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You are here: MacNN Forums > Hardware - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac Desktops > New Mac Mini partial memory upgrade

New Mac Mini partial memory upgrade
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Realtime
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Mar 8, 2009, 10:24 PM
 
Thinking about ordering a new Mac Mini ($599 base version) with 2gb of stock RAM from Apple (adding 1gb option). If later, wanting to do another memory upgrade myself by adding an additional 2gb of OEM RAM (say, from Crucial), would that work? Or must all the memory be from the same Manufacturer and same model?
     
AKcrab
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Mar 8, 2009, 10:42 PM
 
I would stick with 1GB from Apple, and immediately order a 2GB for it from a 3rd party. Spending $50 to fill a slot, but not max it doesn't seem very smart IMO.

A 2GB stick can be had for $34 from OWC.
     
Realtime  (op)
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Mar 8, 2009, 10:57 PM
 
Thanks. What I meant was running with just a 2gb stick from Apple, then later adding another 2gb OEM stick myself (from Crucial). But maybe I'm mistaken in how Apple configures memory, in that when ordering a base model with the extra 1gb RAM option, they install 2 1gb sticks rather than giving you a single 2gb stick. Then I see what you're saying and makes sense not to go this route.
     
AKcrab
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Mar 9, 2009, 05:32 AM
 
Yes. Apple gives you two 1GB sticks.
     
Simon
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Mar 9, 2009, 05:37 AM
 
If you order it with 2 GB of RAM it will come with 2x1GB.

What you want to do is order it with the base 1 GB (which comes as 1x1GB) and then add a 2GB stick. Another option is getting it with the base 1 GB and right from the start installing two 2GB sticks as soon as you get your new Mac mini.

2GB Crucial $29
2x2GB Crucial $53 (includes shipping)
     
Realtime  (op)
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Mar 9, 2009, 02:31 PM
 
Thanks for the great help. 2x2GB is the way to go for $53. Seems kind of wasteful that in most upgrade scenarios, those 1 GB sticks from Apple are tossed aside.
     
Luca Rescigno
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Mar 9, 2009, 02:58 PM
 
At least they didn't configure the base model with 2x512MB, because those are totally and completely worthless. At least the 1x1GB configuration allows you to perform significant upgrades without having to toss out the original one.

"That's Mama Luigi to you, Mario!" *wheeze*
     
Simon
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Mar 9, 2009, 04:52 PM
 
Originally Posted by Realtime View Post
Thanks for the great help. 2x2GB is the way to go for $53. Seems kind of wasteful that in most upgrade scenarios, those 1 GB sticks from Apple are tossed aside.
Keep the 1GB stick around. If you ever have to send it in to Apple you're better off reinstalling the original DIMM.
     
   
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