How-to: Mac mini Take-Apart
Installing Memory
Prerequisites
Tools you will need
- none
Disassembly
The Mac mini has one standard memory slot. It is accessible immediately upon opening the case.
You should now have the case open and have access to the single DIMM slot. On either side of the DIMM is a black clip that both secures the DIMM and serves as a lever to extract the DIMM. To remove the DIMM, push the two black clips away from the DIMM and down. The one at the front of the mini will move more than the one in the rear; the rear one collides against the I/O board’s EM shield. There will be a crunching sound as the DIMM is extracted from the slot—that’s okay, it’s the sound of the DIMM moving against the electrical contacts. Be careful of your fingers, as the DIMM’s edges can be rather sharp.
Reassembly
Installing a new DIMM is very straightforward. First, verify that the DIMM is oriented in the right direction; match the off-center gap along the bottom the DIMM with its corresponding post in the socket. Once you have the DIMM turned around the proper way, firmly press it straight down into the slot. This action brings the black clips back into place, thereby securing the DIMM.
Installing the DIMM requires a fair amount of force, and makes a suprisingly loud crunching noise as the clips pop into place. This sound is normal.