mac mini mid 2010
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Apple Technician Guide
Mac mini (Mid 2010)
Mac mini (Mid 2010) and Mac mini Server (Mid 2010)
Updated 2010-8-3
Apple Inc.
© 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Under the copyright laws, this document may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the
written consent of Apple.
Every eort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate. Apple
is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
Apple
1 Innite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014-2084
USA
+ 1 408 996 1010
www.apple.com
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.
and other countries.
Mac mini (Mid 2010)
Contents
About This Guide
Manual Updates 7
Update 3 August 2010 7
Apple Technician Guide introduced 15 June 2010 7
Feedback 7
Basics
Overview 9
Identifying Features 10
Product Congurations 10
Service Part Congurations 11
System Serial Number Location 11
Troubleshooting
General Troubleshooting 13
Update System Software 13
Apple Diagnostics 13
Troubleshooting Theory 13
Hardware vs. Software 13
Common Reset Procedures 14
Wireless Troubleshooting 15
Block Diagram 16
Functional Overview 17
Symptom Charts 18
Startup and Power 18
No Power, Dead Unit 18
Won’t Start Up 21
Intermittent Shutdown 24
Kernel Panic, System Crashes 28
No Video 30
Corrupted Video 31
Burnt Smell/Odor 33
Noise, Hum, Vibration 34
Communications 37
AirPort/Bluetooth Issues 37
Ethernet Port/Device Issue 41
Wireless Input Device Doesn’t Pair 43
Display 47
No Video 47
Uncategorized Symptom 50
Mass Storage 51
Hard Drive(s) Not Recognized 51
Hard Drive Read/Write Error 53
Hard Drive Noisy 54
Optical Drive Won’t Accept/Eject Media 59
Optical Drive Not Performing to Specications 62
Optical Drive Noisy 63
Uncategorized Symptoms 65
Input/Output Devices 66
Apple Remote Inoperable 66
Audio: Built-in Speaker Has Distorted Sound 67
Audio: Built-in Speaker Has No Audio 68
Audio: No Audio through HDMI or Mini DisplayPort connection. 70
FireWire Devices Not Recognized 71
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Will Not Insert Into Slot 73
SD (Secure Digital) Memory Card Not Recognized By System 74
USB Devices Not Recognized 76
Wired Keyboard Does Not Function Properly 78
Keyboard: Specic Keys Do Not Respond 80
Wired Keyboard/Mouse Not Recognized 80
Uncategorized Symptoms 82
Mechanical 83
Noise/Hum/Vibration 83
System Runs Hot 85
Physical Damage 86
Uncategorized Symptoms 87
Take Apart
General Information 89
Tools 89
Cosmetic Care 89
Reassembly Steps 89
Connector Types on Logic Board 90
Thermal Sensor Replacement 91
Logic Board EMI Fingers and Gaskets 97
Logic Board Return 97
First Remove Hierarchy 98
Icon Legend 99
Note About Images In This Guide 99
Bottom Cover 100
Removal 101
Reassembly 102
Memory 103
Fan 106
Reassembly 108
Cowling 109
Reassembly 110
Antenna Plate 111
Reassembly 113
Logic Board 115
Removal 116
Reassembly 122
AirPort/Bluetooth Combo Card 123
Speaker 126
Battery 129
Hard Drive 131
Removal 132
Reassembly 133
Power Supply 134
Reassembly 137
Optical Drive /
Hard Drive (Server) 138
IR Board and Cable 141
Reassembly 142
Housing 144
Views
Exploded View 146
Exploded View (Server) 147
Screw Chart 148
External Views 149
Front View 149
Front View - Server 149
Port View 150
Apple Technician Guide
About This Guide
Mac mini (Mid 2010)
Mac mini (Mid 2010) and Mac mini Server (Mid 2010)
© 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Manual Updates
Update 3 August 2010
Take Apart:
• Added information and replacement procedures for thermal sensors to the General
Information, Hard Drive, Optical Drive and Views chapters.
• Added additional graphic to Memory chapter showing a pulling action with ngers to verify
fully seated memory.
Apple Technician Guide introduced 15 June 2010
This manual covers the two Mac mini products developed in Mid 2010:
• Mac mini (Mid 2010)
• Mac mini Server (Mid 2010)
Feedback
We want your feedback to help improve this and future Technician Guides!
