Can I take 2011 model and put in 2010 case?

[LeandrodaFL]

This is crazy, but I happen to like the optical drive. And I feel confident at disassembling/assebling things.

So, can I take the 2011 model, and put in the 2010 case? Are the screws compatible? I would then take the optical drive and conect to the second sata port.

 

[Heateris]

Might be easier to just buy the Apple Super Drive. Also, don't forget that Lion has the drive sharing feature.

Anyway, keep us updatedi if you try this mod, it sounds like a cool project.

 

[LeandrodaFL]

I know, but I simply like the internal superdrive, I may do it with Ivy Bridge MacMini when they get released.

 

[philipma1957]

there is no document or photo or video that shows what you want to do. sooo if you do this and succeed please post photos. Here are teardown links for 2010 and 2011 minis

a 2010 teardown

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac-Mini-Model-A1347-Teardown/3094/1

a 2011 teardown

http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Mac-Mini-Mid-2011-Teardown/6131/1

 

[gigaguy]

Someone had one they built on eBay recently, with added specs asking $1500 or so. You lose the warranty.

 

[maximit]

I know for a fact the 2.5 motherboard will not fit in a 2010 chasis with the optical drive. Tried it personally. There is not enough clearance for some of the capacitors on the motherboard, they will not clear the optical drive. Prehaps the server or the 2.3 model motherboard will work as its a different configuration without the dedicated video card.

After trying the above, just got an external Apple Superdrive instead.