Apple Mac mini A1283 User Manual

Installing Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive
Replacement
Tools used in this guide
1.5" Thin Putty Knife
Phillips #00 Screwdriver
Spudger
Step 1 - Top Housing
You can skip this step if you bought your
putty knife from iFixit. Putty knives
purchased from iFixit come with pre-ground
edges.
You'll need a putty knife in order to open the case. A
1.5 inch thin putty knife will work well, but you'll want to
grind the edge down. Rub the putty knife's short edge
back and forth on a sheet of all purpose rough grit
sandpaper (100 grit will work fine) until it attains a
beveled edge.
Installing Mac mini Model A1283 Optical Drive Replacement
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Apple Mac mini A1283 Specifications

General

Model Identifier	Macmini3, 1
Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed	2.0 GHz
Maximum Memory	8 GB
Graphics	NVIDIA GeForce 9400M
Wireless	AirPort Extreme (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
Original OS	Mac OS X 10.5.6
Release Year	2009
Memory	2 GB
Storage	120 GB or 320 GB HDD
Optical Drive	8x SuperDrive
Ports	5 x USB 2.0, 1 x FireWire 800
Display Output	Mini DisplayPort
Audio	Optical digital audio output
Networking	10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet
Maximum OS	OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Dimensions	2.0 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches (5.1 x 16.5 x 16.5 cm)
Power	110W power adapter

Summary

Mac mini Case Opening and Initial Disassembly

Preparing the Case Opening Tool

Prepare a putty knife by grinding its edge to safely open the Mac mini case.

Prying Open the Mac mini Housing

Use a putty knife to carefully pry open the Mac mini's bottom housing along the seam.

Accessing Internal Components

Remove the top cover to expose the internal frame and components for further disassembly.

Internal Component Removal Procedures

Removing AirPort and Bluetooth Antennas

Carefully detach the AirPort and Bluetooth antenna boards from the internal frame.

Disconnecting Audio Cable and Frame

Disconnect the audio ribbon cable and remove securing screws to release the internal frame.

Optical Drive Extraction and Replacement

Detaching the Optical Drive Assembly

Remove tape, cables, and screws to detach the optical drive from its mounting.

Transferring Optical Drive Bumpers

Transfer the four foam bumpers from the old optical drive to the new replacement unit.