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2.4GHz, 2.7GHz, or 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor (Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz) with 6MB shared L3 cache. Released February 2013.

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Early 2013 MacBook 15" Retina display hinge replacement

Hi All,

I am trying to replace both broken hinges on my Early 2013 Macbook 15” Retina. I have all the necessary parts in hand and have separated the display from the body successfully. Now, however, I have hit a snag: I can find no disassembly instructions for removing and replacing what I believe must be the WiFi wire. Any links and/or tips? Thanks for any help!

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Sorry we don’t have a guide, all we have is this MacBook Pro Retina Display Teardown for reference.

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Thanks! I only hope this doesn’t mean I have to tear the display apart to replace wires...

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Yep! You do ;-{

The better direction is just replace the entire lid assembly 15" MacBook Pro Retina Display Assembly, Apple P/N 661-7171

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Sadly, I fear you are correct. All for a 1/4" Retina connector that won't go through a lid hinge. Shame on Apple. And any display disassembly looks doomed to disaster. However, here's what I think I will do (less than optimal, but reasonable): I will try to untangle and keep the old Retina wire as well as the new replacement one. I might be able to adhere them adjacent to the laptop lid without cutting them. No more onboard camera, but everything else will work. If there only was such a thing as a male-to-male Retina plug adapter...

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@dschind - As much as I would like to tell you that would work, it won't! The camera cable also carries a voltage and thermal sensor which if you disconnect will cause your systems SMC to throttle the CPU and ramp up the fan.

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Thank you so much for your contribution! This has given rise to one other (maybe crazy) thought. What if I can succeed at prying apart the hinges themselves enough to swap new-for-old? Then I can leave the cabling untouched and functional. Very tricky at best, but...

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