RAM questions

[Adam's Apple]

Hi,

My PRAM battery ran out of juice and I am going to replace it. While my computer is "under the knife," so to speak, I was thinking of upgrading my mac mini in terms of its RAM. Right now it has 1 GB (2 - 512MB strips) and I am looking to replace it with two 1 or 2 GB strips. Does anyone have any advice of where to buy it cheapest, what to look for (for example, should I buy them in pairs), and any advice regarding their replacement.

Thank you

 

[harryb2448]

Depends on what model Mini you have, from a G4 onwards. Always helps if you provide the model, processor speed and operating system. OWC are Mac specialists so check out their prices from the link and shop from there. Do not purchase memory from your local PC shop as the most memory for PCs is cheaper high density and Macs use low density.

Memory, Drives, Free Installation Guides for Apple Mac mini and more ? up to 640GB Hard Drives, up to 8.0GB Memory, Faster Optical Drives, Accessories + more just for Mac mini

 

[Adam's Apple]

Specs of computer: 1.83 GHz, Intel Core 2 Duo, OS X 10.5.8

 

[hughvane]

The 07 Mini model takes 200-pin PC2-5300 (667MHz) DDR2 SO-DIMM, and up to 3 Gb (ie. 2 Gb + 1 Gb). [source: Mactracker]

As Harry advises, start with OWC. Sure, you'll find cheaper prices at NewEgg and various other retail sites, but you have to make sure it's Mac-compatible, which OWC guarantees. Even from way down here in NZ I buy RAM from OWC.

Crucial and Kingston brands seem to be popular. You may find that OWC uses those brands.

 

[blackmac11]

As harry said, OWC would be your best bet. I believe you you have a mid 2007 model? So you can buy up to 4GB of RAM, or just the 2 if you want

 

[Adam's Apple]

Is there any difference with the quality of the brands present on the owc site or other sites? Which one does anyone prefer?

Thanks

 

[TattooedMac]

from Oz i ordered through OWC and got a 4gb package.
Mine is Kingston and works a charm. Its the 1st time i have upgraded Mac hardware, so i havnt anything to compare it with. But as stated above Crucial is another good brand word of mouth.
If you go OWC you cant go wrong

 

[Adam's Apple]

I am just confused because there are a few different brands of chips on the websites, even OWC. Which one is the best to choose?

 

[hughvane]

The confusion is understandable, as each brand manufacturer assures us that theirs is the best. Heed the advice of those who've been around the Mac RAM scene for a long time, ie. OWC.

The RAM brand itself doesn't matter too much (with some exceptions of course), as long as it's been thoroughly tested with MacOS and various Mac hardware. That's what OWC does, and is why it gets so many recommendations.

I took two 256 Mb modules out of my iMac the other day, and discovered that they're Hynix brand. They've seen service in three of my Macs, and their performance has been flawless. Guess where I bought them!

 

[Adam's Apple]

There are 3 brands on the OWC website: OWC, Micron, and Samsung. You are saying that I should go with the OWC brand chip, correct?

 

[hughvane]

Short answer - yes.

Understand though that the OWC label does NOT mean that OWC manufactured the RAM.
OWC is like a clearing house which sources components from several different manufacturers. Same with Apple - it uses components made in several countries.

I note the other two RAM brands and cannot comment on their quality EXCEPT to say that if OWC is selling them, then they've been tested and found suitable.

Essentially then, it's a matter of choice and price. OWC label is the cheapest.
You could contact OWC to ask them what brand of RAM it's using under its label. OWC is a good company to deal with.

 

[harryb2448]

Yep OWC house brand has a lifetime warranty and will work just fine