Memory for Mac Mini Code 2 Due 2Ghz

[mdgolom]

I need to replace the hard drive in my old Mac Mini (Core 2 Due 2ghz) and ordered a Seagate Momentus 500GB. While I'm at it, I want to upgrade the memory from 2GB to either 4 or 8GB. I checked Crucial and it says it needs DDR3 PC3-8500. It looks like it's the same type of memory I pulled from my Early 2009 iMac. Since I just upgraded the memory in the iMac to 8GB so I have the 4GB sitting around. The specs for the two look identical to me. Does anyone see a problem just using the memory from the iMac?

Also, for anyone apprehensive about opening a Mac Mini, having never done it before, it took me less than 60 seconds using a putty knife.

 

[philipma1957]

I need to replace the hard drive in my old Mac Mini (Core 2 Due 2ghz) and ordered a Seagate Momentus 500GB. While I'm at it, I want to upgrade the memory from 2GB to either 4 or 8GB. I checked Crucial and it says it needs DDR3 PC3-8500. It looks like it's the same type of memory I pulled from my Early 2009 iMac. Since I just upgraded the memory in the iMac to 8GB so I have the 4GB sitting around. The specs for the two look identical to me. Does anyone see a problem just using the memory from the iMac?

Also, for anyone apprehensive about opening a Mac Mini, having never done it before, it took me less than 60 seconds using a putty knife.

the ram should be just fine. I have done exactly what you want to do!

 

[geeji]

The Mac Mini may be a bit finicky about memory replacement.
If you get the dreaded "3 beeps" on restart, this thread may save your day.
It saved mine when I upgraded my Mac Mini (Late 2009) up to 8GB.
Beware that the Mac Mini (Early 2009) needs a firmware upgrade to support 8GB.

 

[mdgolom]

The Mac Mini may be a bit finicky about memory replacement.
If you get the dreaded "3 beeps" on restart, this thread may save your day.
It saved mine when I upgraded my Mac Mini (Late 2009) up to 8GB.
Beware that the Mac Mini (Early 2009) needs a firmware upgrade to support 8GB.

Thanks I'll keep and ear for for the beeps. I noticed that some people had issues with upgrading to 8GB, but I'll be upgrading to 4GB using Apple ram so hopefully no problems. Will the Mac Mini boot without it's cover in place? I would prefer to test is and make sure everything is good before putting it back on. I found it more of a problem putting the cover on than taking it off.

 

[geeji]

Will the Mac Mini boot without it's cover in place?

Yes, but connect back all antennas properly.
You don't even need to put back the 4 screws (holding the DVD drive and etc) before everything is OK.
And beware of anything metallic (short-circuits) when you put the power back on.

BTW, I am not sure, but did you check that a single 4GB DIMM is supposed to run as fast as 2x 2GB DIMMs on the Mac Mini ? In the past, some Macs used interleaved memory accesses, going faster with 2 DIMMs instead of 1.

 

[mdgolom]

I received the new drive and cloned the current drive using SuperDuper. It's a little nerve racking, but I got the Mini taken apart and then the new drive and memory installed. It seemed to take FOREVER to boot, but it did and everything looks good. I realized after putting everything back together and closed up that I forgot to move the two foam pads from the old drive to the new. Do these serve a purpose? If so I will go back and install them in the next couple of days.

 

[lenand]

Success

Just upgraded successfully with 8mb from a Kingston kit - £37 on an early 2009 model. Apple say the max is 4 gb. Now I can edit images better and run Parallels without running out of memory. The EFI upgrade must have been automatic.

Be careful about the mini wireless connectors. They can be difficult to re-connect.

 

[Omnius]

I received the new drive and cloned the current drive using SuperDuper. It's a little nerve racking, but I got the Mini taken apart and then the new drive and memory installed. It seemed to take FOREVER to boot, but it did and everything looks good. I realized after putting everything back together and closed up that I forgot to move the two foam pads from the old drive to the new. Do these serve a purpose? If so I will go back and install them in the next couple of days.

The foam pads serve a purpose. Shock absorbers. They reduce vibration. They will prevent unnecessary damage or annoying issues down the lines.