8gb mac mini

[gamer2502]

Hey everyone i was just wondering if anyone has tried put 8gb of ram in a new mac mini because i really haven't found anything about anyone trying this anywhere and i think it would be interesting to see the results.

 

[Jpoon]

It's software locked to only recognize 4GB's. Similar situation with that of MBP's for a while. So there's really no point.

Anyways, with that type of hardware, I don't see how you would actually utilize 4 GB's of RAM.

 

[robotartfashion]

Hey everyone i was just wondering if anyone has tried put 8gb of ram in a new mac mini because i really haven't found anything about anyone trying this anywhere and i think it would be interesting to see the results.

in the first few days after the mini was updated OWC (macsales.com) did attempt both 8gb and 6gb installs and found that the mac slowed to a crawl

4gb is currently the max

 

[gamer2502]

in the first few days after the mini was updated OWC (macsales.com) did attempt both 8gb and 6gb installs and found that the mac slowed to a crawl

4gb is currently the max

Ok thanks i was just curious

 

[michael.lauden]

It's software locked to only recognize 4GB's. Similar situation with that of MBP's for a while. So there's really no point.

Anyways, with that type of hardware, I don't see how you would actually utilize 4 GB's of RAM.

it's not just software locked.

for instance my Intel 945 chipset won't recognize more than 2GB of RAM

 

[Cave Man]

it's not just software locked. for instance my Intel 945 chipset won't recognize more than 2GB of RAM

It is capable of 3+ gb, but because of the firmware (which is really software) you're stuck at 2 gb (presuming a Core Duo/Solo system).

 

[ADent]

The Core Duo (CD) and Core 2 Duo (C2D) Mac mini use the same chipset - 945 with GMA950 graphics. The C2D sees 4GB, but can only utilize 3.x GB. The CD machine will not boot if more than 2GB is installed.

AFAIK the CD and C2D Mac mini are identical besides the firmware.

The later 2009 Mac mini uses a different chipset.

 

[michael.lauden]

It is capable of 3+ gb, but because of the firmware (which is really software) you're stuck at 2 gb (presuming a Core Duo/Solo system).

as far as i know - mine maxes out at 2GB, i have an older mini (1.66 CD, late '06)

 

[Cave Man]

as far as i know - mine maxes out at 2GB, i have an older mini (1.66 CD, late '06)

Yes, the chipset is capable of addressing 3.2 gb RAM, but Apple has firmware restricted it to 2 gb. As ADent pointed out, the Core Duo/Solo and previous Core 2 Duo Minis use the same Intel chipset. All Apple would have to do is release a firmware update and your Mini would take two 2 gb sticks for 3.2 gb RAM. Doesn't that suck?

 

[robotartfashion]

Yes, the chipset is capable of addressing 3.2 gb RAM, but Apple has firmware restricted it to 2 gb. As ADent pointed out, the Core Duo/Solo and previous Core 2 Duo Minis use the same Intel chipset. All Apple would have to do is release a firmware update and your Mini would take two 2 gb sticks for 3.2 gb RAM. Doesn't that suck?

Hey CaveMan, the OP was referring to the new Mac Mini, which has 4 GB max usable, (although apparently the system will recognize 8 GB, but it slows the mini to a crawl which is most likely apple tampering) not the previous iteration which was restricted to 3.2gb

 

[Cave Man]

Uhhh...yeah, I know. If you reread my posts you'll see that I was referring to Michael's gma950 Mac Mini, not the Core 2 Duo or 9400m Minis.

 

[michael.lauden]

Yes, the chipset is capable of addressing 3.2 gb RAM, but Apple has firmware restricted it to 2 gb. As ADent pointed out, the Core Duo/Solo and previous Core 2 Duo Minis use the same Intel chipset. All Apple would have to do is release a firmware update and your Mini would take two 2 gb sticks for 3.2 gb RAM. Doesn't that suck?

aw dang i thought it was the chipset!

you're right that sucks!!!

 

[James Cole]

Why would the mac mini slow down when presented with 8gb?