Mac Mini Upgrade

This guide will show you how to upgrade the hard drive and memory in a Mac Mini (Rev C). The revision C Mac Mini was released on August 7, 2007 and included an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics. However this guide should still be appropriate for all Intel based Mac Mini's.

To start you will need the following equipment:

• A Thin Putty Knife (x2 if possible)
• Set of Small Phillips (cross) Screwdrivers

The putty knife is particularly important as it is the tool that will allow you to "crack" open your Mac Mini.

Step One: Crack The Case

First you need to open the Mini. To do this, turn the Mini upside down and slide the putty knife between the metal case and the plastic bottom. First do this on the right side until you hear a "crack", don't worry this noise is just the sound of the plastic clips coming away from the metal case. Once you have heard the noise, lift the case upwards slightly. Do the same on the left side and finally the front (the DVD Drive end). Once complete the metal case should start to slide away from the plastic bottom.

This is definitely the most difficult part of the whole process and can take some time to get right. Although I did this with just one putty knife it would be considerably easier with two. Finally, its worth noting that like all Apple products the Mac Mini is incredibly well built, meaning you can safely apply quite a lot of force with no risk of damage. In fact, once you are confident you should be able to crack the case in just a couple of minutes.

Step Two: Unplug Fan Control & Airport Antenna

The next part is easy. Simply unplug the fan control from the front of the Mini (DVD Drive side ) by pulling up. To help guide you see the image below.

Finally remove the Airport (wireless) antenna by pinching the two black supports allowing you to lift the antenna clear. See the images below for clarification.

Step Three: Remove The Top Layer

The next step is to remove the four screws from each corner of the Mini that will allow you to lift the top layer (DVD Drive and Hard Drive) from the base. Note that the front right screw if the Mini is facing you is slightly larger then the other three, this is important when re-assembling the device. Once complete lift away the top section angling it back over the rear of the Mini as the DVD Drive and HDD ribbon will still be connected to the base. I suggest using the Mini metal case as a platform to place the top layer on. See the images below for further clarification.

Step Four: Upgrade Memory & Hard Drive

You now have access to both the memory and hard drive. The memory can be replaced easily by unclipping each in turn. The hard drive requires four screws to be removed before the drive can be unplugged simply by pulling it.

Step Five: Reassembly

The final stage is to reassemble the Mini. This can be done by following this guide in reverse. Please remember to re-attach the Fan Control, as if you do not your system fan will always run at 100%.

Hopefully this guide has been helpful, also be sure to check out my gallery of the process.