Theoretically, you can upgrade RAM and SSD on your Mac mini M1, but you shouldn’t

The M1 is the first Apple Silicon chip for Mac. While it has significant advantages in speed and performance, it is also much less upgradeable by the user with integrated memory and storage.

Although new Mac devices are less upgradeable, it is theoretically possible to swap out some components of the chip. This is evidenced by Chinese maintenance engineers who successfully expanded the RAM and SSD capabilities on an Apple M1 chip.

According to reports, the engineers completed the milestone using a soldering station to install DRAM memory chips and NAND flash memory chips. Although the process involved soldering the existing chips and adding new components, it apparently did not require any firmware modification.

The exact details of the update are scarce, but the Chinese text translated into the post heralds the apparent success and states that “victory is for those who adapt.”

Of course, just because some engineers got it doesn’t mean you try it at home.

On the one hand, it is almost impossible to buy the DRAM and NAND chips you need for this procedure at the consumer level. You will also have to shell out money for a welding station. And all of this means that you or someone you know has the ability to do it.

Most importantly, any such modification will instantly void the warranty. This becomes one more problem if one considers that soldering and soldering DRAM and NAND chips requires a good amount of skill, precision and patience.

Make mistakes here and you’ll end up with a dead Mac with no way to fix it. For this reason, we would warn you of any changes like this unless you are willing to waste your money.

Due to the speed and performance benefits of the M1, it is much more advisable to upgrade the RAM and SSD space at the time of purchase. It’s an investment, and probably wise.