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Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement

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Remove the optical drive from your mini.

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  1. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement, Internal Frame: crwdns2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • In the next few steps you will be removing the AirPort and Bluetooth antennas (shown in red) from the internal frame. Be very careful, as breaking the brackets will require replacing the internal frame.

    • We will first remove the AirPort antenna, located in the lower left corner of this picture.

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  2. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

    • Slightly squeeze the two retaining arms toward each other and lift the AirPort antenna off its post.

    • Squeezing the two posts excessively will surely break them off the internal frame. Work delicately.

    • During reinstallation, you will have to slightly squeeze the two posts together so they fit into the openings on the AirPort antenna board.

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  3. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:03crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

    • The two Bluetooth antenna boards simply lift off the internal frame.

    • Grab the Bluetooth antenna nearest the port side of the computer by the edges of the board and pull it straight up off the internal frame.

    • Pull carefully, as it may offer significant resistance and release suddenly.

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  4. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:04crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Remove the antenna board near the front of the mini by pulling it straight up off the internal frame.

    • If necessary, remove the piece of tape securing the antenna leads to the internal frame.

    • Be sure to keep track of the springs under each of the three antenna boards.

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  5. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:05crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to pry the audio ribbon cable connector up off the audio board.

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  7. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:06crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Remove the following four screws securing the internal frame to the bottom housing:

    • Three 6.7 mm Phillips #00 screws

    • One 9.5 mm Phillips #00 screw

    • The screw in the lower right corner of this image is recessed deep in the internal frame and longer than the other three screws. A flashlight and a thin screwdriver aid in removal.

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  8. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:07crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Lift the internal frame off the bottom housing, starting at the rear edge, until you feel the concealed edge connector on the motherboard disconnect. Then lift straight off, minding the bluetooth and 802.11 antenna cables.

    • When reassembling, the wifi antenna wire routes to the inside of the vent and then over the top of the vent.

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  9. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement, Optical Drive : crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0 Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement, Optical Drive : crwdns2935265:08crwdnd2935265:02crwdnd2935265:02crwdne2935265:0

    • Use the tip of a spudger to remove the black electrical tape spanning the interconnect board and optical drive.

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  10. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:09crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Use the flat end of a spudger to disconnect the audio ribbon cable from the interconnect board.

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  11. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:010crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • If necessary, remove the yellow kapton tape covering the internal frame and the optical drive.

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  12. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:011crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Remove the two Phillips screws securing the optical drive to the internal frame.

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  13. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:012crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Turn the mini 180 degrees and remove the two Phillips screws securing the optical drive to the internal frame on the other side.

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  14. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:013crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Remove the two Phillips screws securing the interconnect board to the optical drive.

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  15. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:014crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Insert the flat end of a spudger into the crevice between the optical drive and the interconnect board.

    • Carefully increase the crevice to disconnect the optical drive from the interconnect board.

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  16. Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement: crwdns2935265:015crwdnd2935265:01crwdnd2935265:01crwdne2935265:0

    • Gently lift the optical drive out of the internal frame.

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

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Walter Galan

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