Unless you put the maximum RAM in your Mac when you bought it, chances are you can add more, which is what we're going to help you do.
Remember, new memory is an affordable way to get your Mac running faster. Depending on what Mac you've got, you may need to take out the existing RAM to put more in, so bear this in mind when you're buying. If your MacBook Pro already has two 1GB chips (one in each slot) and you want to upgrade to 4GB, you can't simply buy an additional 2GB. Check System Profiler for what you've got now.
The best place to get memory from is Crucial, which has a simple guide to ensure you buy the right RAM for your Mac.
To prevent static charge damaging your equipment, ground yourself before you begin by touching something metal. Unplug all power sources before you open things up. Get an anti-static wristband from an electronics shop for peace of mind.
When handling RAM, hold it by the edges and don't touch the gold connectors. And remember that components may be hot if the Mac's been running recently!
How to upgrade the RAM in your MacBook (late 2009 model and later)
1. Open up your MacBook
Undo the eight screws on the underside of your MacBook and lift off the back case – gently pull free the clips at either end. Two RAM chips are in the middle on the right-hand side one above the other; remove one or both.
2. Take the chips out
Find the clips at either end of the existing RAM stick and press these outwards with your thumbs. The chip will pop up so that you can grip it at either end. Gently slide the chip away in the direction it's pointing.
3. Pop in the new memory
Line up the connectors of the new RAM with the RAM slot – it'll only fit one way round. Gently push it in at the angle you removed the old one. Press the upper end down to clip it into place. Then put the case back on and reboot!
How to put more RAM in a MacBook Pro (2009 model and later)
1. Open your MacBook Pro
With the screwdriver, take out the screws from the back plate – they're not all the same length, so note where each came from. The two RAM slots are located fairly centrally, one above the other.
2. Out with the old…
At either end of the existing RAM, press the clips outwards with your thumbs. It should pop up at a slight angle. Grip it at either end and slide it out in the direction it's pointing. If it doesn't come away, check the clips are undone.
3. …In with the new
Get your new RAM and line the gold connectors up with the slot. Press it in at the same angle the old sticks came out at, then push the upper edge down to clip it in place. When you're done, screw the case back on.
How to max out a Mac mini (Mid 2010 model and later)
1. Open up your Mac mini
Lay your Mac mini upside down and twist the circular black disc anti-clockwise a short distance. When the white dot on the disc aligns with the outlined circle on the casing, lift the disc off and lay it somewhere to the side.
2. Remove what's there
At either end of the existing RAM, you'll see little clips. Use your thumbs to press these outwards and gently pull the stick out. Align your new memory's gold connectors and notch with the slot – it'll only fit in one way round.
3. Clip in your new memory
Slide it into the slot at the same angle you removed the old chips, and when it's seated, you'll be able to press the top edge downwards to clip it in. Repeat for the second slot if necessary. Pop the black disc back on.
How to add memory to your iMac (any aluminium model)
1. Operate on your iMac
Lay a towel on your table, then lay the machine on its front with the bottom facing towards you. Lift up the stand to get at the panel on the bottom that covers the RAM slots. Undo the screw and take the panel off.
2. Pull out the RAM
On the chips you're going to replace, untuck the tongue and pull it towards you, being careful not to slide your Mac off the table. Take the old RAM and lay it to one side, then unwrap your new memory, ready to put in.
3. Insert the new chips
RAM will only go in one way round – the gold connectors go in first, with the notch closer to the right-hand end of the chip. Press the memory into the slots and tuck the tongues back in. Then screw back the cover plate. Done!
How to boost your Mac Pro (Early 2009 model and later)
1. Get inside your Mac Pro
Hold the side of the Mac Pro case and lift the latch on the back. The side will flip down; then lift it away. Now find the two latches on the horizontal bar towards the bottom. Push the outer ends slightly.
2. Remove processor tray
With the latches' inner ends loosened, pull them out to release the tray carrying the memory. Slide it out and lay it on a towel on a desk. There may be four or eight slots. Check the manual for the order in which to fill them.
3. Pop in the RAM
Press apart the clips at either end of the empty slots. Align the RAM with an empty slot, with the notch at the correct end. Press it down so the clips snap into place. Then slide the tray back, push the latches in and replace the panel.
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