I got my ram at crucial. they have a web app that makes it dead simple to make sure you get the right chips.
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Advice on Upgrading Mac Mini
- Thread starter md63
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Yeah, he's assured me that it has and will be putting back in the original HD.
we've settled on $375 and I'll be picking up Monday. I wanted to check before hand and make sure everything was ok. Anyone have any good suggestions to look out for? The Mac Mini's got another 9 months of orig warranty so I'm not too worried, but if there's anything obvious, please let me know.
Last issue is figuring out which monitor to get. I'm leaning towards the Dell UltraSharp 2408WFP, but am worried about issues with gaming. We're discussing in this thread over here in case anybody in this thread has any suggestions.
Thanks for all the help.
when I went to buy the Mac Mini, the upgraded hard drive was still in there, and the seller asked for a few more days to pull stuff off the stock hard drive, and then he would mail it to me. So I should be getting it soon, and I'll send the upgraded hard drive back to him.
Any suggestions on what's easy to follow to put the orig hard drive back in? what about adjusting APM settings or whatever?
Any suggestions on what's easy to follow to put the orig hard drive back in? what about adjusting APM settings or whatever?
Need right 2gb RAM module for 1.83ghz Mac Mini & want to make sure 7200 RPM HD is ok
I got the 1.83ghz C2D Mac Mini that I've been discussing in this thread over a month ago, but didn't get around to using it because I was waiting on buying a monitor. I finally bought the Dell 2408WFP and it just arrived today.
So I thought I'd take care of the RAM we discussed:
I just went to Crucial.com and put in my Mac Mini's info but the page I got has only 1gb sticks (http://crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Mac mini (Intel Core 2 Duo - 1.83GHz)) ) so that won't tell me what to do. Does anyone have a link to the RAM module I should get?
Also, I don't think this seller is going to send me the original HD so I'm stuck with this upgraded one. Any suggestions on what to do to ensure that everything's properly set up with this upgraded HD? Still a little scared from twstokes's post here:
I got the 1.83ghz C2D Mac Mini that I've been discussing in this thread over a month ago, but didn't get around to using it because I was waiting on buying a monitor. I finally bought the Dell 2408WFP and it just arrived today.
So I thought I'd take care of the RAM we discussed:
I just went to Crucial.com and put in my Mac Mini's info but the page I got has only 1gb sticks (http://crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Mac mini (Intel Core 2 Duo - 1.83GHz)) ) so that won't tell me what to do. Does anyone have a link to the RAM module I should get?
Also, I don't think this seller is going to send me the original HD so I'm stuck with this upgraded one. Any suggestions on what to do to ensure that everything's properly set up with this upgraded HD? Still a little scared from twstokes's post here:
thanks cave man. got a few options here for the other 2.0GB Memory Module (1 x 2048MB) for all Intel Core 2 Duo Mac mini models. Perhaps I should open up the mac mini to see what's inside and get the matching brand? or does anyone have anyone they recommend. With prices ranging from $25 to $33, I can go w/ any.
I don't know if I believe this APM stuff. Why do you think a Mac Mini will kill a new hard drive any faster than any notebook? Do you have any links to anything supporting your argument? (not trying to be condescending, I'm just interested)
lets also keep in mind here
that the processor in the mac mini is socketed - so when mobile processor prices drop - you could upgrade to... per say
a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and be flying and still up to date as far as most laptops are (minus quadcore technology)
infact - most of the PC's i work with - either cleaning for people on the side, or at work - usually are under 2.00GHz and are also not dual core.
i plan to add a good sized hard drive, and a better processor + upgrade to either Leopard or Snow Leopard (whatever is out at the time) when the prices drop...
that the processor in the mac mini is socketed - so when mobile processor prices drop - you could upgrade to... per say
a 2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and be flying and still up to date as far as most laptops are (minus quadcore technology)
infact - most of the PC's i work with - either cleaning for people on the side, or at work - usually are under 2.00GHz and are also not dual core.
i plan to add a good sized hard drive, and a better processor + upgrade to either Leopard or Snow Leopard (whatever is out at the time) when the prices drop...
