Mac Mini Gets The iFixit Teardown, Found To Be Harder To Repair

According to a report from the other day, it was suggested that the newly announced Mac mini, unlike its predecessors, would have its RAM soldered to the computer. This means that if you wanted to upgrade your Mac mini with more RAM, you’ll have to do it via Apple’s online store where it would no doubt cost you more than it would outside.

If you were hoping that wasn’t true, you might be disappointed to learn that it unfortunately is. This is according to a recent teardown conducted by the folks at iFixit in which they confirmed that the Mac mini’s RAM is indeed soldered to the machine. Along with their teardown, iFixit also found that 2014’s Mac mini is a bit harder to repair compared to its predecessors.

For starters, gaining entry into the system is harder than before. Previously users could twist the bottom cover off, but the new Mac mini requires a tool to pop off the cover instead. Underneath the cover, they discovered a door that prevents easy access to both the RAM and the fan which required them to create a tool just to open it.

They also found one SATA port which unfortunately means users could not add an additional hard drive to the computer where they previously could. Ultimately they gave the 2014 Mac mini a 6/10 for repairability. This is versus 2012’s model which scored a more impressive 8/10. That being said, does this put you off from buying the computer?

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Computers
Tags: mac mini