Can't close up Mini properly

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Level 2

454 points

Can't close up Mini properly

I installed some RAM on my Mini. Taking it apart was a bit trying. But that doesn't compare to the trouble I'm having when I tried to put it back together. When I tried putting it back together it didn't go together at first, the EMI tabs were in the way. So I tried snapping it in back first, but the I/O side was ended up being somewhat recessed into the case.

The repair PDF says make sure the metal tabs aren't bent but I didn't know exactly what it meant. The were already bent at a 90 degree angle. I decided to bend them inwards, so they wouldn't be in the way when the system is closed up. I've closed it succesfully but now the i/o panel is sticking slightly outwards rather than being slightly recessed.

I don't know exaclty how the EMI tabs are supposed to exactly align with the case or what position they are supposed to be in when the system closes up. Can someone give me a picture or diagram showing how EMI tabs line up? Or any ideas on how to make the i/o panel flush with the Mini's casing?

Thanks for reading this.

Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Feb 8, 2006 6:03 PM

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Answer 1

K. Moett

Level 2

345 points

Feb 8, 2006 9:10 PM in response to Episcript

Here's a good instructional video showing how to disassemble and reassemble the Mac mini (choice of file size/quality depending on your download speed). Hope it helps.

http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/index.cfm?page=Video/directory.html

PowerBook G4 (15 FW800); 17 iMac G5; Mac mini 1.42 Mac OS X (10.4.3)

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Answer 2

Episcript Author

Level 2

454 points

Feb 8, 2006 10:25 PM in response to K. Moett

Thanks, hmm I looked at how it put back together. It looks like he did it in the same way that I did it intially. It looks slightly recessed just like when I did it. So I guess it's normal. Or their standards are simply lower than mine.

Anyways I played around with the metal tabs and I've got it pretty close to flush. The I/O panel is sticking out slightly and I think the gap at the top between the I/O panel and casing is a bit wider than it used to be. I think I'll have to settle for that. I'm getting tired of opening and closing it.

Apple should seriously consider fixing this design it's horrendous for anybody who wants to actually try and open it.

Surely Apple's talented engineers can make something that has excellent form factor and still maintains a certain degree of upgradabilty. Just look at the iMac. I think that's a good compromise between form and modularity, at least for a user such as myself.

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Answer 3

Feb 9, 2006 5:22 AM in response to Episcript

Apple Suggests taking it to a AASP to upgrade a mac mini. just letting you know that if you caused any damage to the case or the insde putting it back togeather it voids all warranty. The mac mini is not really suppose to be upgrade by a user but you can do..

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Answer 4

Feb 13, 2006 3:25 PM in response to Episcript

I agree with your comments about the mini's awkward design and upgrade problems.

One of the few advantages of a PC over a Mac is the ease with which upgrades can be undertaken. All the fiddling about with putty knives to get inside a mini and the difficulty of getting the cover back on is a deliberate ploy by Apples "talented engineers" to ensure the bulk of the lucrative upgrade work stays with Apple! Most PC manufacturers don't try to kid you that mere mortals are incapable of "snaping home" a strip of memory!

If you have managed to remove the lid without damaging anything, it shouldn't be necessary to bend any of the metal tabs to replace the cover. Just ensure everything is lined up carefully before the final "push" and you should hear a click as the cover snaps home. It should all line up exactly as before. One problem I have encounted is the "fiberous" material they use at the base of the cover (to make a dust seal or improve air circulation?) can get dislodged when the cover is removed and can snag the clips when the cover is replaced. If this happens i usually just remove it. I haven't seen any adverse effects with it removed..

Although I have done a few mini upgrades now, I can't say its my favourite job.

Hope all this is useful!

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