Mac mini (M1, 2020) Input/Output Wall

Before You Begin

Remove the following parts before you begin:

Tools

  • Antenna tool

  • Nylon probe (black stick)

  • Torx T6 screwdriver

Removal

  1. Turn over the logic board. Use the flat end of the black stick to flip up the locking lever on the power button flex cable connector (1). Then slide the end of the flex cable out of the connector (2).

  2. Turn over the logic board. Then use the flat end of the black stick to loosen the adhesive between the logic board and the power button flex cable.

  3. Rotate the logic board to access the antenna coaxial cables as shown. Then use the antenna tool to lift the ends of the two antenna coaxial cables off the connectors.

  4. Gently lift the two antenna coaxial cables off the three antenna coaxial cable grounding clips.

  5. Use the T6 screwdriver to remove the T6 screw (923-00230) from the grounding clip on the I/O wall (1).

    • Note: The T6 screw has a captive washer that stays attached to the screw.

  6. Use the T6 screwdriver to remove the two T6 screws (923-02800) from the side of the heat sink (2).

  7. Rotate the logic board as shown. Then use the T6 screwdriver to remove the two T6 screws (923-02800) from the other side of the heat sink.

  8. Slowly pull about 1 inch of the long antenna coaxial cable through the channel under the heat sink.

    • Caution: Ensure that the end of the antenna coaxial cable doesn’t get trapped in the channel as you pull it. A trapped cable requires an I/O wall replacement.

  9. Pull the I/O wall about 1 inch away from the logic board and heat sink.

  10. Partially rotate the I/O wall away from the logic board and heat sink as shown. Then slowly pull the long antenna coaxial cable out through the channel under the heat sink to fully remove the I/O wall.

Reassembly

  1. Insert the end of the long antenna coaxial cable into the channel under the heat sink.

  2. Gently push the long antenna coaxial cable through the channel as you align the I/O wall with the heat sink and the logic board.

  3. Align the I/O wall mounting brackets with the sides of the heat sink. Then press the I/O wall flush against the logic board and the heat sink.

  4. Use the T6 screwdriver to reinstall the two T6 screws (923-02800) into the side of the heat sink.

  5. Rotate the logic board as shown. Use the T6 screwdriver to reinstall one T6 screw (923-00230) into the grounding clip on the I/O wall (1). Then use the T6 screwdriver to reinstall the two T6 screws (923-02800) into this side of the heat sink (2).

  6. Press the two antenna coaxial cables to the three antenna coaxial cable grounding clips on the logic board as shown.

    • Note: The long antenna coaxial cable crosses over the short antenna coaxial cable.

  7. Use the blunt end of the antenna tool to press the ends of the two antenna coaxial cables to the connectors.

  8. Rotate the logic board to access the power button flex cable. Then gently run the flat end of the black stick along the length of the power button flex cable to adhere it to the logic board.

    • Important: If you’re installing a replacement I/O wall, remove the adhesive backing from the power button flex cable before adhering the flex cable to the logic board.

  9. Turn over the logic board. Slide the end of the power button flex cable into the connector (1). Then flip down the locking lever (2).

Reinstall the following parts to complete reassembly:

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