Introduction
Use this guide to replace the I/O faceplate, including its integrated antennas, on your Mac mini Late 2014. On some models it may be possible to remove and install the I/O faceplate without removing the heat sink; in that case, feel free to skip the steps for heat sink removal (just be extra careful not to damage the I/O faceplate cables).
If you do remove the heat sink, be sure to apply a new layer of thermal compound before reassembling your Mac mini. Follow our thermal paste guide for instructions on cleaning and preparing the thermal surfaces and applying a new layer of thermal compound.
This guide was made with a Fusion Drive Mac mini, and may have more connectors and components than your model. Don't be alarmed if you're missing a hard drive or SSD connector!
What you need
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The bottom cover is clipped onto three screw posts.
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Pry near, but not right on the screw posts.
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Remove the following TR6 screws from the antenna plate:
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Three 4.1 mm screws
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Three 1.9 mm screws
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With the I/O ports facing you, flip the antenna plate to the right to allow access to the antenna cable connector.
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Use the point of a spudger to lift the antenna connector straight up off its socket on the airport card.
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Carefully pull the antenna cable out from the gap between the power supply and case.
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Remove the two 12 mm T6 screws from the fan.
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Loosen the 27 mm T6 captive screw–it will get removed with the fan assembly.
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Lift the fan straight up to free the captive screw from its hole in the logic board.
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Pull the fan away from the SSD until you can easily access the fan connector.
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Use the point of a spudger to lift the fan connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.
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Remove the 2.6 mm T6 screw securing the SATA cable connector bracket.
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Use the flat end of a spudger to lift the SATA cable connector up off of its socket on the logic board.
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Use the tip of a spudger to disconnect the IR sensor cable connector by prying it straight up from its socket.
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The following three steps only apply to Mac minis equipped with a PCIe SSD. Skip the next three steps if your Mac mini only has a hard drive.
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Remove the two 2.6 mm T6 screws securing the PCIe SSD cable bracket.
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Tool used on this step:Mac mini Logic Board Removal Tool$4.99
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Insert the Mac mini Logic Board Removal Tool into the two holes highlighted in red. Be sure the rods make contact with the case under the logic board before proceeding.
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Carefully pull the tool toward the I/O board. The logic board and I/O board assembly should slightly slide out of the outer case.
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Cease prying when the removal tool makes contact with the opening in the rear case.
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Pull the DC-In cable connector straight out of its socket on the logic board.
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Carefully slide the logic board assembly out of the Mac mini, minding any cables that may get caught.
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Remove the following screws securing the heat sink to the logic board:
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Four 8.6 mm T8 Torx screws
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One 2.9 mm T6 Torx screw
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Remove the following T6 Torx screws from the I/O port antenna cables:
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Three 2.8 mm screws with washers
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One 3.4 mm screw
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One 2.7 mm screw
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Use the point of a spudger to lift the power switch cable connector straight up out of its socket on the logic board.
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Use the point of a spudger to lift the antenna connectors up off of their sockets on the AirPort card.
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Remove the four 2.7 mm T6 Torx screws holding the I/O bezel to the logic board.
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Pull the I/O bezel off of the logic board, minding any cables that may get caught.
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To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.
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