Apple Mac mini 05-12 Service Manual

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Service Source

Mac mini

Updated 6 December 2005

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

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.

2 - 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: Never use thermal paste in place of the thermal pad. You must replace the thermal pad with a new identical pad.

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. Note: Avoid unnecessary 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.

4. Replace the logic board.

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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: Always shut down the computer before opening it to avoid damaging its 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: Always discharge static before you touch any parts or install any 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.

Top Housing

Mac mini Take Apart - 5

Removal Procedure

Caution: To avoid scratching the case, use caution when using the putty knife.

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 (gray color) is facing up.

3.Hold the putty knife with the beveled edge facing the bottom housing. Insert the tool into the gap where the metal housing and the bottom assembly come together on the left side of the computer. Important: Be extremely careful not to scratch or dent the top or bottom housing when inserting the tool

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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

Mac mini Take Apart - 7

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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Top Housing

8. Set the top housing aside.

Top Housing

Mac mini Take Apart - 9

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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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

Mac mini Take Apart - 11

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

12 - 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.