When you handle the RAM, make sure you grab it by the sides so as not to touch any of the sensitive parts. Don't wear fuzzy pants or drag your feet on carpet while working, as those actions will build up static electricity. Make sure to ground yourself on a metal object before you start this process, and work on a static-free surface. While working, beware of static discharges, which can damage computer components. Most iMac models have a convenient window to access the RAM compartment, making it even easier than on a laptop. While it may be slightly different on yours, the basic process for MacBook RAM upgrades is the same. Check the resources mentioned above for more specific instructions.īelow we'll provide a basic overview of how this looks on a mid-2010 MacBook. As mentioned, we can't go over the instructions for every single Mac model. If you often multitask, and your computer supports it, jumping to 16GB is a good idea.įinally, let's review the general process for the actual RAM upgrade in your machine. 8GB is a good baseline if you aren't a heavy computer user. How much RAM you should buy depends on your needs. For example, if you want to upgrade to 8GB of RAM, buy the 4GB x 2 pack. To take advantage of dual-channel memory, you'll want to buy two sticks that add up to your desired total. This page also details how many memory slots your machine has most MacBook models have two slots. In many cases, this exceeds the 'maximum' value provided by Apple.

Have a look at OWC's MaxRAM page to see how much RAM your particular machine will take. The few dollars you save isn't worth the risk of bad RAM bringing down your system.įinally, you'll need to buy the right amount of RAM for your system. We recommend staying away from cheap, junky RAM with few or poor reviews.

Read more: A Quick and Dirty Guide to RAM: What You Need to Know If you do so, make sure you search by SKU so you don't end up buying something that's slightly different. You might be able to shop around and get a better price for RAM found on the above sites. This is why we recommend buying from a store that specializes in Mac RAM upgrades.

Late 2012 mac mini ram upgrade