Steps 1–18: Mac mini Model A1283 Teardown
Mac mini Model A1283 Teardown
Introduction
| Author: | Miroslav Djuric |
|---|
We picked up the new Mac mini from our local Apple store and took it apart!
Tools used in this guide
Teardown
Teardowns provide a look inside a device and should not be used as disassembly instructions.
Paginated Single Page Steps
Step 1
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Mac mini Model A1283 Teardown
The Mac mini for this First Look was graciously provided by our friends at macminicolo, a Mac mini colocation service. They allow your Mac mini to be used as a surprisingly powerful and inexpensive server.
Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, allow us to introduce the new and improved Mac mini!
We immediately tried to open the mini using our iMac opening tool, used in yesterday's iMac First Look.
It did not work.
We also posted a guide for installing a second hard drive in the Mac Mini.
Step 2
The beauty of evolution at its finest. From left to right: Power PC, Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo.
Notable differences in the latest model:
An additional USB port brings the total to five, one more than the previous model (and three more than the Power PC!).
A Mini DisplayPort and mini-DVI port -- which allow for Dual-Monitor support for the first time in a Mac mini -- replace the DVI display port of the previous generation.
A Firewire 800 port replaced the old FireWire 400 port, much to the chagrin of Mac users.
Step 3
Let's rock this thing!
Carefully insert a putty knife into the crevice in between the top cover and bottom housing. Start on the left side first.
Gently enlarge the existing crevice by twisting the putty knife downward and away from the mini.
Repeat the prying motion until a portion of the bottom housing has been nudged upward.
Step 4
Repeat the same prying procedure on the right side.
The top cover should now be marginally separated from the bottom housing. Use your fingers to completely separate the two, starting with the I/O side of the mini.
The top cover does not have any cables attaching it to the bottom housing; it should now be completely detached from the bottom.
Step 5
A quick comparison photo of the three Mac mini generations (oldest on left) showcases their technological progression:
No antennas --> One antenna --> Two antennas (Airport card)
Desktop RAM --> laptop RAM
PATA --> SATA drives
Step 6
Can you hear me now? Excellent.
The wireless board contains a Broadcom BCM4312KFBGH WiFi transceiver on it.
The new mini houses three wireless communications antennas, one for use with the built-in Bluetooth and two for the Airport Extreme wireless 802.11n card.
All three antennas need to be removed before accessing the hardware underneath.
Step 7
There are two black posts securing the Airport antenna board to the internal frame.
Squeeze both black posts together and gently lift the antenna board from the post.
Step 8
Rotate the mini 180 degrees.
Use a spudger to peel back the black tape and release the antenna cable.
Carefully lift the remaining two antennas from the right side of the mini.
You guys rock. I always find this so interesting. Thank you!!!
Is there any difference between the power supplies of the old and new Mac Mini?
I would also love to see some comparisons of the power consumption, particularly since they are claiming the new one is the most power efficient desktop on earth.
I'm not sure that the mac mini is the most power efficient desktop, apple has made alot of claims on the mac mini, and the only one that i have been able to prove true it that the origional 1.25Ghz G4 mac mini was the cheapest mac ever(Runner up: Intel Mac Mini's, 2nd runner up: iBook )
I've got a G4 Mini, the 1.42GHz version, and I've got both the antennas(BlueTo
Mine only has 2, at opposite corners
This is amazing, I am refreshing the page just to watch you guys in action just like a liveblog. Best show in town! Keep up the good work guys!
CPU is Soldered!! I just checked.
well there goes any chance of dropping in a Xeon or Core 2 Quad, darn, i just got my mini 2 months ago
What Tape? I am not seeing any.
Doesn't come out that easy, had to gently lever it out.