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Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement

Introduction

Use this guide to remove the small molded plastic cowling used to direct cool air toward the heat sink.

What you need

  1. Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement, Bottom Cover: step 1, image 1 of 2 Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement, Bottom Cover: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Place your thumbs in the depressions cut into the bottom cover.

    • Rotate the bottom cover counter-clockwise until the white dot painted on the bottom cover is aligned with the ring inscribed on the outer case.

    • You do not need to apply much downward pressure while turning.

    Edit

  2. Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Tilt the mini enough to allow the bottom cover to fall away from the outer case.

    • Remove the bottom cover and set it aside.

    Edit

  3. Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement, Fan: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the two 11.3 mm T6 Torx screws securing the fan to the logic board near the antenna plate.

    Edit

  5. Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement: step 4, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the ear of the fan nearest the RAM up off the standoff secured to the outer case.

    • Removing the standoff screw is not necessary to remove the fan. You need only raise the fan enough to lift it off the standoff screw.

    Edit

  6. Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement: step 5, image 1 of 3 Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement: step 5, image 2 of 3 Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement: step 5, image 3 of 3

    • Lift the fan out of the mini for enough clearance to access its connector.

    • Grab all the wires at once and gently pull straight up to disconnect the fan from the logic board.

    • Do not pry at the socket, or you may rip it from the logic board.

    • Remove the fan.

    Edit

  7. Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement, Cowling: step 6, image 1 of 1

    • Remove the single 3.5 mm T6 Torx screw securing the cowling to the heat sink.

    Edit

  8. Mac mini Late 2012 Cowling Replacement: step 7, image 1 of 1

    • Lift the cowling from the end nearest the antenna plate.

    • Rotate the cowling away from the outer case and remove it from the mini.

    Edit
Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

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Andrew Optimus Goldheart

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