Apple Mac mini (Mid 2011)

Model identifier Macmini5,1 Mini PC, from 2011 59 hardware reports

Memory

Up to 16 GB

2 laptop-size slots

Upgradable

Yes. 2 slots, up to 16 GB seen working.

It takes DDR3-1333 laptop-size sticks (SO-DIMM).

Slots: 2 SO-DIMM slots
Type: DDR3-1333 204-pin SO-DIMM
Most seen working: 16 GB in two or more machines
Firmware says: 8 GB maximum (often wrong, so we show what machines run)
How sure: 30 of 30 reports show this layout

See 8 GB DDR3-1333 SO-DIMM on AmazonOpens an Amazon search for this exact spec.

Worked out from 30 hardware reports of this desktop, with Apple's memory specifications for which Macs have sockets. Sources and method. Updated 10 Nov 2026.

2 laptop-size slots

Illustration

Questions

Can I upgrade the RAM in the Apple Mac mini (Mid 2011)?

Yes. 2 slots, up to 16 GB seen working. It takes DDR3-1333 laptop-size sticks (SO-DIMM).

What type of RAM does the Apple Mac mini (Mid 2011) use?

DDR3-1333 laptop-size sticks (SO-DIMM, 204-pin).

How much RAM can the Apple Mac mini (Mid 2011) take?

Machines in the reports run up to 16 GB. The firmware reports a maximum of 8 GB, a figure that is often wrong.

Is this my desktop?

On the Mac, choose Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report. The Model Identifier should read Macmini5,1.