Computer Tool Kit For Mac Mini Logic Board Removal Tool

Posted : admin On 05.04.2020

This simple tool assists with getting the logic board free to allow access to the hard drive in 2010-up Mac Minis, is nearly indistinguishable from Apple's official logic board removal tool, and considerably easier on your wallet. In the teardown it just show someone putting two screwdrivers into the blind holes and the comment that this saves the Apple-special-tool ('logic board removal tool', probably just a joke). Compatible Mac info.: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac Mini, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac Mini, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Mac Mini Server 922-9588 Removal Tool, Logic Board Mid 2010 A1347, Mac Mini - Mini Server.

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In creating a full-featured desktop computer that takes up as little space as possible, Apple engineered its Mac Mini with tight internal tolerances. While the computer uses a standard 2.5-inch laptop-sized drive, replacing it can be a challenge in your business, and you should attempt it yourself only if you're comfortable with partially disassembling your Mac.

1.

Back up any data you want to retain using Time Machine or the backup service of your choice and make a bootable drive using either your OS X installer app or Lion Disk Maker and a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space.

2.

Unplug all cables from your Mini, turn it upside down and hold it with both hands, placing your thumbs in the indentations in the circular bottom cover. Rotate the cover counter-clockwise until the white dots on the cover and case align. The cover should be loose enough to remove easily. Place the Mini upside down on the table or counter, oriented so the logos printed at the bottom of the case appear upright.

3.

Remove the two fan screws using a Torx T6 screwdriver, lift the fan out of the Mini and gently pull the fan cable connector from the logic board. Set the fan and screws aside.

4.

Remove the screw attaching the cowling at the bottom left using the Torx T6 screwdriver, then lift the top of the cowling and rotate it until you can remove the cowling entirely.

5.

Remove the hard drive connector and IR cable connector from the logic board using the spudger. The hard drive connector looks like a black tab near the lower-left corner of the hard drive. The IR connector is located at the upper-right corner of the logic board, immediately below the hard drive and to the left of the RAM modules.

6.

Remove the four screws around the antenna, using a Torx T8 for the two larger screws and a 2mm hex screwdriver for the two smaller screws. Gently pull the antenna away from the outside of the Mini case until you can access its cable, then either leave it connected or use a spudger to remove the connector from the wireless board.

7.

Remove the two screws from the logic board using the Torx T6 and remove the screw from the case below the logic board using the 2mm hex screwdriver.

8.

Insert the logic board removal tool into the two holes provided for it just above the heat sink and gently push the tool down until you feel its prongs contact the top of the case. Pull the tool back towards you until the internals of the Mini separate slightly from the case.

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9.

Remove the logic board removal tool, push down the clips at the far right and left above the input/output port section and pull the internals toward you about one-half inch.

10.

Pull the hard drive toward you and remove it from the case. Pull the connector off the drive, remove the two mounting pins from the side of the drive using a Torx T8 screwdriver and peel the plastic cover from the drive.

11.

Replace the mounting pins on the side of the new drive, attach the connector and stick the plastic cover over the circuitry side of the drive. If you're replacing your drive with an SSD drive, you won't need the plastic cover.

12.

Push the drive back into position so that the mounting pins fit into the gaskets at the back of the drive bay, then reverse the steps to put your Mini back together.

13.

Connect your Mini, insert your bootable USB thumb drive and restart the computer. When you hear the startup chime, hold down the 'Option' key to boot from the thumb drive and begin reinstalling Mac OS X on your new hard drive.

Things Needed

  • Torx T6 screwdriver
  • Torx T8 screwdriver
  • 2mm hex screwdriver
  • Nylon 'spudger' or pry tool
  • Apple Mac Mini logic board removal tool

Tips

  • It's not necessary to remove the Mini's RAM for this procedure, but you may do so if you wish. To remove the RAM, push the retaining clips on each side. When the top module pops up, slide it out and then slide out the bottom module.
  • The Mac Mini has room for two hard drives, although it doesn't include mounting materials or connections for an additional drive. Third-party manufacturers offer hardware kits for mounting a second drive.

Warnings

  • Damaged caused by disassembling your Mac Mini may not be covered by its warranty. If you're unsure about your ability to perform this procedure, a local Apple Store or Apple authorized repair facility can replace your hard drive for you.
  • Always make sure to discharge any static electricity before you perform maintenance on your computer. Under most conditions, simply touching the Mini's case will discharge any static. For the least amount of static risk, use a grounding strap attached to both your wrist and the Mini's case.
  • Information in this article applies to the Mac Mini models manufactured in 2011 and 2012 and Mac OS X 10.8. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.

References (4)

Resources (2)

About the Author

Michael Cox writes about lifestyle issues, popular culture, sports and technology. In a career spanning more than 10 years, he has contributed to dozens of magazines, books and websites, including MSN.com and 'Adobe Magazine.' Cox holds a professional certificate in technical communications from the University of Washington.

Cite this Article
Choose Citation Style
Cox, Michael. 'How to Change a Mac Mini Hard Drive.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-mac-mini-hard-drive-58690.html. Accessed 07 September 2019.
Cox, Michael. (n.d.). How to Change a Mac Mini Hard Drive. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-mac-mini-hard-drive-58690.html
Cox, Michael. 'How to Change a Mac Mini Hard Drive' accessed September 07, 2019. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/change-mac-mini-hard-drive-58690.html
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An easy fix for a big power boost.

2010 Mac Mini Logic Board Replacement Parts

An easy fix for a big power boost.

Description

Description

  • Simple tool pries the logic board free to allow access to the hard drive in 2010 to 2014 Mac minis.
  • Custom iFixit version is nearly indistinguishable from Apple's official logic board removal tool.

Compatibility

Compatibility

Specifications

Specifications

922-9588

Warranty

Warranty

2.3 GHz (Quad i7)
2.5 GHz (Dual i5)
2.6 GHz (Quad i7)
1.4 GHz (Dual i5)
2.6 GHz (Dual i5)
2.8 GHz (Dual i5)
3.0 GHz (Dual i7)
2.4 GHz (Core 2 Duo, Mid 2010)
2.66 GHz (Core 2 Duo, Mid 2010)
2 GHz (Quad i7)
2.3 GHz (Dual i5)
2.5 GHz (Dual i5)
2.7 GHz (Dual i7)

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August 30</time>','modified_date':1567173736,'author':{'userid':3185849,'name':'Paul Reasons','avatar':'https://d1ulmmr4d4i8j4.cloudfront.net/static/images/avatars/User/ifixit/avatar-7.thumbnail','url':'/User/3185849/Paul+Reasons','canEdit':false},'body_trunc':'Works as intended. Great price, fast expedition! Awesome guides, site, and inventory!'},{'reviewid':3854,'rating':5,'headline':','body':'Worked fine. Arrived within 2 days after ordering.','date':'

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