Apple mac mini server mid 2010 User Manual

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Basics — Overview 112010-08-31
Service Part Configurations
• Logic board assembly removal requires a special tool:
 -Logic board removal tool (922-9588)
• Although the thermal sensor on the flex cable of the top hard drive can be replaced by 
replacing the flex cable, the other thermal sensors on the hard drives or optical drive are not 
replaceable. To replace the sensor, a replacement drive must be ordered.
• The logic board assembly consists of:
 -logic board, with battery
 -I/O...

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 Apple Technician Guide 
Troubleshooting
Mac mini (Mid 2010) 
Mac mini (Mid 2010) and Mac mini Server (Mid 2010)   

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 132010-10-25
General Troubleshooting
Update System Software
Important: Whenever possible before beginning troubleshooting, ensure the latest software 
and firmware updates have been applied.
Firmware is the name given to software that is written into memory circuits such as flash 
memory, that will hold the software code indefinitely, even when power is removed from the 
hardware. Firmware on Intel Mac computers is designed to be updated if...

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 142010-10-25
Common Reset Procedures
When a reset procedure is required for troubleshooting, follow the applicable steps:
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
To reset power management via the SMC chip:
1. Unplug all cables from computer, including power cord.
2.  Wait at least 15 seconds. The SMC reset occurs automatically once the Mac mini has been 
unplugged from AC power source for several seconds.
3. Plug power cord back in, making...

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 152010-10-25
Starting Up in Safe Mode
A Safe Boot is a special way to start Mac OS X when troubleshooting. To start up into Safe Mode 
(Safe Boot), 
1. Make sure the computer is shut down.
2.  Press the power button.
3. Immediately after you hear the startup tone, press and hold the Shift key.
Note: The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone but not 
before.
4.  Release the Shift key when you see the screen with the...

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 162010-10-25
Block Diagram
Refer to this diagram to see how modules are interrelated.
FSB
1066Mhz
Dual-channel 
128 bit Memory 
Controller
DDR3 1066MHz
Core 2 Duo Processor
Ethernet
10/100/1000 Mbit
Ethernet/
SD Controller
RGMII
Serial  ATA
6 devices USB 2.0
12 portsPCIe x1
HD  AUDIO
SMBus
FW800
SA
TA
Optical
System
Management Controller
4 rear USB Connectors
Audio
Codec
Internal 
SpeakerInternal
speaker  amp
Line In/
Digital In
Line Out/ Digital...

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Take Apart — General Troubleshooting 172010-10-25
Functional Overview
Internal Speaker :
- no internal speaker sound
-distorted sound from internal 
speakerHeatsink Thermal Sensor :
- fan running fast
-intermittent shutdown 
- system freezes
Power ON button :
(on opposite side of logic 
board):
-no power on when button 
is pressed
Backup Battery (on opposite  
side of logic board) :
-lost date and time settings
- lost other settings
- no startup/video
ODD Thermal Sensor :
- fan...

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 182010-10-29
Symptom Charts
Follow the steps in the order indicated below. If an action resolves the issue, retest the system 
to verify.
Note: A compilation of Quick Check tables is available at: 
http://service.info.apple.com/QRS/en/quickreference.pdf
Startup and Power
No Power, Dead Unit
Unlikely cause:  speakers
Quick Check
SymptomsQuick Check
No Power, Dead Unit
• No power
• No LED
• No fan spin
• No startup chime
• No image on external display...

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 192010-10-29
Deep Dive
Unlikely cause: speakers
CheckResultActionCode
1. Connect AC to computer and 
press the power button on 
system. Verify if there is any 
indication that the system has 
powered up (fan rotation, hard 
drive or optical drive noise, ...).
YesThe system is powering up. 
Jump to Won’t Start Up 
symptom flow.
NoGo to step 2.
2.  Reseat the installed SDRAM 
memory module(s) and retest. 
Does the computer start up 
properly now?...

Mac mini (Mid 2010) Symptom Charts — Startup and Power 202010-10-29
6. Disconnect power button 
connector from logic board and 
short the two power button 
connector pins on logic board. 
Verify if the unit powers on.
YesReplace Power Button 
assembly
X03
NoGo to step 7
7. Disconnect AirPort/Bluetooth 
card, Hard Drive, Optical Drive 
and LED/IR Sensor cables from 
logic board. Connect AC cable 
and press the power button to 
verify if  a startup error tone is 
heard.
YesReconnect one by one each 
device...