To buy Random Access Memory (RAM) for your Mac Mini, you must first determine the maximum capacity of memory your Mac Mini can support and the type of RAM, or memory modules, that are compatible with the model of your Mac Mini. RAM for your Mac Mini can be purchased from multiple venues; such as retail stores that sell Apple products, major retail websites, or from online vendors who specialize in selling RAM and computer hardware. Follow the simple steps below
Buy memory modules no larger in size than 8 gigabytes (GB). The maximum amount of memory you can install in a mid-2011 model Mac Mini is 8 GB.
Verify that you buy memory modules with the proper specifications. In order for the RAM to work efficiently in your Mac Mini, it must have the following features: non-parity, unbuffered, 1333 megahertz (MHz), PC3-10600 DDR3, and 204-pin module.
Buy memory modules with the proper amount of GB. The 2010 Mac Mini supports a total of 8 GB in memory, or RAM; whereas the 2009 Mac Mini models can only support a total of 4 GB in RAM.
Buy memory modules with the appropriate features. You must purchase RAM with specific features that are compatible with the 2010 and 2009 Mac Minis.
Purchase memory modules with no more than 2 GB of memory. You may install 1 memory module that is 2 GB in size, or 2 memory modules that contain 1 GB of memory on each module.
Purchase RAM for your Mac Mini on the Internet. Shopping for RAM online may provide you with a variety of options in terms of pricing, return policies, or warranties.
Buy RAM from a retail store in your local area. The benefit to buying RAM from a nearby retail store is that you can take it home and install the RAM immediately into your Mac Mini.
If you are buying RAM in the form of 2 memory modules, Apple recommends buying 2 memory modules of identical memory capacity to result in the best performance on your Mac Mini. For example, if you want to buy 2 memory modules for a total of 4 GB in memory, purchase 2 memory modules with memory capacities of 2 GB each.
Do not buy memory modules with features that are not compatible with any version of Mac Mini; such as modules with buffers or registers, parity, error correcting code (ECC), phase locked loops (PLLs), or extended data output (EDO).