Installing Mac Mini (PowerPC) Opening Case for any installation or repair

User-Contributed Guide

User-Contributed Guide

This guide is not managed by iFixit staff.

An alternative to the "crowbar'" method using a putty knife. This method uses no force and causes no damage.

  • Author: Donald Todd
  • Time required: 15 - 30 min
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Add Note x
  • x 5

== Levering the case open will inevitably cause damage. This method disengages the catches to allow the case to be easily opened by hand.

The technique is probably applicable to the Intel Mini which has similar catches, but has not be tried. ==

Tools
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Opening Case for any Installation or Repair.  ¶ 

  • Instead of a putty knife a dozen or more 1-1/2" pins are required.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • With the computer upside down identify the apertures where the catches are located along either side and also at the front.

  • Insert the pins from the adjacent apertures between the wall and each catch. Be very careful to keep the pins against the case wall. This is more obvious from the second photo with the case removed.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Lift the case off from the back first.

  • Remove the pins from the main assembly.

Re-assembly does not require the pins. Place the case over the computer and press down evenly on the sides, not the middle. Ensure the back panel is correctly aligned before finally pushing home the catches.

For more information, check out the Mac Mini (PowerPC) device page.

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