Mini Mac Hard Drive Replacement

When your Mini Mac's hard drive fails, you'll need to replace it with a new one. This process can be intimidating, but with these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to do it successfully.

Before starting the replacement process, make sure you have a USB bootable installer for OS X El Capitan (10.11). You can download this from the Mac App Store or create one by following the steps outlined on Apple's website.

To avoid having to install OS X twice, follow these steps before removing your existing hard disk:

1. Remove the top cover of the Mini Mac and press down to reattach the clips.

2. Place the antennas back in place on top of the posts, making sure to squeeze the clip on the top right post when putting the antenna in place.

3. Reattach the ribbon cable to the back of the disc assembly at the top left of the assembly. Remember that the slightly longer screw goes at the bottom right corner.

4. Replace the screws you removed from each corner earlier.

Once you have installed the new hard drive, set the disc assembly back in place and gently reattach the temperature sensor to the new hard drive. Finally, replace the four screws that hold the hard drive in place.

Next, place the new drive into the assembly and slide it onto the SATA and power connectors. Remove the anti-static cushions from the old drive and affix them to the new drive in the same location. Then, slide the disk drive forward to unplug it from the SATA and power connectors.

Gently remove the temperature sensor that is taped and glued onto the drive. Turn the disk assembly upside down and remove the four screws holding the hard drive in place. Set the screws to the side, then lift up on the disc assembly to remove it.

Please note that the bottom right screw is slightly longer than the rest, and there is one screw at each corner of the device. You will also need to remove the top right antenna by squeezing the clip under it and pulling up on the antenna to release it.

Remove the spring under the antenna and place it to the side as well. Remove the top left antenna by gently pulling up and setting it to the side. There is one at the bottom left, top left, and top right of the device.

Once all the clips have been loosened, you can flip over the Mini Mac and pull the top cover off. You will hear a series of pops as the clips that hold the cover in place detach. Insert a putty knife between the upper and lower case and work your way around while prying outward.

Unplug the Mini Mac and place it upside down on a static-free work surface, ready to begin the replacement process.

Mini mac hard drive replacement