Support 32GB of RAM in the Mac mini (Late 2012) and Mac mini Server (Late 2012)

Originator:fraserhess
Number:rdar://23869832 Date Originated:12/11/2015
Status:Closed Resolved:
Product:Mac Product Version:
Classification:Enhancement Reproducible:Always
 
Summary:
Each of the processors used in the Mac mini (Late 2012) and Mac mini Server (Late 2012) (3210M, 3615QM, and 3720QM) support up to 32 GB of RAM according to Intel ARK.

http://ark.intel.com/products/67355/Intel-Core-i5-3210M-Processor-3M-Cache-up-to-3_10-GHz-rPGA
http://ark.intel.com/products/64900/Intel-Core-i7-3615QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_30-GHz
http://ark.intel.com/products/64891/Intel-Core-i7-3720QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_60-GHz

However, the Mac mini (Late 2012) and Mac mini Server (Late 2012) only support 16 GB of RAM. With these Mac mini models having 2 slots for RAM, in 2012 this was not an issue as there were no 32 GB (2x16) kits available. Recently these kits became available in the correct size and speed, for example: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011ISG132/

Please provide a firmware update for these Mac mini models that supports up to 32 GB of RAM.

Steps to Reproduce:


Expected Results:


Actual Results:


Version:
Mac mini (Late 2012)
Mac mini Server (Late 2012)

Notes:


Configuration:
This occurs in all configurations

Attachments:

Comments

Apple declined

"We are closing this report since our engineers have determined that the issue is not going to be addressed."

By fraserhess at Jan. 11, 2019, 10:51 p.m. (reply...)

Decided to shelve the Mac and am putting my order in for a Thinkpad as a result. Never will buy Apple again. EVER.

Thanks for letting us know.

By tpfaff100 at May 22, 2019, 2:41 a.m. (reply...)

This would be much appreciated.

By haraldgeisler.com at Nov. 22, 2017, 12:08 p.m. (reply...)

Yes please! It's 2017... I need to do more with my mini.

By jeffreydwalter at Nov. 17, 2017, 6:51 p.m. (reply...)

It seems Apple is being negligent about addressing the RAM issue. If they get it together I'll be supplementing my mac mini with a powermac. If not will be getting a Dell early next year.

I just can't justify buying equipment from vendors anymore that (a) overcharge for their product and (b) don't treat their customers with respect, disabling features+capabilities of said, overpriced machines.

So Apple, would you please turn the 32 gb mode on? Or comment on why you won't do it?

Regards, T

By tpfaff100 at Nov. 10, 2017, 5:23 p.m. (reply...)

New firmware in 10.12.4 Beta...

New BIOS/Firmware in 10.12.4 developper beta that came out today on a 2012 quad-core i7 2.6Ghz Mac mini.

Version is: MM61.88Z.0106.B12.1702171720 (February 17, 2017. 17h20m)

Previous version was: MM61.88Z.0106.B0A.1509111654 (September 11, 2015. 16h54m)

If anyone has single 16BG stick to test, it would be worth a try to see if they fixed it?

By francoiscoulombe1981 at Feb. 28, 2017, 2:02 a.m. (reply...)

Any luck on this front? Looking at my 2012 Server running 10.12.5, this newer BIOS still isn't GA yet.

By bill at June 21, 2017, 1:52 p.m. (reply...)

Let's do this. My Mac Mini is a VM hosting machine, going strong! Only thing holding it back is the 16 gig RAM limit.

By cchichester at Feb. 14, 2017, 6:26 p.m. (reply...)

I have a damaged memory slot. Is it possible to only use a 16 GB stick?

By raulyabdiel at Oct. 1, 2016, 12:07 p.m. (reply...)

Would be useful to me too

A response from Apple would be appreciated too...

By andrewhaighcell at Aug. 8, 2016, 3:37 p.m. (reply...)

Yes please update the firmware for Mac Mini 2012 please

please

By peter at July 10, 2016, 3:16 p.m. (reply...)

Definitely need 32GB support on the 2012 Mac mini

Many companies use these as build servers for Mac software. Additional memory would help. Others use them for VMware lab servers non-commercially (as I do in my home lab) due to their superior low power consumption and low noise levels. VMs use more and more RAM these days, 32GB would really help.

By bill at June 10, 2016, 10:04 p.m. (reply...)

Requesting that Apple add the ability to install 16 GB DDR3 SODIMMs in the Late 2012 quad-core i7 Mac Minis

The total of 16 GB of RAM in the Late 2012 quad-core i7 Mac Minis appears to be an artificial limitation. Therefore, I'm requesting that Apple add the ability to install the total of 32 GB of RAM (2 x 16 GB). The Late 2012 quad-core i7 Mac Minis are used widely as small-factor servers (in server farms, as well as in home labs). Limiting this platform to 16 GB of RAM relegates this platform to being replaced by (IMHO) inferior-designed Skull Canyon NUC. Apple, please find it in your heart to invest a little time to update the Memory Reference Code so that Late 2012 quad-core i7 Mac Minis can support up to 32 GB of RAM. I'm personally affected by this issue, so I'm requesting this on my own behalf as well as on behalf of thousands of enthusiasts that bought multiple Late 2012 quad-core i7 Mac Minis for their labs.

Thank you!

By telecastle at May 29, 2016, 5:16 p.m. (reply...)

Adding firmware support for hardware wiring already present would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Apple.

By tpfaff100 at April 16, 2016, 3:16 a.m. (reply...)

Must have, definitely!

By yakimant at April 2, 2016, 10:45 a.m. (reply...)

It would also be great of Apple to include the MacBookPro's in the firmware update !

By chris.merk at Jan. 30, 2016, 4:42 p.m. (reply...)

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