Please email any comments to: smfeedback5@apple.com
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Basics — Manual Updates 7
Apple Technician Guide
Basics
Mac mini (Mid 2010)
Mac mini (Mid 2010) and Mac mini Server (Mid 2010)
© 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
Overview
Introducing the Mac mini (Mid 2010) with a completely new slimline aluminum housing design,
HDMI port, SD card slot, integrated power supply, and easy access to memory and internal parts.
This manual covers the two Mac mini products developed in Mid 2010:
• Mac mini (Mid 2010), shown above on left
• Mac mini Server (Mid 2010), shown above on right
The Mac mini (Mid 2010) is a follow-on product to the Mac mini (Late 2009).
• Main changes from the previous model (Mac mini (Late 2009)) are:
• Easy customer-installable RAM access
• Logic board assembly removal requires a special tool:
- Logic board removal tool: 922-9588
• HDMI port (instead of Mini-DVI)
• SD card slot
• 4 USB ports (instead of 5)
• No Interconnect board
• Internal power supply
• Take Apart:
• Take apart method is completely dierent
• All parts are new and specic to the Mid 2010
• No-tool access through the bottom cover
• A new tool is required to remove the logic board assembly
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Basics — Overview 9
Identifying Features
The Mac mini (Mid 2010) computer features include:
• Low-prole housing design
• Service access is through the bottom cover, which is removed without tools.
• HDMI port
• SD card slot
• 4 USB ports
• Internal power supply
• Increased processor speeds:
- 2.4 GHz Dual-Core
- 2.66 GHz Dual-Core (CTO and Server)
• NVDIA GeForce 320M graphics
• Memory:
- 2GB
- 4GB (CTO)
- 8GB (CTO and Server)
• Hard drives:
- 320 GB, SATA, 5400
- 500 GB, SATA, 5400 (CTO)
- dual 500 GB SATA, 7200 (Server)
• Mac OS X Snow Leopard
Product Congurations
To conrm the conguration from the Apple menu, choose About This Mac. The processor
listing will show the speed of the processor followed by the processor type.
For product congurations, refer to Apple Support Tech Specs: http://support.apple.com/
specs/
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Basics — Overview 10
Service Part Congurations
• Logic board assembly removal requires a special tool:
- Logic board removal tool (922-9588)
• Although the thermal sensor on the ex cable of the top hard drive can be replaced by
replacing the ex cable, the other thermal sensors on the hard drives or optical drive are not
replaceable. To replace the sensor, a replacement drive must be ordered.
• The logic board assembly consists of:
- logic board, with battery
- I/O wall, including two antennas
- speaker and screws
- wireless card ex cable
- wireless card screws
- cowling snap screw
System Serial Number Location
The Mac mini (Mid 2010) serial number is located on the bottom of the housing.
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Basics — Overview 11
Apple Technician Guide
Troubleshooting
Mac mini (Mid 2010)
Mac mini (Mid 2010) and Mac mini Server (Mid 2010)
© 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
General Troubleshooting
Update System Software
Important: Whenever possible before beginning troubleshooting, ensure the latest software
and rmware updates have been applied.
Firmware is the name given to software that is written into memory circuits such as ash
memory, that will hold the software code indenitely, even when power is removed from the
hardware. Firmware on Intel Mac computers is designed to be updated if necessary by running
the Mac OS X Software Update check (available in the Apple menu) while the computer is
connected to the Internet. For more information about rmware updates, refer to:
About rmware updates for Intel-based Macs—kBase # HT1557
Apple Diagnostics
Run diagnostics to determine if any of the modules are malfunctioning.
• Mac mini (Mid 2010): Apple Diagnostics: 3S139
• Mac mini Server (Mid 2010): Apple Server Diagnostics: 3X107
• Apple Hardware Test: 3A191 (not used for server)
Troubleshooting Theory
For general information on troubleshooting theory, go to GSX and nd the Service Training
course menu link. From there you can access the Troubleshooting Theory self-paced course.
Hardware vs. Software
For information on how to isolate a hardware issue from a software issue, refer to:
Isolating issues in Mac OS X—kBase #TS1388
For information on how to troubleshoot a software issue, refer to:
Mac OS X: How to troubleshoot a software issue—kBase #HT1199
Mac OS X: Troubleshooting installation and software updates—kBase #TS1394
Troubleshooting Mac OS X installation from CD or DVD—kBase #HT2956
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 13
Common Reset Procedures
When a reset procedure is required for troubleshooting, follow the applicable steps:
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
To reset power management via the SMC chip:
1. Unplug all cables from computer, including power cord.
2. Wait at least 15 seconds. The SMC reset occurs automatically once the Mac mini has been
unplugged from AC power source for several seconds.
