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

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

Even though the new Mac devices are less upgradeable, changing some of the components on the chip is still theoretically possible. This is proven by Chinese maintenance engineers who have successfully expanded the RAM and SSD capabilities on an Apple M1 chipset.

It appears that the engineers completed this by using a soldering station to install DRAM memory chips and NAND flash memory chips. While the process involved peeling off existing chips and adding new components, apparently no firmware changes were required.

Exact details of the update are scarce, but the Chinese text translated roughly in the post shows apparent success and claims that “victory belongs to those who adapt.”

Of course, just because some engineers managed to get it out doesn’t mean you should try it at home.

First of all, 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 sell money for a soldering station. And all of this assumes that you or someone you know has the ability to do that.

More importantly, any such change will instantly void the warranty. This becomes more of a problem when you consider that peeling and gluing DRAM and NAND chips requires a good amount of skill, precision and patience.

Make mistakes here and you will end up with a dead Mac with no way out. Because of this, we would be wary of any change like this, unless you are prepared to waste your money.

Due to the speed and performance advantages of the M1, it is much more advisable to just upgrade to RAM and SSD space at the time of purchase. It is an investment and probably a wise one.