Thursday, November 8, 2018

Enthusiasts Detail RAM Upgrade Process for the 2018 Mac mini

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RAM replacement guides for the new 2018 Mac mini have appeared online, detailing what's involved if users choose to go against Apple's advice and upgrade the removable memory modules themselves.


Apple's official line is that it doesn't consider the new Space Gray Mac mini to be user-configurable, therefore the company recommends that later memory upgrades be performed by a certified Apple service provider.

However, going down that route increases costs significantly, because users need to factor in the relatively high price of Apple-supplied RAM as well as the additional labor charge for installing said modules.

On the other hand, while upgrading the memory yourself can save money, it also carries inherent risks.


For one, any damage done to the Mac mini during installation isn't covered under warranty, and even if the internals remain unscathed, Apple service staff will likely refuse to repair a 2018 Mac mini under warranty if they see third-party RAM modules have been inserted.

Having said that, experienced upgrade enthusiasts will be happy to learn that the process of opening up the 2018 Mac mini isn't too dissimilar to the 2014 Mac Mini (although that model had the much-maligned soldered-on RAM).

With help from MacRumors forum readers, Rod Bland has posted detailed steps of the procedure on the iFixit website, along with the recommended opening tools, which include a TR6 Torx Security screwdriver, a T9 Torx screwdriver, and a Pentalobe screwdriver (also used to open the Retina MacBook Air and Pro).


Briefly, users must pop off the bottom cover using a plastic opening tool, then unscrew and remove the antenna plate below along with its attaching cable. Next, the fan assembly is unscrewed and removed. Then the mainboard is unscrewed so it can be slid out, after which the screws holding the RAM cage are undone to reveal the RAM modules.


Removing the rubber stabilizers and pressing the spring clips enables careful replacement of the existing RAM modules with the new ones, after which users must work their way back through the previous steps in reverse to re-assemble the mini.


The process allows users to install up to 64GB of RAM, using any combination of 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB DDR4-2666 SODIMM RAM modules, which are available from third-party brands like Crucial, Kingston, and Corsair at prices that significantly undercut Apple-supplied RAM.

Ultimately, customers wanting more RAM must decide which route suits them best: upgrade the Mac mini themselves and accept the risks; avoid the hassle by paying Apple a premium to upgrade the base configuration at checkout; or upgrade at a later time through an Apple authorized service provider, at additional cost.

Related Roundup: Mac mini
Tag: iFixit
Buyer's Guide: Mac Mini (Buy Now)

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Apple Shares New Photos of Its First Thai Retail Store, Opening Saturday in Bangkok

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Apple has shared new photos of Iconsiam Apple, its first retail store in Thailand, due to open in Bangkok on the shores of the Chao Phraya on Saturday, November 10 at 10 a.m. local time.


Sitting alongside storied sites and cultural landmarks, the store connects the new mixed-use Iconsiam Center to an outdoor roof terrace. Apple says the clean, trapezoidal lines and glass surfaces were designed "to accentuate the surrounding natural beauty while creating an open, airy atmosphere effacing boundaries between interior and exterior."


The sweeping glass facades of the store look out to the river and the city, with customers able to ascend to the roof garden, where they can appreciate local art, participate in a Today at Apple photo or sketch walk, and enjoy iconic views of Bangkok.

"Bangkok is a cultural and economic destination for the entire region and home to millions of passionate Apple customers," said Angela Ahrendts, Apple's senior vice president of Retail. "We are thrilled to introduce our Thai customers to Today at Apple, our full line of products, our phenomenal employees, and the service and support that are loved by customers around the world."
More than 100 employees will be ready to welcome customers to Apple Iconsiam on Saturday at 10 a.m. As it has done with other stores, Apple is celebrating its first Thai store with special artwork and Today at Apple sessions, which customers can sign up for at apple.com/today.


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