After terminate my three part series on the new Intel Core Duo mini , I thought I ’d bump the RAM on the mini up from its caudex 512 MB to 2 GB . I want to re - do some of the tests that may have been random-access memory - set to see how ( or if ) thing improved with more RAM . Also being the adventuresome sort , I thought I ’d try out the installation myself , which is exactly what I give notice peoplenotto do in the above article . What follows is a good lesson of exactly why I recommend that path , and not the do - it - yourself root .
The first step was the RAM , of course . I want to notice a pair of 1 GB sticks , as Apple recommends adding RAM in pairs for maximal pep pill . If potential , I opt to buy topically , so I checked to see who had two 1 GB PC-5300/667MHz DIMM ( dual inline memory module ) chips that the raw Intel miniskirt requires . One of the local ( non - Apple - owned ) Mac memory board had some in stock , but their cost was over double the online price ! Now , I ’m more than uncoerced to pay a markup to support a local dealer . But a 100 % markup on a $ 125 seemed quite excessive ! So then I checked one of the generic “ u - bod - it ” PC parts places — you make love the type , they unremarkably survive in industrial parks and operate out of what seems to be a exalt storage storage locker . Checking their inventory online , they also had the chips , and at much closer to the online cost .
This particular supplier is about 10 miles via busy backroads from the home , so it ’s not exactly a short hop . But since they had the RAM in stock , I made the drive . I tell the clerk I call for two 1 GB DIMMs of PC-5300 RAM , and he brought it out , show it to me briefly , then tossed it in a travelling bag . Not consider about it twice , I drove back home , quick to plunk into the task .
Before I started , I armed myself ( well , my web browser windowpane on the G5 ) with Jason Snell ’s article on opening up the Intel Mac mini , along with theiFixit RAM installing guidefor the original mini . After collect the requisite putz ( putty tongue , screwdriver , torch , and potentially a magnifying glass ! ) , I take to work . First , to remove the cover . I had the putty tongue , but I ’d also read that it was likely you ’d damage the case when using a knife to pry it open . In search of a potentially better answer , Google offered upthis poston the macminihacks.org forums , describing a solution involving using conducting wire to rip on the restraining tabs . After about 10 arcminute of fishing with cable , I decided the original posters must have more patience and fishing skill than do I ; I had yet to manage to snag a exclusive cartridge holder . So it was back to the putty tongue .
Wedging the knife in very carefully , I managed to snap the case off with only one minor dent on the charge plate surround . After the cover came off , the AirPort card popped informal easily , and then the four screws hold down the upper chassis were removed . ( remark that if you project to do this yourself , the front right hard drive screw is prospicient than the others . ) No problems so far . To actually take the upper chassis , you need to disconnect the IR interface at the front of the mini . This was , for me , the concentrated step . The connector is very small , very tightly pair , and lodge in a very tricky - to - reach location . After some heedful pulling at the cornerstone of the connective , it in conclusion jiggle free . Very carefully , I flipped the upper physical body over , revealing the two RAM slots below .
The two 256 MB chips install in the slots come out easy enough . Then it was sentence to instal my new RAM . For the first time since purchase the memory microchip , I took them out of the bag … and instantly realized that I had a “ big ” problem on my custody :
In the above figure , in the foreground are the two 1 GB PC-5300 DIMMs . They ’re sitting on top of the object in the desktop , which is the miniskirt itself . Now , I ’m no physics major , but it seems to me that those RAM sticks are only fit in that mini after a visit from Mr. Hammer and/or Mr. Hacksaw .
Those of you who have a clue , of course , know exactly what happened . When I bought the RAM , I forgot one very tiny yet very significant item . The mini ( and iMac along with it ) do n’t useDIMMs , they apply SO - DIMMs . Just two little missive and a hyphen , but a public of difference . concord toWikipedia ’s definition , SO - DIMMs are :
Now Iknewthe miniskirt and the iMac took SO - DIMMs . But somehow , in my rush to get this raise done , I did n’t bother to land that noesis to my witting judgment when shopping . One retentive trip back to the RAM supplier subsequently , and the “ big RAM ” was returned . So now here I pose , disassembled mini lying nearby , awaiting the FedEx truck from OWC with my two 1 GB SO - DIMM modules somewhere onboard . I know , I should ’ve taken this route the first metre , but I really like shopping topically when potential ( Oregon does n’t have sales tax , which helps ) .
Lessons ascertain , for all you next do - it - yourselfers : Small computers take SO - DIMMs , not DIMMs . Even if you recognise this , remember it when shopping ! example act two , confirm you have the right partsbeforeyou start your project , not after ! Lesson three , remember lessons one and two ! gratefully , my fault have n’t be me anything other than some meter and a solar day with a dead mini …
