Opening the Intel Mini

[Enigmafan420]

I have seen video of this-but would like some feedback from people who have just done it once.

It looks a little frustrating, though I have a thin and flexible putty knife.

I guess I am wondering how easy it is to ruin the case? I am afraid I will break the latches.

 

[drconehead2000]

Well, About 3 weeks ago, I got a mac mini refurb to hold me over till I get the new macbook pro. I ordered 2gb ram with the intention of adding it right away. Man was it a pain in the butt. I have built several PC's, but this was a b***h. Not that I care, but I cracked some of the plastic on the bottom as I could not get the thing open.

My advice, is to use two putty knives, one on each side. Both should be metal, not plastic. You will have to bear some scratches and cracking noises, but if you are (more) careful, nothing should break.

Once it was open, it wasn't that difficult to get the cd/hdd out of the way, just use a magnetic screwdriver.

The only issue i had was that the airport antenna came off of the airport card, which took me a bit of time to reconnect, but once fixed, it was done and simple.

Have patience and be careful, you should be fine. If you have not experience at all with computers, you might want to bring it to a local computer place and eat the $45 it will cost to get it installed.

 

[VoodooDaddy]

I opened my old one several times and never left a mark on it. I used a metal putty knife. Also, I took a thin plastic card and inserted in one side while using the knife on the other to make it easier to get the knife in that side.

 

[Imac wizard]

Is there any way to open the "case" of the Imac 20" ?

About the only thing that I miss about my PC is being able to fix it is something brakes.

 

[colourclassic]

I found it much easier to use two putty knives instead of one, thereby prying the inside out more evenly.

Once inside it's fairly straightforward, just be careful or wires, especially the airport antenna which unplugs quite easily.

Oh and use metal putty knives which won't flex as much.

 

[ParishM]

i too have opened my current mini several times with no problems or damage. just take your time and go slowly.

 

[fhall1]

Sandpaper one edge of your metal putty knife to make it taper...work carefully...the cracking noises are normal, but if you take your time you won't scratch anything or break anything. I've had my Mini open twice and had no problems either time.

 

[Enigmafan420]

Finally Did It

For those of you that have done this-you will find this no big deal...

but today my 4 GB RAM came for my MacBook so I opened up the mini and put the 2GB from the Macbook in.

In my opinion-opening the case was NOT BAD AT ALL! I used an old credit card to wedge into the side I was not prying and then just reversed the putty knife and the credit card.

However, once inside-man, getting it disassembled was EASY-getting it put back together... not so much.

The LITTLE TINY SCREWS are a friggin nightmare to get back in the holes-especially the "long" one on the lower right and the one on the upper left.

Oh yeah, and that LITTLE CABLE that you have to reattach on the FRONT-that was a pain too-I guess I have phat fingers, but it was a b*itch to get in back on.

All is well know though-I am typing on the Mini at this moment. And Parallels works MUCH BETTER with 2 GB Ram than it did with one.

 

[fhall1]

A magnetic screwdriver and small (electronics repair type) needlenose pliers make the screws go back in easier and the fan sensor cable removal/replacement much easier