3. Plug power cord back in, making sure power button is not being pressed.
4. Reconnect keyboard and mouse to computer.
5. Press power button on back to start up computer.
Resetting the SMC means you will also need to reset the date and time (using the Date & Time
pane of System Preferences).
Resetting the Parameter RAM (PRAM)
To reset PRAM,
1. If the computer is on, turn it o.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to
hold these keys down simultaneously in Step 4.
Note: If the keyboard does not have an Option key, use the Alt key instead.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys.
Important: You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the
second time.
6. Release the keys.
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 14
Starting Up in Safe Mode
A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. To start up into Safe Mode
(Safe Boot),
1. Make sure the computer is shut down.
2. Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not
before.
4. Release the Shift key when you see the screen with the gray Apple and progress indicator
(looks like a spinning gear). During startup, ”Safe Boot” appears on the Mac OS X startup
screen. To leave Safe Mode, restart the computer normally, without holding down any keys
during startup.
For more information:
http://www.apple.com/support
Mac OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?—kBase #HT1564
Safe Boot takes longer than normal startup—kBase #TS1884
Wireless Troubleshooting
If you’re having issues with AirPort and wireless mouse or keyboard connectivity issues, refer to
the following Knowledge Base articles:
• Troubleshooting wireless mouse and keyboard issues—kBase #TS3048
• AirPort and Bluetooth: Potential sources of interference for wireless devices and
networks—kBase #HT1365
• Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: How to install batteries—kBase #HT3903
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 15
Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
Core 2 Duo
Processor
Line In/
Digital In
Line Out/
SIL
Digital
Out
Internal
Internal
speaker
Speaker
amp
Audio
Codec
System
Management
Controller
DDR3 DIMM
DRAM Channel-0
DDR3 DIMM
DRAM Channel-1
SPI ROM
Power
system
management
Dual-channel
128 bit Memory
Controller
DDR3 1066MHz
SMBus
SPI ROM
Interface
HD AUDIO
Serial ATA
6 devices
FSB
1066Mhz
GeForce
320M
GPU
System
Clocks
USB 2.0
12 ports
DP0/TMDS0
DP1/TMDS0
PCIe x1
RGMII
PCI (4 ports)
PCIe x1
PCIe x1
Ethernet/
SD Controller
PCIe x1
FireWire
MDI
Mini-DP
Connector
HMDI
Connector
Delta
LFE
FW800
Ethernet
10/100/1000 Mbit
SD/XC
Reader
2x AP antennas
Card
Temp/Volt/
Current
Sensors
2010-08-03
Optical
ODD
HDD
SATA
HDD
SATA
AirPort/Bluetooth Card
USB
USB
USB
IR Receiver
4 rear USB Connectors
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 16
Functional Overview
ODD Thermal Sensor :
- fan running fast
Fan :
- not running or running fast
- system freezes
- intermittent shutdown
Ambient Thermal sensor :
- fan running fast
- system freezes
- intermittent shutdown
SATA Optical Drive
(or 2nd SATA Hard Drive):
- no ODD visible in profiler
- no boot from optical drive
- media does not insert
- no second HDD visible in
- slower burning speed
profiler
- system freezes
InfraRed Sensor + sleep
LED :
- no infrared reception
cable)
- no power ON (shorted
- no sleep led status.
Power Supply (on opposite
side of logic board):
- no power on
supply thermal sensor not
read).
- intermittent shutdown
- fan running fast (power
HD Thermal Sensor :
- fan running fast
- hard drive failure
Power ON button :
- system freezes
is pressed
(on opposite side of logic
board):
- no power on when button
2010-08-03
drive
SATA Hard Drive :
- no HDD visible in profiler
- no boot from internal hard
wireless driver)
Internal Speaker :
Airport/Bluetooth Card :
- cannot enable Bluetooth
- cannot enable AirPort
- kernel panic (when loading
- no internal speaker sound
speaker
- distorted sound from internal
Backup Battery (on opposite
side of logic board) :
- lost date and time settings
- lost other settings
- no startup/video
Heatsink Thermal Sensor :
- fan running fast
- intermittent shutdown
Memory Modules:
- no boot
- system freeze or kernel panic
- video artifacts
- system freezes
Functional Overview:
Connector locations, and the
possible symptoms when cable is
disconnected, mis-connected or
shorted.
