Unlike the previous 2014 model, the 2018 Mac mini has user-upgradeable RAM. The repair experts at iFixit are now selling a do-it-yourself RAM upgrade kit for the 2018 Mac mini that can save you hundreds of dollars.

mac mini ram kit
The upgrade kit includes 16GB or 32GB of 2,666MHz DDR4 RAM, the same type of memory Apple uses in the 2018 Mac mini, along with all of the tools and bits needed to complete the upgrade: an iFixit opening tool, a spudger, angled tweezers, a precision bit driver, and three types of 4mm Torx precision bits.

2018 Mac mini models are equipped with 8GB of RAM by default, but they can be configured with 16GB or 32GB of RAM on Apple's online store for an extra $200 or $600 respectively. By comparison, iFixit charges $164.99 for its 16GB kit and $324.99 for its 32GB kit, reflecting savings of $35 and $275 respectively.

Three things to keep in mind:

  • This is iFixit-branded RAM that matches Apple's specifications.

  • If you ever need in-warranty service on your 2018 Mac mini, and Apple detects that you opened up the computer, the Genius Bar may deny service. However, iFixit says this is illegal in the United States under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

  • There is a risk of damaging the Mac mini if the upgrade is not completed carefully.

Those interested in proceeding can follow iFixit's 2018 Mac mini RAM replacement guide.

iFixit also sells the 16GB RAM modules individually for $159.99 each.

Related Roundup: Mac mini
Tag: iFixit
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Neutral)
Related Forum: Mac mini

Top Rated Comments

compuguy1088 Avatar
69 months ago
I can’t see risking the warranty (not to mention the time cost) for the $35 savings on the 16 GB upgrade. The 32 is more compelling.
Wouldn't this be illegal under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act ('https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson%E2%80%93Moss_Warranty_Act')?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ZebraDude Avatar
69 months ago
Ok, I'll bite: what's a "professor fan"?
When the fan gets "tenure" it becomes a Professor fan...
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Edsel Avatar
69 months ago
I can’t see risking the warranty (not to mention the time cost) for the $35 savings on the 16 GB upgrade. The 32 is more compelling.
Au contraire! $35 will buy six bottles of really....



Replace the memory before you drink the savings. /s
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
QCassidy352 Avatar
69 months ago
I can’t see risking the warranty (not to mention the time cost) for the $35 savings on the 16 GB upgrade. The 32 is more compelling.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TrulsZK Avatar
69 months ago
Unlike the previous 2014 model, the 2018 Mac mini has user-upgradeable RAM ('https://www.macrumors.com/2018/11/08/2018-mac-mini-ram-upgrade-process/'). The repair experts at iFixit are now selling a do-it-yourself RAM upgrade kit for the 2018 Mac mini ('https://www.ifixit.com/Store/Mac/Mac-mini-Late-2018-Memory-Maxxer-RAM-Upgrade-Kit/IF171-050-2') that can save you hundreds of dollars.
User Replaceable?
I do not consider the RAM user replaceable, as you have to almost completely disassemble your Mac.
What I consider user replaceable RAM is where you can easily upgrade it without voiding the warranty, or otherwise risking your Mac (Like the 2012 Mac Mini and the 2017 iMac)
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WilliamG Avatar
69 months ago
Wouldn't this be illegal under the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act ('https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson%E2%80%93Moss_Warranty_Act')?
Yes it would. Macrumors is almost certainly misinformed (and subsequently misinforming).

The general rule is if Apple detects a problem CAUSED by the RAM replacement they could deny a warranty claim. But if a processor fan failed, they certainly couldn’t deny the warranty claim because RAM was replaced.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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