Mac mini (Intel) Upgrades

This page referrers to the Intel based Mac mini computers. It does not cover the earlier PowerPC G4 based models, which are dealt with here.

Announced in February 2006, these joined the iMac Core Duo and the MacBook Pro in Apple's new range of Intel powered Macs.

Available in both Intel Core Solo and Intel Core Duo versions, these tiny machines garnered immediate praise for their impressive benchmarks compared to the Mac mini G4. Apple specs for the original Intel Mac mini can be found here.

In September 2006 Apple introduced a speed bump and dropped the low-end Core Solo version, but kept with the Core Duo despite moving the iMac range to the Core 2 Duo processor. Apple specs here.

In August 2007 the Mac mini finally went to the Core 2 Duo, other specs and upgrade compatibility remained unchanged. Apple specs here.

The next update to the Mac mini was in March 2009 and moved the mini to a 1066Mhz front side bus, taking up to DDR3 1066Mhz memory. The FireWire 400 port was replaced with FireWire 800 and an extra USB 2.0 port was added. Graphics are provided by an NVidea 9400M, using 128MB or 256MB of shared system memory and with a mini-DVI and mini-DisplayPort outputs. The optical drive changed to a SATA interface. Apple specs here.

A further update in October 2009 was mainly a bump to the processor speed, but it also allowed the machine to take up to 8GB of RAM in 2 x 4GB modules. Also a new version was released with 2 x 500GB hard drives (the second one replacing the SuperDrive optical drive) and Mac OS X 10.6 Server installed - designed as a server for a small business or group, it also makes a nice high-end home server. Specs for the standard model are here, and the server model here.

In June 2010 a new model was launched with a redesigned, smaller case. The external power adapter from earlier models was also done away with. The redesign of the case also allows much easier access to the memory sockets than earlier models - RAM is replaceable by the home user now rather than requiring professional fitting. Maximum memory capacity was upgraded to 8GB in 2 x 4GB DDR3 PC8500 (models running 10.7.5 or later with the latest EFI update can run 16GB in 2 x 8GB modules) a SD card slot was added, and the graphics card was upgraded. Apple specs here (server version here).

In July 2011 a new model based around the Core i5 CPU was released. Along with general upgrades to CPU and graphics card and the addition of a thunderbolt port, the memory speed was increased to 1333MHz (PC10600) - maximum RAM upgraded to 16GB inn 2 x 8GB modules. This model was also notable with the dropping of the DVD drive, making this the first non-server Mac apart from the MacBook Air to be sold without an internal optical drive. The space can be used to fit a secondary hard drive or SSD, although unless the model is supplied with a drive in the second bay there will not be a mounting bracket for one. Apple specs here. Server version here.

In October 2012 introduced a new model of the standard and server Mac mini. The standard version was released with a 2.5GHz Core i5 or 2.3GHz Core i7 (with a 2.6GHz build to order option). The server in a 2.3GHz Core i7 (with 2.6GHz build to order option). The memory type was upgraded to take DDR3 1600MHz PC12800 memory, with a maximum of 16GB in 2 x 8GB modules. Apple specs here for the standard model and here for the server.

The next revision came out in October 2014, with a 1.4GHz Core i5, 2.6GHz Core i5 oand 2.8GHz Core i5 CPU options (3.0GHz Core i7 available via build to order). Changes to upgrades were major, with the RAM being soldered onto the logic board and unupgradeable after purchase. These models can take a 2.5in SATA 600 drive, and a PCIe attached blade SSD. Despite the very similar external design to the previous models, these machines are considerably more difficult to open to work upon, and extremely non-standard screw types have been used. Apple specs here.

The Mac mini form factor is instantly recognisable due to its small size (about the size of two CD jewel cases stacked on top of each other).

This Intel Mac mini does look similar to the previous PowerPC G4 based Mac mini, and the easiest way to tell them apart is to use Apple System Profiler and check the CPU type. Also the PowerPC Mac mini has only two USB 2.0 ports, whereas the Intel version has four.

The first major change within the range regarding upgrades was in March 2009, which changed the type of RAM and the type of optical drive used. The models can be distinguished by opening system profiler (Apple menu > About this Mac, then click the "More Info" button). The March 2009 model has a bus speed of 1066MHz, earlier machine have a slower speed.

The March 2009 model can also use a total of 8GB of RAM in 2 x 4GB modules, as long as it has had the EFI Firmware update 1.2 applied.

