Mac mini Mid 2011 Cowling Replacement

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.

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

Remove the bottom cover and set it aside.

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

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

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.

Remove the fan.

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

Lift the cowling from the end nearest the antenna plate.

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