[Franz]

I want to upgrade my fathers Mac Mini. He's been using it with the stock 512MB of RAM that was included, I'd like to add a 2gb stick in there.

I am planning to purchase the RAM online (newegg or something) but I would like to know who can install it for me? I've looked at the steps online and I'm really not comfortable doing all that.

I would assume the Apple genius bar people wouldn't be willing to do it unless I purchased their (overpriced) memory and I'm really not sure where else to go for something like this. I am not looking to spend too much money either (under $50). Anyone have suggestions?

[dowNNshift]

That is correct, Genius Bars will only install the over-priced "OEM" RAM.

Check out your local Apple Service Providers instead: Apple - Service Provider Locator

The memory in the mini is buried pretty deep and requires taking apart most of the mini. With the current low price of RAM, it'd be best if you max it out using a quality brand such as Crucial. Ensure that the Service Provider runs the service diagnostic afterwards and gives you a print out bench report.

[Andy8]

I added a 2GB stick into a mini i got on Friday, it took all of 20 minutes, that was including the 5 minutes of YouTube i watched to see how it is done.

Putty knife, very thin phillips head screwdriver, pair if tweezers and your good to go. Oh I might add, a really good table lamp to make locating the 4 screws that you have to remove easier to find.

[chipchen]

a few things to consider... is it an intel mac mini or powerpc mac mini? Because the PPC ones are only upgradeable to 1GB. The intel ones may have limits too... the earlier ones may only recognize 1GB of a 2GB chip. and of course, there may be differing installations and ram modules to buy.

[Andrew Stephens]

intel mini's are all good to 3gb ram installed as either 1x2gb 1x 1gb or 2x2gb addressing 3gb.

Installation isn't a 5 min job but not as difficult as it looks or feels like.

[dowNNshift]

The firmware in the Intel Mini only supports up to 2GB, either by two 1GB SO-DIMMs or one 2GB SO-DIMM.

Opening a mini requires specialized tools and will void the AppleCare warranty if not performed by an Apple Authorized Service Provider. As you said above that you're not comfortable opening it up, an AASP repair shop can get you in and out the door in under an hour and will test your RAM with an Apple service diagnostic.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by Andrew Stephens 

intel mini's are all good to 3gb ram installed as either 1x2gb 1x 1gb or 2x2gb addressing 3gb.

This is wrong.

Originally Posted by dowNNshift

The firmware in the Intel Mini only supports up to 2GB, either by two 1GB SO-DIMMs or one 2GB SO-DIMM.

This is wrong too.

Here's the real deal:
CS/CD mini: 2 GB max (chipset max would be 3 GB but firmware limits you to 2 GB)
C2D mini: 3 GB max (chipset limit; you can install 2 x 2 GB and Sys Profiler will recognize both DIMMs, but you can't address the last GB)
Since there has been no mini with a Crestline chipset 4 GB cannot be used on a mini.

[dowNNshift]

So how is that any different than what I said? All Intel Mini's are firmware limited to 2GB of RAM max.

I figured I wouldn't overwhelm the OP with uber-technical details. Geesh..

[donclarkjr]

I think simon is right a Core Duo can only see 2 gigs of ram and the Core 2 Duo can see and use 3 gigs of ram. So the firmware on the CD can only use 2 gigs and the C2D can use 3 gigs.

[Simon]

Originally Posted by dowNNshift 

So how is that any different than what I said? All Intel Mini's are firmware limited to 2GB of RAM max.
I figured I wouldn't overwhelm the OP with uber-technical details. Geesh..

There are no technical details to be overwhelmed with, just the plain and simple facts. C2D minis fully support 3 GB of RAM.

[chipchen]

Ok, ok... let's get back to the original topic.... OP, were your questions answered?

[Eriamjh]

Franz, just do it yourself. Do you really think that PC repair people care about your computer and will be more carefull that you?

Try this guide: Intel Mac mini: Take Apart Guide (RAM & HD) | Applefritter

or this one: Mac Mini RAM Upgrade Tutorial

[dowNNshift]

Bad advice -- Here is official low down from the Apple Knowledge Base:

Intel Mini:

Mac Mini (Early 2006): Memory Specifications and Upgrades

The maximum amount of SDRAM supported by the Mac mini (Early 2006) is 2GB (one 1GB SO-DIMM in each slot) with the following specifications:

PC2-5300
unbuffered
nonparity
200-pin
667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM

Mac mini (Mid 2007) - Technical Specifications

1GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) on two SO-DIMMs; supports up to 2GB

PPC Mini:

Mac mini: Memory Specifications and Upgrades

This slot accepts a standard PC2700 or PC3200 184-pin DIMM with the following specifications...
The Mac mini has a 256 MB base memory configuration, which can be expanded up to a maximum of 1 GB.

If you go against the knowledge base article you can look forward to POST errors, wasted time, and money. Apple officially doesn't consider the Mini to be an end-user serviceable machine, so service at your own risk.