Something to keep in mind. How much better/faster would my 1.83ghz Mac Mini C2D be then? It would be worthwhile to do this? How easy would this be to do. It's good to know that I can make this Mac Mini into something good for the long term.
I had bought a 1.42ghz G4 Mac Mini back in Spring 2006 off of Craigslist and it really felt pretty slow after I put leopard on it. We had a fire at my house last fall so the Mac Mini got damaged but ultimately, I really wasn't enjoying it or getting much use out of it. Not sure what kind of other upgrades were possible - I had taken the RAM to the max (1gb).
Socket M processors are no longer available. You might get (extremely) lucky and find a T7400 or T7600 somewhere, but they are few and far between.
Heck, I love reading about these upgrades. But I'm still using my 1.5 PPC Mac Mini with the 80 gig HD at 5400 RPM, and an upgrade to 1 gig RAM - and Tiger! Nothing more is needed for me or wife when surfing the web, or doing iPhoto or iTunes... yet I'd love to do what you all are doing, but only for the fun of it! No real need...
i think you will be able to find the processors until the end of '09. i am still seeing certain retailers carry them. it's just a matter of time until the stock goes.
also, in response to Rizvi1.. in benchmarks - you typically see a 5-10% improvement in overall power every .2 GHz (this might not be 100% accurate but for the most part - as far as i have seen it is true)
you can look up a lot of benchmarks - AND find a lot of guides on google with pictures for doing this swap.
here are some reviews about doing the processor change and people's reactions:
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/mac_mini_core_2_duo_swaps.html
also,
here is one of the online guides (however more are on google):
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=91459
also - on youtube you can find mac mini disassembly guides!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmEUeKIwTEM
there are many resources to help you do this! but make sure you know your system is compatible with the upgrade - and you buy the right chip! also.. anti static (to me) is a must!
Crucial 4GB kit (2GBx2), 200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-5300 memory
I just dropped this RAM into my mini a few weeks ago. No issues with the RAM (although the mini's case was a pain to open) and they were pretty quick to deliver. Not a bad deal for 4GB if I do say so myself.
I just dropped this RAM into my mini a few weeks ago. No issues with the RAM (although the mini's case was a pain to open) and they were pretty quick to deliver. Not a bad deal for 4GB if I do say so myself.
Even when my mini had 1GB it was still pretty snappy and didn't get much slowdown but since upgrading I have noticed that applications open much quicker and I don't get any noticeable slowdowns anymore. Hell, when I first upgraded I opened every app in my dock (and about 10 tabs on Safari/Firefox) and didn't get much slowdown, it was pretty impressive.
'
cool, another option to consider (Besides the ones I listed in Post #31 from OWC). Again, I already have one 2gb module in there so I just need one, not the 4gb kit. So I think just one 2GB 200-pin SODIMM (currently at $25.99) is what I would need
Yep, that'll do it. I was really surprised at the prices Crucial had to offer. I was gonna give it a little more time before I updated my RAM but once I saw their prices I couldn't resist lol.
BTW, you're like 10 minutes from me lol. How bout this snow!
haha, I work for the fed govt so I got to take the day off for this snow. Got to play some Street Fighter IV - not much has changed between now and when I was in grade school lol. The downside to wintery weather though is that I just bought an IS 350 and because that's RWD and w/ summer tires, I'm paranoid to drive it in bad weather. My drive tomorrow to work's going to be annoying.
Alright, so even though the description for the 2gb ram module on crucial.com that you recommended says that it's for the MacBook Pro, it'll work fine w/ the Mac Mini right? I think I'll just grab the 2gb RAM module you recommend and call it a day. Hopefully it's not too much of a pain to install. When I had my old 1.42ghz G4 Mac Mini, I put the RAM in there alright (though it was annoying opening it up w/ a putty knife).
I still haven't started using my Mac Mini yet. The Dell 2408WFP monitor I was waiting on arrived last week. I still have to pick up the keyboard and also figure out which mouse I want (considering the Logitech MX Revolution - waiting for feedback from some other macrumors.com members in this thread and this thread).
lol that's pretty funny, I work for the federal government too (through a contractor though). As for the RAM, the one you mentioned above will work, mackbooks and minis use the same type. It's actually the same RAM included in the 4GB set that I linked to earlier if I'm not mistaken.