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 17
Symptom Charts
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the system
to verify.
Note: A compilation of Quick Check tables is available at:
http://service.info.apple.com/QRS/en/quickreference.pdf
Startup and Power
No Power, Dead Unit
Unlikely cause: speakers
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
No Power, Dead Unit
• No power
• No LED
• No fan spin
• No startup chime
• No image on external display
• No hard drive or optical drive
activity
1. Verify power source.
2. Verify power cable.
3. Listen closely for signs of activity from system
including: rotating fans, hard drive or optical drive
activity, startup chime, etc. If there is activity then
go to the ‘Startup and Power Issues’ symptom
ow.
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 18
Deep Dive
Unlikely cause: speakers
Check Result Action Code
1. Connect AC to computer and
press the power button on
system. Verify if there is any
indication that the system has
powered up (fan rotation, hard
drive or optical drive noise, ...).
2. Reseat the installed SDRAM
memory module(s) and retest.
Does the computer start up
properly now?
3. Replace installed SDRAM
memory module(s) with
known-good one. Does the
computer start up properly
now?
4. Remove bottom cover,
disconnect AirPort antenna
and remove shield, disconnect
and remove fan and cowling,
then disconnect the following
cables from logic board before
being able to extract it :HDD,
ODD/HDD, Ambient sensor,
HD sensor, ODD/HD sensor, IR/
LED cable. Check and reseat
power button cable connection
to logic board and verify if the
unit powers on.
Yes The system is powering up.
Jump to Won’t Start Up
symptom ow.
No Go to step 2.
Yes Badly seated SDRAM memory
module. Reseating it resolved
issue.
No Go to step 3
Yes Replace defective user’s
SDRAM memory module.
No Go to step 4
Yes Reseating the power button
connector on logic board
resolved the issue.
No Go to step 5.
2010-08-03
5. Remove the coin battery on
the logic board, and leave out
for approximately 1 minute.
Then reinstall the battery. This
will reset the logic board. Does
the computer startup properly
now?
Yes Issue resolved by logic board
reset. Measure DC voltage
on the battery touching the
battery with the red probe,
and grounding with the black
probe. If voltage is 2.7v or less,
replace the battery. See KBase
article http://support.apple.
com/kb/HT3250 for details
on using a digital multi-meter.
No Go to step 6.
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 19
M20
6. Disconnect power button
connector from logic board and
short the two power button
connector pins on logic board.
Verify if the unit powers on.
Yes Replace Power Button
assembly
No Go to step 7
X03
7. Disconnect AirPort/Bluetooth
card, Hard Drive, Optical Drive
and LED/IR Sensor cables from
logic board. Connect AC cable
and press the power button to
verify if a startup error tone is
heard.
8. Disconnect the power supply
cable from logic board ,
connect AC cable and use
a multimeter to verify that
a 12 Volts voltage is present
between the two outer pins
of cable. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/
HT3250 for details on using a
digital multi-meter
Yes Reconnect one by one each
device and retest to identify
the shorting one. When
found, replace aected device
cable rst, and retest.
No Go to step 8
Yes Power supply is present.
Replace logic board and
retest.
No Replace cable between power
supply and logic board and
retest.
If issue persists after cable
was replaced, replace power
supply and retest.
X03
M01
X03
P01
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 20
Won’t Start Up
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Won’t Start Up
• No startup chime
• Error tones during startup.
• Grey screen with fan noise, or
other noise.
• Will not progress beyond
Apple logo or spinning gear.
1. Isolate by starting up from :
-the original install DVD media inserted in Mac
mini optical drive or in the optical drive of
another computer set up in FireWire Target Disk
Mode ,
-from the same Mac mini model setup in FireWire
Target Disk Mode,
-from a compatible known-good OS on an
external drive.
Note that both AirPort and Bluetooth services are
available when booted from the Mac mini Install
DVD.
2. Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored,
corrupted information.
