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Mac mini (Late 2012)

Introduction

This course provides technicians with important information and service highlights preparing them to service and repair the Mac mini (Late 2012).

Lesson Overview

Lesson Objectives

Upon completion of this course you should be able to:

Explain the new features of the Mac mini (Late 2012).

Recognize, troubleshoot and resolve Mac mini (Late 2012) service issues.

Audience Prerequisites Time Required

Service Technicians

None 30 Minutes

What does this training course cover?

This training course serves as an overview of how to service the Mac mini (Late 2012). It only highlights common service issues and

specialized take apart procedures.

Please refer to the Mac mini (Late 2012) service guide for the complete set of detailed instructions, procedures and issues related

to this product.

Product Identification

The Mac mini (Late 2012) models continue in the slimline aluminum housing design, introduced with the Mac mini (Mid 2010).

Summary of content (11 pages)

PAGE 1
Mac mini (Late 2012) Introduction This course provides technicians with important information and service highlights preparing them to service and repair the Mac mini (Late 2012). Lesson Overview Lesson Objectives Upon completion of this course you should be able to: Explain the new features of the Mac mini (Late 2012). Recognize, troubleshoot and resolve Mac mini (Late 2012) service issues.
PAGE 2
Externally, Mac mini (Late 2012) models look like Mac mini (Mid 2011) models. It retains the low-profile housing design and service access through the bottom cover. What's New Mac mini (Mid 2011) Processor Graphics Mac mini (Late 2012) 2.3, 2.5, or 2.7 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or 2.0 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 (CTO: 2.
PAGE 3
Front View A: Built-in infrared (IR) receiver B: Power indicator light Back View A: Power button B: Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000 Base-T) C: FireWire 800 port D: Cool air inlet (around bottom cover) E: Exhaust vent F: Audio in port G: Audio out port H: SD card slot I: USB 3.
PAGE 4
Service Tools ESD wriststrap and mat Torx T6, magnetized Torx T8, magnetized Torx T9, magnetized Hex 2mm (or 5/64-inch) wrench #0 Phillips screwdriver Logic board removal tool (922-9588) Tweezers (optional) Black stick (922-5065), or other non-conductive nylon or plastic tool Soft cloth (to protect removed parts from scratches) Isopropyl alcohol and cleaning cloth (if needed) Screw tray Special Tool This special tool is required for logic board removal: Logic board removal tool (922-9588)
PAGE 5
Software Tools The following software programs are required for troubleshooting Mac mini (Late 2012): 1. Apple Service Toolkit (AST): version 1.4.5 or higher AST provides a selection of tools that provide a quick check of the general components of Intel-based Mac hardware. Typically used to triage and verify repairs of Mac computers. 2. Apple Service Diagnostic (ASD): version 3S151 ASD can determine if any of the thermal sensors are malfunctioning. When sensors fail, replace the corresponding part. 3.
PAGE 6
During reassembly, make sure all screws are reinstalled. Failure to do so can damage the computer. Connector Types Vertical Insertion (JST) Low-Profile Solid Platform Flex Vertical Insertion (JST) Important: These connectors are extremely fragile. Use extreme care. Major repairs may be needed if damaged. Use a black stick under the cable, next to the connector, with a finger over the top for support, or grasp cables with tweezers, and lift straight up to remove.
PAGE 7
Low-Profile Solid Platform Flex Use black stick and gentle rocking motion to release tension to remove cable. To install, keep connector level to board and press down evenly. Fusion Drive Fusion Drive is a breakthrough concept that combines the high storage capacity of a traditional hard drive and the high performance of a flash based solid-state drive (SSD). OS X Mountain Lion fuses a traditional hard drive and SSD into one single volume.
PAGE 8
Logic Board Handling When inserting a logic board in to the housing, remember to tuck in gaskets on I/O wall: Refer to the Mac mini (Late 2012) service guide for step-by-step instructions. Reminder Avoid touching EMI fingers and gaskets. Oil from your fingers can reduce connectivity and wireless performance. Logic Board Return Return the logic board to Apple in the correct packaging and in the same configuration as the replacement board (as shown below).
PAGE 9
Refer to Apple Support article HT3964 for SMC reset instructions. Resetting the SMC means you will also need to reset the date and time (using the Date & Time pane of System Preferences). Resetting NVRAM/PRAM The Mac stores certain settings in a special memory area even if it is turned off. On Intel-based Macs, this is stored in memory known as NVRAM. (Older Mac computers stored these settings in memory known as PRAM).
PAGE 10
To boot from Recovery HD: 1. Restart the computer while holding down the Command (Cmd) and R keys. Important: If the Mac OS X Utilities application doesn’t appear after restarting, restart the computer while holding down the Command (Cmd) Option (alt) and R keys, to access and load the Mac OS X Utilities software from the Internet. The computer must be connected to a network that has access to the Internet. 2. The Mac OS X Utilities window will appear.
PAGE 11
Electrostatic Discharge Precautions and Myths Hand Tools for Desktop and Portable Repairs How to identify Mac mini models Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) Mac mini (Early 2006) and later: Connecting to a television Mac mini (Late 2012): Memory specifications and upgrades Mac mini (Late 2012) and iMac (Late 2012): About Fusion Drive Mac mini (Mid 2010) and iMac (Mid 2010): Windows support for the SD card slot Mac mini (Mid 2010) and later: Frequently asked questions about HD