Mac mini (2023 with M2 Pro) Input/Output Wall

Before You Begin

Remove the following parts before you begin:

Tools

  • Adjustable torque driver (10–34 Ncm)

  • Antenna tool

  • ESD-safe tweezers

  • Nylon probe (black stick)

  • Torx T6 screwdriver

  • Torx T6 70 mm bit

Removal

  1. Use the antenna tool to lift the ends of the two antenna coaxial cables off the connectors.

  2. Use the black stick to gently lift the ends of the two antenna coaxial cables off the three antenna coaxial cable grounding clips.

  3. Rotate the logic board. Use the flat end of the black stick to flip up the locking lever on the power button flex cable connector.

  4. Use the flat end of the black stick to release the adhesive between the power button flex cable and the logic board (1). Then slide the end of the flex cable out of the connector (2).

  5. Use the Torx T6 screwdriver to remove the T6 screw (923-00230) from the logic board.

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

  6. Use the Torx T6 screwdriver to remove the four T6 screws (923-02800) from the heat sink.

  7. 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.

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

  9. Rotate the I/O wall to the left 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 cable through the channel as you align the I/O wall with the heat sink and logic board.

    • Important: Ensure that the antenna cable is routed under the power button flex cable as shown.

  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 heat sink.

  4. Insert the Torx T6 70 mm bit into the 10–34 Ncm adjustable torque driver. Set the torque value to 23.5 Ncm.

  5. Use the adjustable torque driver and Torx T6 70 mm bit to reinstall the four T6 screws (923-02800) into the heat sink.

  6. Use the T6 screwdriver to reinstall one T6 screw (923-00230) into the grounding strap on the I/O wall.

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

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

  8. Use your fingers or the blunt end of the antenna tool to gently press the two antenna coaxial cables into the three antenna coaxial cable grounding clips.

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

  10. Gently run the flat end of a 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.

Reinstall the following parts to complete reassembly:

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