Service Source
Mac mini
Updated 17 April 2006
© 2005 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
What’s New (July 2005)
• 512 MB DDR SDRAM standard on all units
• On the better and best configurations, the wireless AirPort Extreme card and Bluetooth
board are now built-in
What’s New (September 2005)
• 1.33GHz or 1.5GHz G4 processor
• Faster hard drive
• 8x double-layer SuperDrive
• AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
Visual Differences
There is a new mezzanine board (shown below in the middle) used with the AirPort
Extreme/Bluetooth combo card (shown on the left). The antennas, also shown below,
connect to the combo card, which connects to the mezzanine board. Refer to the topic:
“Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card” in the Take Apart chapter
for details.
Mac mini
Mac mini -
1
Service Source
Take Apart
Mac mini
© 2005 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved.
General Information
Tools
The following tools are required to service the computer:
• ESD wriststrap and mat
• Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Jeweler’s #1 Phillips screwdriver
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Black stick (922-5065), or other nonconductive nylon or plastic tool
• Needlenose pliers
• Soft cloth (to protect removed parts from scratches)
• Screw tray
• Putty knife (922-6761),1.5 inch (38 mm), flexible blade
General Information
Mac mini Take Apart -
1
Modify the Putty Knife
1. If you don’t order a modified putty knife (922-6761) from Apple Service, purchase a
putty knife with a 1.5-inch (38 mm), flexible metal blade.
2. Using sandpaper (150 grit), file down the end of the putty knife (on one side) until it’s
slightly beveled. Rub the edge of the putty knife back and forth for about 2 minutes on
the sandpaper.
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Mac mini Take Apart
General Information
Serial Number Location
The product serial number and Ethernet ID are located on the bottom housing.
General Information
Mac mini Take Apart -
3
Thermal Pad
The thermal pad is located on the bottom housing. A new thermal pad is included with the
logic board and the bottom housing, and the pads can be ordered separately as a kit (part
number 922-6749).
Replace the pad when:
• the logic board or the bottom housing is replaced
• the pad is torn, withered, or damaged
Important:
thermal pad with a new identical pad.
Never use thermal paste in place of the thermal pad. You must replace the
Procedure
1. Remove the original pad from the bottom housing or the logic board using a black stick
or other nonconductive nylon tool.
2. Remove the protective backing on the new thermal pad.
contact with either side of the thermal pad as dirt and body oils reduce the thermal
pad's conductivity.
3. Place the new thermal pad on the bottom housing (as shown). Make sure the thermal
pad has even contact with the bottom housing. There should be no air pockets.
Note:
Avoid unnecessary
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Mac mini Take Apart
4. Replace the logic board.
General Information
Top Housing
Tools
The only tool required for this procedure is a modified putty knife (part number 922-6761)
Preliminary Steps
1. Shut down the computer.
Warning:
internal components or the components you are installing. Do not open the computer
or attempt to install items inside it while it is on.
2. Unplug all external cables from the computer except the power cord.
3. Touch the metal case to discharge any static electricity from your body.
Important:
components inside the computer. To avoid generating static electricity, do not walk
around the room until you have finished working and closed the computer.
4. Unplug the power cord.
5. Put on an ESD wrist strap.
Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its
Always discharge static before you touch any parts or install any
Top Housing
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Removal Procedure
Caution:
1. Place the computer on a clean, flat surface.
2. Turn the computer over so the ports are facing you and the bottom of the computer
3. Hold the putty knife with the beveled edge facing the bottom housing. Insert the tool
To avoid scratching the case, use caution when using the putty knife.
(gray color) is facing up.
into the gap where the metal housing and the bottom assembly come together on the
left side of the computer.
top or bottom housing when inserting the tool
Important:
Be extremely careful not to scratch or dent the
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Mac mini Take Apart
Top Housing
4. Gently release the internal latches by prying the tool away from the computer.
Note:
You will hear little popping sounds as the latches release and the bottom
moves away from the top housing, creating a gap at the top of the I/O panel.
5. Be careful not to damage the EMI foam on the inside of the top cover.
Top Housing
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6. Repeat the procedure on the right side of the unit.