3. Start up in Safe Mode by holding the shift key
down during startup to load only required kernel
extensions and disable all startup and login
items. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
4. If system generates error tones there may be an
issue with the SDRAM or backup battery. See
KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2341
2010-08-03
5. Identifying when in the startup process the
computer hangs can help isolate the issue.
See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2674
for information on the Macintosh startup
sequence, error codes and symbols used.
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 21
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Insert Mac mini Install DVD in
optical drive (or in the optical
drive of another computer
set up in FireWire Target Disk
Mode) and boot the computer
with the D keyboard key
pressed to run Apple Hardware
Test. Does the computer boot
up to this volume?
2. Remove the installed SDRAM,
and test with known-good
SDRAM. Does the computer
startup properly now?
3. Connect a known-good 10.6.X
up-to-date bootable external
USB drive, FireWire drive, or
similar system setup in FireWire
Target Disk Mode, and press the
Alt key on startup to select and
attempt to boot from it. Does
it boot?
Yes Run the extended tests
and proceed with results. If
AHT passes or boots with a
memory error, go to step 2.
No Go to step 2.
Yes SDRAM issue. Replace SDRAM.
Issue resolved.
No Go to step 3.
Yes Use the Apple System Proler
to check for presence of both
Hard Drive and Optical SATA
drives. Run Disk First Aid to
check internal hard drive
health and repair (check
SMART Status, Repair disk and
Privileges).
If the hard drive in not
recognized, go to Hard Drive
Not Recognized
X02
4. Remove bottom cover,
disconnect AirPort antenna
and remove shield, disconnect
and remove fan and cowling,
then disconnect the following
cables from logic board before
being able to extract it :HDD,
ODD/HDD, Ambient sensor, HD
sensor, ODD/HD sensor, IR/LED
cable. Is there a gray screen
with a ashing folder?
If the optical drive is not
recognized, go to Optical
Drive not recognized.
No Go to Step 4.
Yes Reconnect only the optical /
second hard drive cable to
logic board and go to Step 5
No Replace logic board. M02
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 22
5. Power on system, press the C
key on keyboard , insert the
original Mac mini 10.6.X Install
DVD in internal optical drive (or
in the optical drive of another
computer set up in FireWire
Target Disk Mode) and attempt
to boot from it. Does it boot?
Yes Reconnect the hard drive
cable to logic board and go
to step 6
No If the optical drive is not
recognized, go to Optical
Drive not recognized.
6. Power on system, press the Alt
key on keyboard and attempt
to boot the system from the
Internal hard drive. Does it
boot?
Yes System is booting. Issue does
No If the hard drive in not
Intermittent Shutdown
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Intermittent Shutdown
• Powers o during startup.
• Powers o during desktop use.
• Computer restarts
spontaneously.
• Powers o when waking from
sleep.
1. Isolate OS by starting up from original Install
media for the computer, the same make and
model computer in Target Disk Mode, or
compatible known-good OS on an external drive.
Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available
when booted from the Install disk.
2. Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored,
corrupted information.
not happen anymore.
recognized, go to Hard Drive
Not Recognized
2010-08-03
3. Start up in Safe Mode by holding the shift key
down during startup to load only required kernel
extensions and disable all startup and login
items. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
4. Open System Preferences > Energy Saver >
Schedule and make sure that a ‘Shut Down’ event
is not scheduled.
5. Make sure that power cord is securely attached to
the back of the computer, and is not hindered by
a desk or other furniture.
6. Plug the computer directly into an AC outlet to
test whether a surge protector, outlet strip, or UPS
is causing the issue.
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 23
Intermittent Shutdown
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive
Troubleshooting Shutdown Causes
Always run the latest available service utilities, to look for the possible cause of a previous
shutdown. These utilities will permit to isolate any abnormal value readings from the thermal,
voltage, or current sensor(s), and from the fan(s) speed meter(s).
Collect all available info from user on shut down occurrence details: periodicity, connected
devices, running applications, running time before shutdown.
Shutdown events could be categorized between four dierent types of causes.
User-related shut downs :
A computer shut down event may be caused by user operation. Shutting down the computer
(by selecting the Shutdown menu, by keeping pressed the Power button for at least 4 seconds,
or by programming a timed shutdown in the Energy Saver preferences) should not be
considered as a failure unless the power button is found to be defective, so the suggested steps
for troubleshooting will be:
- to reset the SMC,
- to check Energy Saver preferences settings,
- to check the Power On button functionality, and its secure connection to logic board.
