Mac mini Model A1283 Audio Board Replacement

Written By: Walter Galan
  • Comments: 4
Mac mini Model A1283 Audio Board Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

9

Time Required

No estimate

Introduction

Replace your audio board to regain functionality of your speakers and microphone.

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    • Power down your Mac mini, disconnect all of the cables, and flip it over.

    • Insert the Jimmy into the crack between the aluminum top housing and the plastic lower housing.

    • The Jimmy should reach a stop about 3/8" down.

    A spackle knife makes these steps go much faster.

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    A double sided letter opener or a thin non-serrated butter knife will suffice.

    To prenent cosmetic blemishes, place a matchbook cover or similar thin cardboard on the outer perimeter under the “jimmy”.

    Mike -

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    • Gently bend the Jimmy outwards to pry the crack open a little larger and lift the lower housing up a small amount.

    • There are several plastic clips on the lower housing that fit into a channel in the aluminum top housing. Your goal is to use the Jimmy to push these clips inward enough to free them from the channel, while gently pulling up on the lower housing.

    Patience is your best friend.

    Do not insert “jimmy in too far. Marking a line from tip upwards on the tool will prevent too far insertion, possibly breaking tabs or damaging internal components.

    To prevent the cover closing back up, small strips of matchbook cover (os equivalent) can be inserted about half inch hold prevent closure.

    Mike -

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    • Once you have the first side free, rotate the Mac mini and start prying up on the front edge.

    • Use the same prying motion to both bend the clips inward and lift the lower housing up out of the top housing.

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    • You may need to move the Jimmy along the edge to pry up all of the clips. Be patient and do a little bit at a time.

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    • Keep working around the perimeter, freeing the clips along the final edge.

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    • Flip the Mac mini back over and lift the top housing off of the lower housing.

    Before reassembly, make sure no wires are sticking out.

    Line up top cover carefully. Gently press down on top cover until top and bottom fully seated.

    CAUTION! DO NOT PRESS TOO HARD ON THE COVER TO PREVENT CRACKING THE PLASTIC TOP.

    GO EASY.

    Mike -

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    • Remove the single Phillips screw between the headphone and microphone jacks on the audio board.

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

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    • Use the tip of a spudger to depress the audio board retaining clip (shown in red) to release the audio board from the bottom housing.

    • Lift the audio board from its free end and remove it from the mini.

    • Don't forget to transfer the audio ribbon cable to your new audio board.

Conclusion

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

Author

Walter Galan

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