7. Push the I/O panel upward until the top housing is removed. The popping sounds will
continue as you push the I/O panel; this is normal.
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Mac mini Take Apart
Top Housing
8. Set the top housing aside.
Top Housing
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Replacement Procedure
1. Align the rear I/O panel with the top housing. Make sure all the white latches on the
sides of the unit are aligned as shown in the photo below.
2. Squeeze the unit together firmly as shown. Proceed to the next step.
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Mac mini Take Apart
Top Housing
3. If the computer doesn’t go together, check the EMI tab alignment (outlined below) and
try again. Check that the metal tabs aren’t bent.
Work your hands around the unit squeezing the top and bottom until they snap
together and there are no gaps.
Top Housing
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AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic tool)
• Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Kapton tape
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing.
Part Location
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Mac mini Take Apart
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
Removal Procedure
1. Locate the AirPort antenna.
2. Using a black stick, push the black latch (see inset) toward the I/O ports to release the
antenna from the internal frame.
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
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4. Carefully lift the antenna up and off the internal frame. Free the antenna from the
kapton tape (circled).
warped antenna will affect AirPort connectivity.
Important:
Take care handling the AirPort antenna as a bent or
5. Set the AirPort antenna off to the side.
cable are connected to the mezzanine board located under the internal frame.
Note:
The AirPort Extreme card and antenna
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Mac mini Take Apart
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
6. Locate the Bluetooth antenna.
7. Pull the Bluetooth antenna up and out of the openings on the plastic rail. Free the
antenna cable from the kapton tape.
antenna as a bent or warped antenna will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
Important:
Take care handling the Bluetooth
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
Mac mini Take Apart -
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8. Set the Bluetooth antenna off to the side and out of the way.
board is connected to the mezzanine board located under the internal frame.
Note:
The Bluetooth
9. Free the power button cable from the kapton tape on the internal frame.
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Mac mini Take Apart
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
10. With a jeweler’s # 0 Phillips screwdriver, remove 3 screws on the internal frame.
11. Lift the internal frame straight up.
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
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12. Gently guide the Bluetooth and Airport antenna cables down through the opening in
the internal frame.
13. Set the internal frame aside.
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AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
14. Locate the mezzanine board on the logic board.
15. To access the AirPort Extreme card remove the two screws on the mezzanine board
with a jeweler’s # 0 Phillips screwdriver. Pull the mezzanine board straight up and off
the logic board connector.
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
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16. Turn over the mezzanine board. With your fingernail or black stick, remove the AirPort
antenna cable (circled) from the AirPort Extreme card. Remove the kapton tape that
secures the card to the mezzanine board. Pull the AirPort Extreme card out of the
connector on the mezzanine board.
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AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
Replacement Procedure
1. Install the AirPort Extreme card into the connector on the mezzanine board and
replace the kapton tape as shown. Plug the AirPort antenna cable into the opening on
the end of the AirPort Extreme card.
2. Turn over the mezzanine board so the AirPort Extreme card is facing down. Connect
the mezzanine board to the connector on the logic board. Replace the two screws on
the mezzanine board.
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
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3. Make sure that the AirPort antenna cable is firmly inserted into the AirPort Extreme
card. If the connector is not fully inserted, you’ll see a large portion of the connector
collar. For details see Knowledge Base article 108039, “Properly attaching the
antenna on an AirPort Extreme card.”
4. Hold the internal frame over the logic board as shown. Route the AirPort and
Bluetooth antenna cables up through the opening in the internal frame.
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AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
5. Lower the internal frame into place.
of the internal frame.
Note:
Route the power button cable out of the way
6. Route the antenna cables to the right side of the interconnect board on the internal
frame as you continue lowering the internal frame onto the logic board.
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
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7. Replace the three screws on the internal frame.
8. Replace the Bluetooth antenna. Secure the antenna cable with kapton tape.
Important:
will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
Take care handling the Bluetooth antenna as a bent or warped antenna
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AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
9. Replace the AirPort Extreme antenna. Secure the cable with kapton tape.
Important:
will affect AirPort connectivity.