Then in October 2009 a revision that was mainly a speed bump and can run 8GB in 2 x 4GB modules.

The third notable change was June 2010, a redesigned case makes memory a user installable part.

The forth major change was July 2011, where memory type was changed from PC8500 (1066MHz) to PC10600 (1333MHz). This model dropped the DVD drive and has a thunderbolt port.

The next change is in October 2012, where the memory type was upgraded to DDR3 PC12800 1600MHz memory.

The next revision in October 2014 also uses DDR3 PC12800 1600MHz memory (which is non-upgradeable in this model. It has dropped the FireWire 800 port from the previous model, and replaced the single Thunderbolt port with two Thunderbolt 2 ports.

Mac mini's produced up to March 2009 can accept up to 2GB of memory. There is are two slots available which take PC2-5300 SODIMM RAM. RAM in this machine must be installed in matched pairs - i.e. you can have 2 x 256MB, 2 x 512MB or 2 x 1GB configurations. Suitable for Mac minis with a bus speed less than 1066Mhz.

The March 2009 revision can take up to 8GB of RAM in 2 x 4GB DDR3 PC8500, but it does require the EFI Firmware update 1.2 to be applied - if you run Software Update when connected to the internet and it does not show a pending EFI update then you meet this requirement.

In October 2009 the Mac mini moved to taking up to 8GB of DDR3 PC8500 memory in 2 x 4GB modules.

The model released June 2010 is the same in its stock configuration, but this model running 10.7.5 or later with the latest EFI update can run 16GB in 2 x 8GB modules. The redesigned case makes user memory installation a much simpler task.

The July 2011 model - the model where the DVD drive was dropped - can use 16GB of PC10600 (133MHz) memory in 2 x 8GB modules. Memory should be installed in pairs.

The October 2012 model can use up to 16GB of PC12800 (1600MHz) memory in 2 x 8GB modules. Memory should be installed in pairs.

The October 2014 model cannot have its RAM upgraded after purchase due to the modules being soldered in place.

The Mac minis made up until July 2011 came with either a slot loading Combo or Superdrive optical mechanism. Models up until March 2009 use an IDE type drive, later ones use a SATA device. Models after July 2011 do not have an optical drive.

The Mac mini uses a SATA laptop 2.5" hard drive or SSD for its internal storage. This is generally a laptop drive which means that they have a lower capacity, and higher cost, than those for a normal desktop computer.

You can also fit an additional hard drive or SSD into Mac minis. Earlier models can replace the DVD drive with another hard drive or SSD. Later models can either take two drives by default (server models) or can fit a second hard drive using a mounting kit.

To get an idea of the performance differences between a hard drive and an SSD, see this video from OWC - the SSD used is the OWC Mercuary Extreme Pro 6G which is listed below.

The 2014 model is significantly harder to work upon than previous models. It has a single bay for a 2.5in SATA 600 drive (as listed below), and can take a PCIe attached blade SSD (not yet available as an aftermarket part).

Professional installation is highly recommended as your warranty may be voided by an incorrect installation.

If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.

Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.

The Mac mini has all of its components on one logic board. Consequently it is not possible to upgrade the graphics cards on these machines.

The Mac mini does not have any expansion slots, therefore the only expansion card it can take is an Airport Extreme card - which is fitted by default on all models but can be upgraded.

The following keyboards and mice are compatible with this Mac.

Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products we supply for this Mac.

Listed below are power cables, tools and related products we supply for this Mac.

This Mac can use any of the following external hard drives.

NB: The March 2009 revision of the Mac mini replaced the FireWire 400 port with a FireWire 800 port. Therefore to use a drive which has FireWire 400 only you will need an adapter or a 6pin - 9pin FireWire cable. FireWire was dropped entirely in the October 2014 revision.

Any complete machines of this type or similar that we have for sale are listed here. Please note that these are refurbished models with a 3 month warranty, and that delivery is likely to take 3 - 5 working days. These can be purchased online with the standard website courier delivery charge for the mainland UK only. Please contact us for a quote on shipping to other areas.

Here are the various repair services we offer for this Mac. You can have us take the machine in for evaluation, or book a fixed-price repair if you already know what the fault is and the service is listed below (for services without parts, please see the relevant tab on this page for compatible parts that we sell). If you know what the fault is, but we don't have a fixed-price repair listed below, please contact us for a quote.