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
63 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
63 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
63 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
63 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
63 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
63 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)

Popular Stories

iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Details: Action Button, USB-C Port, Face ID, and More

Wednesday September 27, 2023 1:34 pm PDT by
Significant changes are expected to arrive with Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE, in terms of both design and hardware, MacRumors has learned. The iPhone SE 4, known internally under the codename Ghost, is expected to receive a new design derived almost entirely from the base model iPhone 14. According to our sources, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis...
Multi Display CarPlay 1

All-New Apple CarPlay Launching Later This Year With These 5 New Features

Friday September 29, 2023 11:29 am PDT by
At WWDC 2022 last year, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, personalization options, and more. Apple said the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience would be announced in late 2023, but it has still not shared any additional...
iOS 17

Everything New in iOS 17.1 Beta 1

Wednesday September 27, 2023 1:57 pm PDT by
Just a week after releasing iOS 17, Apple has seeded the first beta of iOS 17.1 to developers. iOS 17.1 adds some features that Apple promised were coming to iOS 17 in the future, plus it refines and improves some existing features. This guide covers everything new in the first iOS 17.1 beta. Apple Music Favorites You can favorite songs, albums, playlists, and artists in the iOS 17.1...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Concerns Highlighted in Two More Reports

Thursday September 28, 2023 6:25 am PDT by
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max overheating concerns continue to make headlines this week, with the topic highlighted by The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg. Both of the reports document anecdotal complaints from customers, and outline potential causes, but it's unclear how many devices are actually affected. Bloomberg said the overheating could be caused or compounded by the iPhone's setup...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update

Saturday September 30, 2023 9:28 am PDT by
Apple plans to release an iOS 17 update to address a bug that may contribute to the reported iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, according to a statement the company shared today with MacRumors and Forbes reporter David Phelan. Apple also says some recent updates to third-party apps have overloaded the system and contributed to the overheating issue. The report notes that...
iPhone 15 USB C Port Keynote

Some USB-C Power Banks Fail to Work With iPhone 15

Thursday September 28, 2023 2:06 pm PDT by
Apple added a USB-C port to the iPhone 15 lineup this year, allowing it to work with USB-C cables, USB-C power banks, and more. It turns out that some USB-C battery packs are not working properly with Apple's iPhone 15, resulting in charging issues. As highlighted on Reddit and the MacRumors forums, not all existing USB-C power banks can be used with the iPhone 15 models, perhaps due to the...
iOS 17

Apple Releases iOS 17.0.2 and iPadOS 17.0.2 for All iPhones and iPads

Tuesday September 26, 2023 12:47 pm PDT by
Apple today released iOS 17.0.2 and iPadOS 17.0.2 updates, with the software coming five days after the releases of iOS 17.0.1 and iPadOS 17.0.1. Today's iOS 17.0.2 and iPadOS 17.0.2 updates arrive as build 21A351 and can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. Note that iOS 17.0.2 was previously made available for iPhone...