Mini RAM upgrade

[irishgrizzly]

My gfs mini is an older intel running with 512 RAM on 1.5GHz. I'd like to up in 2gb for her and upgrade tiger to SL. Would SL run ok on this mac? and how difficult is this to do? The hardest RAM upgrade I've done is on an original iMac – pita. I'd be worried that I'd brake something

 

[GoCubsGo]

It should run ok but more importantly the thing about the mini are the dozen or more clips that keep the top on. You must use a real think putty knife and slowly pry the lid off. There is a real good take apart guide at ifixit.com.

 

[Gadfly22]

Little Wire

Lots of good how-to's available on the web. I used this one:

http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets/tutorials/macmini-ram/index.shtml

But 3 things to bear in mind:

1. The casing will make a horrendous sound as you pry it apart. Don't worry about that. It's normal.

2. There's a tiny wire that doesn't get mentioned much in the tutorials (not the one you have to disconnect). It was (I think) the Airport wire (D in one of the illustrations in the link above). Twice when I opened my Mini, it was fine. But the third time it came loose, and I had no idea how to re-attach. Luckily, I found a picture on the internet that showed me where it went. Moral of the story: watch those little wires.

3. The mini's innards are VERY tightly packed. Take care when putting back together so it closes correctly.

 

[irishgrizzly]

Thanks to you both – I'll check the guides and report back after I've ordered and installed.

 

[codymac]

The wire method - no putty knife needed:

http://headwedge.com/wordpress/2006/11/01/mac-hack001-opening-mac-mini-wire-method/

 

[GoCubsGo]

The wire method - no putty knife needed:

http://headwedge.com/wordpress/2006/11/01/mac-hack001-opening-mac-mini-wire-method/

This is stupid and time consuming. With a small amount of pull you can do it with a putty knife.

 

[calderone]

This is stupid and time consuming. With a small amount of pull you can do it with a putty knife.

Time consuming? Yes. Stupid? No, as this is not lacking common sense or intelligence. If you don't want to screw your Mini up this is a good way to do it.

I find the hybrid method to be quite useful. If I come across a Mini that is a little tight around the edges, I will start it with the wire method. Popping a few of the clips makes it easier to get the putty knife in. Once you have opened the Mini a few times, you won't need to do this.

 

[tbayrgs]

Time consuming? Yes. Stupid? No, as this is not lacking common sense or intelligence. If you don't want to screw your Mini up this is a good way to do it.

I find the hybrid method to be quite useful. If I come across a Mini that is a little tight around the edges, I will start it with the wire method. Popping a few of the clips makes it easier to get the putty knife in. Once you have opened the Mini a few times, you won't need to do this.

While 'Stupid' might be a bit harsh, I'll have to agree with Jessica in that this seems excessive and unnecessary. Now, I can only speak to my experience but unless the older machines are different, I found it actually rather easy to slide a putty knife into the seem and pop the clips. This just seems like a contribution to the paranoia that opening the mini is not for the faint of heart.

In fact, greater care needs to be taken once the mini is open rather than worrying about a possible scratch on the exterior case. As always though, to each their own.