Have you experienced a slowdown with your Mac products? Are you also waiting for hours for an application to run smoothly on your Mac? If so, you need an upgrade to your Mac’s RAM, in case your memory usage and work are high.
In a computer, Random Access Memory (RAM) is the temporary memory used by the CPU to store information as it is processed. Macs experience slowdowns when their memory usage is high, or when the running applications require more RAM than their systems can provide. In addition, if your computer has more RAM, it will be able to perform the tasks you want to carry out.
While it is obvious that you can speed up Mac by increasing RAM, let’s make sure you are experiencing a slowdown due to RAM shortage before I show you how.
What are the signs that Mac needs more RAM?
According to Mac creators, 8GB of RAM is more than enough for your daily needs. However, demanding software programs like video editing, graphics creation, and gaming require more RAM. If you’re considering upgrading your MacBook RAM, let me show you how to figure out how much RAM your Mac uses.
- First, press Command+Space, and start Spotlight Search
- Write Activity Monitor in search
- After that, on Activity Monitor’s screen, select the Memory tab (at the top of the window)
- Read and understand Memory Pressure
Generally, if you mostly see green, your RAM is working well. But if you see a lot of yellow, something is wrong. Also, if you see a lot of red, you may not have enough memory and your Mac may be overloaded.
The new updated version of the Mac will also let you free up RAM without upgrading or changing it. Alternatively, you can use Mac Optimizer Pro. You can rely on this software to scan your system for running applications that are not relevant and remove them automatically within a couple of clicks. It also allows you to clean up your Mac of yours automatically by deleting redundant and unused files.
How to get RAM for your Mac gadgets?
It’s not possible to purchase RAM directly from Apple, so you must either purchase third-party RAM or buy it secondhand on eBay or any other website. Make sure you use the right memory modules if you’re going to add more RAM to your Mac. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use them. Fortunately, many RAM sellers offer online tools to help you select the right memory modules for your Mac.
There are many websites, where you can select the model and year of your Mac and the site will automatically recommend the RAM upgrades that will work for you.
A step-by-step guide to updating the RAM on Mac devices
RAM upgrade for MacBook Pro
Here is how to upgrade your MacBook or MacBook Pro’s RAM manually:
- First, turn off your MacBook Pro
- Turn it upside down, then remove the backplate
- Turn off your MacBook Pro
- Turn it upside down, then remove the backplate
- With a tiny screwdriver, remove the larger backplate
- Remember that one screw is a lot smaller than the others. So keep an eye on that
- Remove the back by unscrewing it, then pull the latches on each side apart, the RAM will then appear
- Slide it out, hold it by its edges, and do not touch the gold connectors
- Push the new RAM into the slot with your fingers until it clicks into place
- After that, reattach the large backplate to the device, and then screw it in
- Next, screw back the smaller plate
- Lastly, turn your MacBook on and select About This Mac to see if you have installed new RAM
RAM upgrade for Mac mini
Adding more memory to your Mac mini is simple, but it may not be possible with all models. Memory upgrades can be installed in Mac mini models between 2010 and 2012, but are not supported in Mac mini models after 2014. Apple’s Mac mini models from 2018 lack user-installable RAM, whereas its M1 models have the RAM integrated into the Apple processor.
If you want to upgrade the memory on your Mac mini 2010-2012, follow these steps:
- Switch off your Mac mini, let it cool, and unplug all the cables
- Put the Mac mini upside down on a soft cloth and turn the bottom case counterclockwise
- Pop the opposite side up by gently pressing on the case. Remove the case.
- Remove the clips, pop up the memory module, and then remove the memory module
- Follow the same procedure for the bottom module
- Install the new memory in the desired slots
- Reinstall the bottom case and make sure it is locked by turning it right
- Lastly, connect the power cord to your Mac and use About This Mac to check whether new RAM has been installed
These steps will help you speed up your Mac manually.
RAM upgrade for Mac Pro
All Mac Pro models can be upgraded with more memory, meaning you can add RAM to any model. Focus on these instructions further:
- Power off your Mac Pro and wait for it to cool
- After that, disconnect all the cables
- If your Mac Pro has static electricity, touch the metal panel to discharge it
- Lock the housing by rotating the top latch left and up
- Lift the housing and remove it
- Release the RAM cover lock on the left to remove the RAM modules
- The new RAM module should be inserted into the slot and gently pressed until it clicks; avoid touching the gold collectors
- Place the RAM module cover back on by pressing gently until it clicks. Put the top latch back on and lock it.
- Once you have reconnected all peripherals, check the About This Mac menu to see if the new RAM has been installed correctly. Definitely, you’ll get a significant increase in performance
RAM upgrade for MacBook Air
In MacBook Air, RAM upgrade is not possible, because MacBook Air gadgets are thinner, and Apple solders their RAM directly onto the motherboard. Due to this, the Macbook Air cannot be upgraded with RAM.