Activity-related system shut downs :
- system could not succeed the standard shutdown process and had to force shutdown,
- an installed watchdog detected that an application did not respond within specied time (this
watchdog can be enabled on Mac OS X Server Energy Saver preferences)
These shut downs may be linked to system settings, devices drivers, applications or operating
system freezes, so the suggested steps for troubleshooting will be:
- to check the system logs and activity monitor utility for clues on the freezing process,
- to check for available software and rmware updates for installed device drivers, applications,
or operating system,
- to start the system from a known-good and up-to-date bootable drive for issue reproduction.
Power-related system shut downs :
-External AC power source was removed,
-External AC power source was removed and UPS battery went empty.
These shut downs are due to power management, poor connections or defective power
sources so the suggested steps for troubleshooting will be :
- to reset SMC,
-to check secure AC cable and power supply connection to logic board,
-
Hardware-related system shut downs:
- one of the temperature sensors reached a specied temperature limit,
- one of the voltage sensors reached a specied voltage limit,
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 24
- one of the current sensors reached a specied current limit,
These shut downs are due to temperature, voltage, current, fan speed or other hardware related
sensor values getting out of range, so the suggested steps for troubleshooting will be:
- to check for all sensors connections and values using the latest available service utilities and
Apple Service Diagnostics,
- to check for fan(s) operation,
- to check for cleanliness of the heatsink ns and the air ows,
- to check for correct seating of the heatsink on logic board and presence of adequate thermal
material.
Quick Check
Symptom Quick Check
Intermittent shutdown
• Powers o during startup
• Powers o during desktop use
1. Collect details from customer on shutdown
occurrence and system conguration when it
happens (on startup, when running for a while,
frequency of shutdowns, running applications,
shutdown repeatability). If shutdown can be easily
reproduced, check next steps:
2. Check AC cable connection with system
3. Reset SMC and PRAM
4. Start up with shift key down for safe mode check
5. Startup from known-good bootable device
6. Run latest available service utilities for sensors +
thermal tests
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Power related shutdown :
Check with known-good AC
cable.
Verify if the shutdown issues
disappear with known-good
AC cable.
Yes Faulty user’s AC cable. Replace
user’s AC cable.
No Symptoms unchanged - Go
to step 2
X03
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 25
2. Activity related shutdowns:
Reset SMC and PRAM and
verify that shutdown issue still
happens.
Yes Check with booting from
known-good bootable drive:
go to step 3
No Shutdown cause was related
to SMC or Pram programmed
shutdown settings or
corruption, and was resolved
by reverting them to default
settings.
3. Boot from a known-good
bootable drive (external
bootable drive or similar
system set as FireWire Target
mode) , verify that shutdown
issue still happens.
4. Hardware-related shutdowns:
Run the latest available service
diagnostics and verify if a
sensor failure is reported.
Yes Go to step 4
No Shutdown events do not
happen on known-good OS.
Reinstall Mac OS on customer
hard drive, update OS with
latest version and check if any
rmware update is available.
Yes -If a Temperature or a Fan
sensor failure is reported, go
to step 5
-If a Voltage or a Current
sensor failure is reported,
replace logic board.
No Setup ASD to loop test suite
for burn in tests and go to
step 5. If no failure is found
after burn in tests, return unit
to customer for no failure
found.
M23
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 26
5. Verify if a thermal sensor or
fan failure is reported by latest
available service diagnostics.
Yes - If a fan failure is reported,
check for fan cable seating
and retest. If same failure
happens when retesting,
replace fan with known-good
one and retest. If issue does
not happen anymore with
the known-good fan, replace
user’s fan.
- If a thermal failure is
reported, check for cause of
excessive temperature, (like
clogged fan, disconnected
sensor cable, obstructed
vent, dust in heatsink n) and
retest. If still failing locate
aected sensor and replace
it if available as a standalone
part, or replace part where
sensor is integrated (logic
board, power supply,
heatsink) according to the
sensor location table . Go to
step 6
X22
X03
M23
P17
X10
6. Isolate if issue solved.
Verify if shutdown/issue does
not happen anymore after part
exchange.
No Replace Thermal module
Go to step 6
Yes Issue xed
No Replace logic board with
corresponding symptom:
-if for thermal error cause
-if for other cause
X10
M18
M08
2010-08-03
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 27
Kernel Panic, System Crashes
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
Kernel Panic, System Crashes
• Kernel Panic on startup or
desktop use.