I found that the Hannspree HF199H is a pretty good display, it's the one I'm using. It's a 19" LCD with a native resolution of 1440x900. I use a DVI to HDMI cable and haven't had any issues with it.
I'm also using this mouse (which seems to work pretty well for the price) with an Apple wired keyboard.
Mac Mini needs airport/bluetooth antenna replaced
I've discussed the 1.83ghz Mac Mini C2D that I recently purchased on craigslist quite a bit on this thread. I finally got around to using it when my dell 2408wfp monitor arrived a few weeks back. When I did, I noticed the internet signal was really week in the den which is right next to our FIOS actiontec router. It didn't make sense because my MacBook Pro's signal in the same room was just fine. I took it to my local Apple store in Columbia, MD and we tried deleting some preferences and restarting the computer, but when we did, it struggled to even get on the Apple store's network. Left it with them and they called me yesterday and told me that during RAM and/or hard drive installation, the airport cable was severed and a new airport/bluetooth cable was needed. This type of repair is not covered by warranty since something was damaged. It would cost $40ish in parts + $80ish in labor making the total $116.
Any thoughts on this? Since this will be stationary and so close to the router, I think I could live without wifi. Also, I plan on buying one more crucial RAM module (the apple tech I spoke with told me that he saw a crucial RAM module in my machine so that solves that one question I had on what brand RAM was already put in my computer) so when I go to put that in, perhaps I could fix this problem on my own if it's easy? The Apple Tech said that it's ok to replace the bluetooth antenna because my bluetooth looks a little damaged too.
Any thoughts?
I've discussed the 1.83ghz Mac Mini C2D that I recently purchased on craigslist quite a bit on this thread. I finally got around to using it when my dell 2408wfp monitor arrived a few weeks back. When I did, I noticed the internet signal was really week in the den which is right next to our FIOS actiontec router. It didn't make sense because my MacBook Pro's signal in the same room was just fine. I took it to my local Apple store in Columbia, MD and we tried deleting some preferences and restarting the computer, but when we did, it struggled to even get on the Apple store's network. Left it with them and they called me yesterday and told me that during RAM and/or hard drive installation, the airport cable was severed and a new airport/bluetooth cable was needed. This type of repair is not covered by warranty since something was damaged. It would cost $40ish in parts + $80ish in labor making the total $116.
Any thoughts on this? Since this will be stationary and so close to the router, I think I could live without wifi. Also, I plan on buying one more crucial RAM module (the apple tech I spoke with told me that he saw a crucial RAM module in my machine so that solves that one question I had on what brand RAM was already put in my computer) so when I go to put that in, perhaps I could fix this problem on my own if it's easy? The Apple Tech said that it's ok to replace the bluetooth antenna because my bluetooth looks a little damaged too.
Any thoughts?
Not fixing this will hurt resale value, but probably won't affect you. My mini is plugged in via ethernet, because WiFi just isn't as reliable.
Bluetooth is a user preference/requirement.
The previous owner must have damaged the wiring when they upgraded the RAM. It can be a little fiddly.
The repair price sounds about right.
Bluetooth is a user preference/requirement.
The previous owner must have damaged the wiring when they upgraded the RAM. It can be a little fiddly.
The repair price sounds about right.
could I order this part online and fix this on my own when I go to put in another 2gb RAM module?
That's the same store I goto for my Apple stuff (and also Annapolis Mall if I'm in the area), pretty good store.
I personally don't use the bluetooth on my mini (at least I haven't yet) so that wouldn't be a huge deal with me but I would also recommend just running a CAT5 cable to your router since it's so close and your mini is going to be stationary.
I personally don't use the bluetooth on my mini (at least I haven't yet) so that wouldn't be a huge deal with me but I would also recommend just running a CAT5 cable to your router since it's so close and your mini is going to be stationary.
If you don't think you can fix the airport cable yourself -- it should be a matter of just splicing one or two wires together, then what I would do is buy a cheap USB wireless adapter which can probably be had for under $30 for 802.11b/g and under $50 for 802.11n.