Take care handling the AirPort antenna as a bent or warped antenna
10. Gently fasten the antenna onto the internal frame. The antenna is held in place by the
black clip and black post (shown below).
AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
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11. Secure the power button cable to the internal frame with the kapton tape.
12. Replace the top housing.
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AirPort Antenna and AirPort Extreme Card
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic tool)
• Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Kapton tape
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing.
Part Location
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
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Removal Procedure
1. Locate the Bluetooth antenna.
2. Pull the Bluetooth antenna up and out of the openings on the plastic rail. Free the
antenna cable from the kapton tape.
antenna as a bent or warped antenna will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
Important:
Take care handling the Bluetooth
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Mac mini Take Apart
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
3. Set the Bluetooth antenna off to the side and out of the way.
board is connected to the mezzanine board located under the internal frame.
Note:
The Bluetooth
4. Locate the AirPort antenna.
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
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5. Using the black stick push the black latch (see inset) toward the I/O ports to release
the antenna from the internal frame.
4. Carefully lift the antenna up and off the internal frame. Free the antenna from the
kapton tape (circled).
warped antenna will affect AirPort connectivity.
Important:
Take care handling the AirPort antenna as a bent or
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Mac mini Take Apart
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
5. Set the AirPort antenna off to the side.
cable are connected to the mezzanine board located under the internal frame.
Note:
The AirPort Extreme card and antenna
6. Free the power button cable from the kapton tape on the internal frame.
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
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7. With a jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver, remove 3 screws on the internal frame.
8. Lift the internal frame straight up.
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Mac mini Take Apart
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
9. Gently guide the Bluetooth and Airport antenna cables through the opening in the
frame.
10. Set the internal frame aside.
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
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11. Locate the mezzanine board on the logic board.
12. With your fingernail disconnect the Bluetooth antenna cable from the Bluetooth board.
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Mac mini Take Apart
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
13. Remove the two screws on the mezzanine board. Lift the mezzanine board straight up
and off the logic board connector.
to the mezzanine board. Remove the AirPort antenna cable if required to perform the
repair.
Caution:
The AirPort antenna cable is still attached
14. Turn over the mezzanine board. With a jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver remove the
two screws on the Bluetooth board. Pull the Bluetooth board off the connector on the
mezzanine board.
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
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Replacement Procedure
1. Install the Bluetooth board onto tthe mezzanine board. With a jeweler’s #0 Phillips
screwdriver replace the two screws.
2. Connect the mezzanine board to the logic board. With a jeweler’s #0 Phillips
screwdriver replace the two mezzanine board screws.
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Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
3. Connect the Bluetooth antenna cable to the Bluetooth board. Press the cable firmly
onto the Bluetooth board, until it clicks into place. Note: The Bluetooth antenna can be
connected before installing the mezzanine board.
4. Locate the internal frame.
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
Mac mini Take Apart - 37
5. Hold the internal frame over the logic board as shown. Route the AirPort and
Bluetooth antenna cables through the opening in the internal frame.
6. Lower the internal frame into place. Note: Route the power button cable out of the way
of the internal frame.
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Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
7. Route the antenna cables to the right side of the interconnect board on the internal
frame. Lower the internal frame onto the logic board.
8. Replace the three screws on the internal frame.
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
Mac mini Take Apart - 39
9. Replace the Bluetooth antenna and secure the antenna cable with kapton tape.
Important: Take care handling the Bluetooth antenna as a bent or warped antenna
will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
10. Replace the AirPort Extreme antenna and secure the cable with kapton tape.
Important: Take care handling the AirPort antenna as a bent or warped antenna will
affect AirPort connectivity
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Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
11. Gently fasten the antenna onto the internal frame. The antenna is held in place by the
black clip and black post (shown below).
12. Secure the power button cable to the internal frame with the kapton tape.
13. Replace the top housing.
Bluetooth Antenna and Bluetooth Board
Mac mini Take Apart - 41
Antennas, Mezzanine Board,
AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic tool)
• Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing.
Parts
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Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Removal Procedure
1. Locate the AirPort Extreme antenna.
2. Using a black stick, push the black latch (see inset) toward the I/O ports to release the
antenna from the internal frame.
Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Mac mini Take Apart - 43
4. Carefully lift the antenna up and off the internal frame. Free the antenna from the
kapton tape (circled). Important: Take care handling the AirPort antenna as a bent or
warped antenna will affect AirPort connectivity.
5. Set the AirPort antenna off to the side. Note: The AirPort Extreme card and antenna
cable are connected to the mezzanine board located under the internal frame.
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Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
6. Locate the Bluetooth antenna.
7. Pull the Bluetooth antenna up and out of the openings on the plastic rail. Free the
antenna cable from the kapton tape. Important: Take care handling the Bluetooth
antenna as a bent or warped antenna will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Mac mini Take Apart - 45
8. Set the Bluetooth antenna off to the side and out of the way. Note: The Bluetooth
board is connected to the mezzanine board located under the internal frame.
9. Free the power button cable from the kapton tape on the internal frame.
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Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
10. With a jeweler’s # 0 Phillips screwdriver, remove 3 screws on the internal frame.
11. Lift the internal frame straight up.
Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Mac mini Take Apart - 47
12. Gently guide the Bluetooth and Airport antenna cables down through the opening in
the internal frame.
13. Set the internal frame aside.
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Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
14. Locate the mezzanine board on the logic board. To access the AirPort Extreme/
Bluetooth card remove the two screws on the mezzanine board with a jeweler’s # 0
Phillips screwdriver. Pull the mezzanine board straight up and off the logic board
connector.
15. Turn the mezzanine board over to access the screws on the AirPort Extreme/
Bluetooth card.
Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Mac mini Take Apart - 49
16. Remove the screws connecting the AirPort/Bluetooth card to the mezzanine board.
17. Disconnect the antenna(s) from the AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth card. The silver cable
is for Bluetooth and the black cable is for AirPort Extreme.
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Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Replacement Procedure
1. Connect the antennas to the AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth card.
2. Connect the AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth card to the mezzanine board. Replace the two
screws on the AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth card.
Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Mac mini Take Apart - 51
3. Position the AirPort/Bluetooth card onto the mezzanine board.
4. Replace the mezzanine board screws.
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Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
5. Replace the internal frame.
Hold the internal frame over the logic board as shown. Route the AirPort and
Bluetooth antenna cables up through the opening in the internal frame.
6. Lower the internal frame into place. Note: Route the power button cable out of the way
of the internal frame.
Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Mac mini Take Apart - 53
7. Route the antenna cables to the right side of the interconnect board on the internal
frame as you continue lowering the internal frame onto the logic board.
8. Replace the three screws on the internal frame.
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Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
9. Replace the Bluetooth antenna. Secure the antenna cable with kapton tape.
Important: Take care handling the Bluetooth antenna as a bent or warped antenna
will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
10. Replace the AirPort Extreme antenna. Secure the cable with kapton tape. Important:
Take care handling the AirPort antenna as a bent or warped antenna will affect AirPort
connectivity.
Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Mac mini Take Apart - 55
11. Gently fasten the antenna onto the internal frame. The antenna is held in place by the
black clip and black post (shown below).
12. Secure the power button cable to the internal frame with the kapton tape.
13. Replace the top housing.
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Antennas, Mezzanine Board, AirPort Extreme/Bluetooth Card
Internal Frame
Tools
The only tool required for this procedure is a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing.
Part Location
Internal Frame
Mac mini Take Apart - 57
Removal Procedure
1. Free the power button cable from the kapton tape on the internal frame.
2. Locate the Bluetooth antenna.
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Internal Frame
3. Pull the Bluetooth antenna up and out of the openings on the plastic rail. Free the
antenna cable from the kapton tape. Important: Take care handling the Bluetooth
antenna as a bent or warped antenna will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
4. Set the Bluetooth antenna off to the side and out of the way. Note: The Bluetooth
board and antenna cable are connected to the mezzanine board located under the
internal frame.
Internal Frame
Mac mini Take Apart - 59
5. Locate the AirPort antenna.
6. Using the black stick push the black latch (see inset) toward the I/O ports to release
the antenna from the internal frame.
