question on opening up a mini

[evillageprowler]

Folks,

I am thinking of getting a current generation Mini and then replacing/upgrading the internal HDD and RAM. I looked on iFixit and noticed that the instructions are not specifically for the current generation Minis. I am wondering if the instructions on iFixit is still "good enough"? I am fairly proficient with opening up computers and performing all sorts of DIY tasks.

TIA,

EVP

 

[AliensAreFuzzy]

I opened up a current generation mini a few weeks ago and noticed the same thing. It really wasn't too hard to figure out and there are other guides online if you just google for it.

 

[TEG]

Yes, the putty knife still applys, as so most everthing else, because, I believe the only change between the CD(CS) mini and the C2D mini is the processor.

TEG

 

[AliensAreFuzzy]

Yes, the putty knife still applys, as so most everthing else, because, I believe the only change between the CD(CS) mini and the C2D mini is the processor.

TEG

But the thing about iFixIt.com's instructions is that they are only for the G4 minis.

 

[aristobrat]

It got a big uglier with the Intel version of the mini:
http://www.methodshop.com/gadgets/tutorials/macmini-ram/index.shtml

It's not incredibly difficult, but it's the least-fun upgrade I've ever done. Having to take the motherboard apart to get to the HD kinda stunk.

 

[evillageprowler]

All - thanks.

TEG - I noticed that the older Minis only have a single DIMM slot while the current ones have two. I think the iFixit example has only one slot. Hence my question...

EVP

 

[FatSweatyBlldog]

If you're used to working inside computers, the mini upgrade isn't that bad, it's just a matter of being delicate and taking your time...and having a good guide.

Here are some other links to peruse (check out the video at OWC, their advice to use a plastic card/second putty knife to stick into the opposite side of the chasis while you wok on the other is extremely helpful):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynQKYTaJ_zA

http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/index.cfm?page=Video/mini/high.html

http://www.applefritter.com/Mac_Mini_Take_Apart_Guide

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5DdtVHjI5M&feature=related

Good luck! Let us know how it goes...

 

[gotzero]

It is not hard, just make sure you fully plug all of the cables back in. After I did my upgrades I only plugged the fan cable in part of the way, and the system really does not like that...

 

[OllyW]

It is not hard, just make sure you fully plug all of the cables back in. After I did my upgrades I only plugged the fan cable in part of the way, and the system really does not like that...

Make sure you power it up before you put the case back together. I know from experience what a pain it is to have to open it back up again because I hadn't pushed the RAM in hard enough.

 

[bitty417]

I just did this a few weeks ago. After reading instructions on line I was a little apprehensive to say the least.

Entire process took around 15 minutes and was all in all much easier than I anticipated. Upgraded to a 7200rpm HD and 4gb of RAM. Well worth the effort and cost IMO.

 

[evillageprowler]

Thanks, Bitty417, for your post. I'm less apprehensive about this now.

All - can someone tell me if I can simply buy any fairly modern usb DVD burner and attach it to the Mini? There's nothing funky I need to worry about, is there?

I'd really like a Mini with a better graphics (for possible future requirements) and a DVD burner; actually, all my PC's have a DVD-ROM and a DVD-RW drive. I'm willing to forego waiting for a graphics upgrade...

TIA,

EVP

 

[FatSweatyBlldog]

Once you've popped the top...

If you're popping the top on the mini to add ram and a new HD, you might as well replace the combo drive with a super drive. OWC and other places have them for decent prices...probably cheaper than an external solution, anyway.

 

[evillageprowler]

FatSweatyBlldog:

Thanks for the tip about OWC. Their prices, when compared to Newegg and factoring in shipping+tax, are slightly better. I was comparing a WD 250G HDD and an external DVD drive. (If my unit comes with a combo drive, then why would I simply not use it?) I want a DVD burner, so I may as well get an external one and have two optical drives for those rare times I'll rip+burn in one pass.

I gotta confess... All this help may yet be moot because my wife thinks we have money problems (not true) and that I don't need yet another electronic toy (true). When Apple released the higher capacity iPhones, I came home and nicely told my wife that I will be buying an iPhone and a Mac 'puter. She uttered something in response that was part English and part Russian and probably not so nice and then stormed away. Well, the good news is that I got that out into the open.

EVP