on the forum said that Apple will not service the mini with 3rd party RAM on it. If that is indeed true, then you might want to hold on to the original 2 * 4GB of RAM in case you might need to send it in under warranty,

 

[De Brujin]

I actually checked this with my local AASP here in Finland and they said if some problem unrelated to RAM-installation happens, they will service it without any problems. If they see unofficial RAM installed, they will just swap official RAM for diagnostic purposes and then swap my RAM back if problems doesn't relate to RAM. Of course this is region specific and this is just one specific AASP, not Apple themselves.
I apologize for probably bad written English in advance!

Someone here on the forum said that Apple will not service the mini with 3rd party RAM on it. If that is indeed true, then you might want to hold on to the original 2 * 4GB of RAM in case you might need to send it in under warranty,

 

[nampramos]

Good to know! I'm in Sweden, still waiting for mine, and will be asking that question when I can finally pick it up from the shop.