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Internal Frame
7. Carefully lift the antenna off the frame. Free the antenna from the kapton tape
(circled). Important: Take care handling the AirPort antenna as a bent or warped
antenna will affect AirPort connectivity
8. Set the AirPort antenna off to the side. Note: The AirPort card and antenna cable are
connected to the mezzanine board located under the internal frame.
Internal Frame
Mac mini Take Apart - 61
9. WIth a jeweler’s # 0 Phillips screwdriver remove three screws on the internal frame.
10. Lift the internal frame straight up.
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Internal Frame
11. Gently guide the Bluetooth and Airport antenna cables down through the opening in
the frame. Set the antenna cables off to the side.
12. The following parts are connected to the internal frame (black plastic):
• hard drive
• optical drive
• fan
• speaker
• interconnect board
Refer to the individual take-apart procedures to remove or replace any of these parts.
Internal Frame
Mac mini Take Apart - 63
Replacement Procedure
1. If you removed any service parts from the internal frame, replace them.
2. Hold the internal frame over the logic board as shown. Route the AirPort and
Bluetooth antenna cables up through the opening in the internal frame.
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Internal Frame
3. Lower the internal frame into place. Note: Route the power button cable out of the way
of the internal frame.
4. Route the antenna cables to the right side of the interconnect board on the internal
frame as you continue lowering the internal frame onto the logic board.
Internal Frame
Mac mini Take Apart - 65
5. Replace the three screws on the internal frame.
6. Replace the Bluetooth antenna and secure the antenna cable with kapton tape.
Important: Take care handling the Bluetooth antenna as a bent or warped antenna
will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
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Internal Frame
7. Replace the AirPort Extreme antenna and secure the cable with kapton tape
Important: Take care handling the AirPort antenna as a bent or warped antenna will
affect AirPort connectivity.
8. Gently fasten the antenna onto the internal frame. The antenna is held in place by the
black clip and black post (shown below).
Internal Frame
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9. Secure the power button cable to the internal frame with the kapton tape.
10. Replace the top housing.
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Internal Frame
Hard Drive
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Phillips #2 screwdriver, angled
• Phillips #0 screwdriver
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing and the internal frame.
Part Location
Hard Drive
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Removal Procedure
1. Locate the internal frame.
2. Turn over the internal frame to locate the hard drive.
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Hard Drive
3. With a jeweler’s #0 screwdriver remove the three fan screws.
4. Flip the fan to the left to access the hard drive screws (see next step).
Hard Drive
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5. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two hard drive screws (shown by the
dotted line) on the internal frame. You may need an angled screwdriver to access the
screw on the right. Important: Don’t remove the kapton tape from the internal frame
near the screw on the right. The hole is covered to direct airflow within the internal
frame.
4. Remove the remaining two hard drive screws and disconnect the fan and speaker
cables.
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Hard Drive
5. Remove the kapton tape to release the cables.
6. WIth a black stick or other nonconductive tool, pry the hard drive off the connector on
the interconnect board. Lift the hard drive out of the internal frame and set it aside.
Hard Drive
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Replacement Procedure
1. WIth the colored side of the hard drive face up, place the hard drive into the internal
frame and connect it to the black connector on the interconnect board.
2. Replace the kapton tape.
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Hard Drive
3. Replace two screws and connect the fan and speaker cables to the interconnect
board.
4. Replace the two hard drive screws on the inside of the internal frame.
Hard Drive
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4. Flip the fan back into the internal frame.
4. Replace the three fan screws.
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Hard Drive
5. Make sure the fan cables are routed and tucked under the clip as shown.
6. Turn the internal frame over
7. Replace the internal frame.
Hard Drive
8. Replace the top housing.
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Optical Drive
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic tool)
• Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin remove the following:
• Top housing
• AirPort antenna (if present)
• Bluetooth antenna (if present)
Part Location
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Optical Drive
Removal Procedure
1. Using a jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver, remove the four optical drive screws and the
two interconnect board screws.
2. Using a black stick, pry the optical drive off the interconnect board (#1) and slide the
optical drive (#2) off the internal frame.