• System freeze during use.
• System freeze upon wake from
sleep.
1. Isolate OS by starting up system from original
Mac mini Install DVD, from the same model of
computer setup in Target Disk Mode, or from
compatible known-good OS on an external drive.
Both AirPort and Bluetooth services are available
when booted from the Install disk.
2. Ensure that all software and rmware updates
for the computer have been installed to take
advantage of any available bug xes.
3. Reset SMC and PRAM to clear any stored,
corrupted information.
4. Start up in Safe Mode by holding the shift key
down during startup to load only required kernel
extensions and disable all startup and login
items. See KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1564
5. Check the panic.log, located /Library/Logs/
Panicreporter, for information in the backtrace
that may give clues about which hardware driver
was loading when kernel panic occurred.
6. For more information on kernel panics refer to
KBase article
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1392
2010-08-03
Deep Dive
Check Result Action Code
1. Run the latest available service
utilities, or try to run the Apple
Hardware Test (with or without
the Install DVD available) by
pressing the D keyboard key
on startup. Does the computer
boot up to any of these
diagnostics?
Yes Run all available tests and
proceed with results. If
diagnostics still boot with a
kernel panic, go to step 2.
No Go to step 2.
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 28
2. Remove all external peripheral
devices including keyboard and
mouse. Does computer now
start without any kernel panic?
Yes Add peripheral devices one at
a time and restart each time
until the kernel panic repeats.
Replace device whose
addition causes the issue.
No Go to step 3.
3. Use known-good SDRAM in
the system. Does the computer
start without kernel panic now?
4. Remove bottom cover,
disconnect AirPort antenna
and remove shield, disconnect
and remove fan and cowling,
then disconnect the following
cables from logic board before
being able to extract it :HDD,
ODD/HDD, Ambient sensor, HD
sensor, ODD/HD sensor, IR/LED
cable. Disconnect the AirPort /
Bluetooth card ex cable and
retest. Does the computer start
without kernel panic now?
5. Reconnect the Optical drive (if
present), but do not reconnect
the Hard Drive cable on logic
board and startup from the
original Mac mini Install DVD
inserted in internal optical drive
(if present, or in the optical
drive from another computer
setup in Target Disk Mode),
or from and external volume.
Does the computer start
without kernel panic now?
Yes Install user’s SDRAM and test.
If kernel panic repeats, replace
SDRAM. Verify that the correct
SDRAM type is being used.
No Go to step 4.
Yes Go to AirPort Card Kernel
Panic symptom ow.
No Go to step 5.
Yes Go to Hard Drive Not
Recognized symptom ow.
No Go to step 6
X01
2010-08-03
6. Disconnect the Optical Drive/
Second Hard Drive cable from
logic board and test. Does the
computer start without kernel
panic now?
Yes Go to Optical Drive not
recognized symptom ow if
an optical drive is present,
Go to Hard Drive Not
Recognized symptom ow. If
a second hard drive is present
No Replace logic board. M06
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 29
No Video
Unlikely cause: hard drive, optical drive, speakers
Quick Check
Symptoms Quick Check
No Video
• No image.
1. Inquire which video port and cable is used by
customer.
2. Check connectors and cables for pin damage.
3. Check both computer DisplayPort and HDMI
connections with known-good displays.
4. (DisplayPort) If DisplayPort to DVI adapter cable
is used in customer’s conguration, check it on a
known-good computer
5. (HDMI) If issue only happens on customer’s HDMI
display, make sure that he selected the correct AV
input, that he connected directly the computer to
display and that he is using known-good HDMI
cable.
6. Reset SMC.
7. Go to Deep Dive.
Deep Dive: No Video
Check Result Action Code
2010-08-03
1. Verify boot chime present and
fans running when system
powered ON. (Reset SMC and
clear PRAM if necessary for
proper boot up.)
2. (DisplayPort) Connect
supported external display via
mini DisplayPort. Verify whether
image appears correctly on
external display when system is
booted.
Yes Power ON self test OK. Boot
sequence started.
Go to step 2.
No Go to Won’t Start Up
symptom ow.
Yes Video present. Verify system
functionality and return to
user or jump to appropriate
display troubleshooting ow.
No Go to step 3.
Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 30
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