How do you upgrade the RAM in the Intel Mac mini models? How much RAM of what type do they support?

Intel-based iMac models released prior to the "Early 2009" series use 667 MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMMs and officially support a maximum of 2 GB of RAM, although third-parties have discovered that the "Core 2 Duo" powered models actually can support 3 GB of memory by using a mismatched 1 GB and 2 GB pair configuration.

The "Early 2009" and "Late 2009" configurations -- released March 3, 2009 and October 20, 2009, respectively -- use 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs and officially support a maximum of 4 GB of memory. However, as first reported by MacminiColo and confirmed by site sponsor OWC the "Early 2009" models unofficially can use 8 GB of RAM after applying EFI Firmware Update 1.2 and the "Late 2009" models unofficially support 8 GB of RAM by default (as the EFI firmware already is updated).

These details are summarized below in this handy chart:

Intel Mac mini	Memory Type	Max
Mac mini "Core Solo" 1.5	667 MHz DDR2	2 GB
Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.66	667 MHz DDR2	2 GB
Mac mini "Core Duo" 1.83	667 MHz DDR2	2 GB
Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 1.83	667 MHz DDR2	3 GB*
Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0	667 MHz DDR2	3 GB*
Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009)	1066 MHz DDR3	8 GB†
Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.26	1066 MHz DDR3	8 GB§
Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53	1066 MHz DDR3	8 GB§
Mac mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 (Server)	1066 MHz DDR3	8 GB§

*Officially, these models only support 2 GB of memory, but third-parties have successfully installed 3 GB. Note that this "mismatched" configuration will compromise performance of video-related tasks but likely will be of interest for users who primarily use the system for CPU and memory-intensive tasks.

† Officially, this model supports 4 GB of RAM. As originally shipped, it both officially and unofficially supported 4 GB of RAM as speculated at the time due to an artifical EFI limitation rather than a true technical limitation. This speculation was accurate, and after applying EFI Firmware Update 1.2 it is capable of supporting 8 GB of RAM.

§ Officially, this model supports 4 GB of RAM, but it is capable of supporting 8 GB.

Apple does not provide instructions for end users to upgrade the RAM in the Mac mini, and instead warns that "additional memory should be installed by an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider" and consequently, EveryMac.com cannot recommend that users upgrade their own memory. Given the small and densely packed nature of the Intel-based Mac mini models this is not the ideal system to upgrade yourself without previous experience upgrading the RAM in similar systems.

However, experienced users likely will find this video covering "pre-Early 2009" models -- the original Intel (Early 2006), Late 2006, and Mid-2007 models -- from Apple Specialist TDCurran helpful:

Other good upgrade videos include ones from Other World Computing and helpful individuals -- MrBit10 and Loweded Wookie. Between the four, you have a variety of sound track options and text and verbal instruction options from which to choose.

Please note that all of the above cover models released prior to the "Early 2009" line. Although the overall procedure for the "Early 2009" and "Late 2009" models is similar to the upgrade procedure for earlier models, there are a handful of interior differences, particularly with regards to antenna and power cable placement.

Mac mini Colo provides photos of the "Early 2009" and "Late 2009" models that can be used to upgrade the RAM, as does iFixit, and Other World Computing provides a video:

Site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory compatible with all Intel-based Mac mini models -- and every other Mac -- and provides a professional upgrade service for the Mac mini as well.

Also see: How do you upgrade the hard drive in the Intel Mac mini models? What type of hard drive do they support? Is it possible to replace the optical drive with a second hard drive?