Optical Drive
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Replacement Procedure
1. Connect the optical drive to the interconnect board and replace the two interconnect
board screws.
2. Note: If you are installing a replacement drive, install the EMI gasket (that came with
the replacement optical drive) on the top and center of the optical drive.
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Optical Drive
3. Replace the four optical drive screws.
4. Replace the Bluetooth antenna (if present).
5. Replace the AirPort antenna (if present).
6. Replace the top housing.
Optical Drive
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Fan
Tools
The only tool required for this procedure is a jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver.
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing and the internal frame.
Part Location
Note: The fan is located under the optical drive.
.
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Fan
Removal Procedure
1. Turn over the internal frame to locate the fan. Remove the three fan screws with a
jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver.
2. Free the fan cable from the clip on the internal frame.
Fan
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4. Remove the tape securing the fan and speaker cables.
4. Free the fan cable (top cable) from another clip on the inside of the internal frame.
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Fan
4. Disconnect the fan cable (on the right) from the interconnect board.
4. Lift the fan out of the internal frame.
Fan
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Replacement Procedure
1. Locate the fan. Orient the fan with the cable on the left and the print on the label facing
right-side-up (as shown below).
2. Place the fan in the internal frame.
3. Replace three fan screws, the kapton tape, and connect the fan cable (on the right) to
the interconnect board.
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Fan
4. Route the fan cable through the clip on the inside of the internal frame.
5. Route the fan cable under the clip on the outside of the internal frame.
Fan
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6. Turn over the internal frame.
7. Replace the internal frame.
8. Replace the top housing.
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Fan
Interconnect Board
Tools Required
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Black stick or nonconductive tool
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing and the internal frame.
Part Location
Interconnect Board
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Removal Procedure
1. Locate the interconnect board. Using a a jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver, remove the
two screws.
2. Turn over the internal frame. Disconnect the speaker cable (on the left) and fan cable
(on the right) from the interconnect board.
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Interconnect Board
3. WIth a black stick or other nonconductive tool, slightly pry the interconnect board off
hard drive pins. With your fingers wiggle the interconnect board off the hard drive pins.
Caution: Be careful not to bend the hard drive pins.
Interconnect Board
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Replacement Procedure
1. WIth the gold pins on the interconnect board facing up, press the interconnect board
onto the hard drive and optical drive connectors. Replace the optical drive screws
(circled). Caution: Be careful not to bend the hard drive pins when connecting the
interconnect board.
2. Connect the speaker cable (on the left) and fan cable (on the right) to the interconnect
board.
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Interconnect Board
3. Turn over the internal frame.
4. Replace the internal frame.
5. Replace the top housing.
Interconnect Board
Mac mini Take Apart - 93
Memory
Tools
The only tool required for this procedure is a Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver.
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing.
Part Location
94 - Mac mini Take Apart
Memory
Removal Procedure
1. Remove the Bluetooth antenna and the kapton tape. Important: Take care handling
the Bluetooth antenna as a bent or warped antenna will affect Bluetooth connectivity.
Set the antenna off to the side.
2. To release the memory from its slot, push down on the two side latches. Then pull the
memory module out of the slot. Caution: Be careful that the latch on the left doesn’t
damage the EMI clip near the I/O port.
Memory
Mac mini Take Apart - 95
Replacement Procedure
1. Replace the memory module by lining up the notch on the module with the notch on
the slot.
2. Press firmly on the memory module until it clicks into place. Use your thumb and index
finger to push the module into the slot. The clips will secure the memory in place.
3. Replace the Bluetooth antenna and kapton tape. Important: Take care handling the
Bluetooth antenna as a bent or warped antenna will affect Bluetooth connectivity
4. Replace the top housing.
96 - Mac mini Take Apart
Memory
Mezzanine Board
Tools
This procedure requires the following tools:
• Jeweler’s #0 Phillips screwdriver
• Black stick (or other nonconductive nylon or plastic tool)
Preliminary Steps
Before you begin, remove the top housing and the internal frame.
Part Location
Mezzanine Board
Mac mini Take Apart - 97
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