Apple mac mini User Manual

							
 © 2005 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. 

 
 
 
Service SourceMac mini
 
  
Updated 17 April 2006 
						

							
 Mac mini  - 
 
1
 
 Mac mini 
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. 
						

							
 © 2005 Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved. 

 
 
 
Service SourceTake Apart
 
            Mac mini 
						

							
 Mac mini Take Apart - 
 
1
 
 General Information 
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  
						

							
 
2 -   
 Mac mini Take Apart  General Information 
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.  
						

							
 Mac mini Take Apart - 
 
3
 
 General Information 
Serial Number Location
  The product serial number and Ethernet ID are located on the bottom housing. 
						

							
 
4 -   
 Mac mini Take Apart  General Information 
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 
pads 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. 
						

							
 Mac mini Take Apart - 
 
5
 
 Top Housing 
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 th\
e 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. 
						

							
 
6 -   
 Mac mini Take Apart  Top Housing 
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 
						

							
 Mac mini Take Apart - 
 
7
 
 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 bott\
om 
moves away from the top housing, creating a gap at the top of the I/O pa\
nel.
5. Be careful not to damage the EMI foam on the inside of the top cover.