Install New Hard Drive in Mac Mini 2012 Late

iFixit wrote a good post “Mac Mini Late 2012 Hard Drive Replacement” with many photos. It helps me to replace the existing hard drive in Mac mini (Late 2012). I would like to contribute two more tips which would accelerate the process.

Put the Hard Drive to Mini in a Vertical direction

I didn’t follow Step 13 and after to pull the logic board. It’s okay to pull the hard drive away from the small space.

When you want to put the new hard drive back to mini, flip your mini as below. It would help you position hard drive easier.

Vertical direction is easier to insert the hard drive.

Antenna Plate Must be Insert Perfectly

Make sure antenna plate has been insert perfectly or you won’t be able to secure screws as mentioned in Step 8. It\s very small different and difficult to tell. Following photos would help you to compare.

Antenna plate didn’t insert correctly.

Antenna plate has been inserted perfactly.

I use a screwdriver to help on position the plate.

Use a screwdriver to help adjust plate position.

Reference

1. Apple: Mac mini (Late 2012) – Technical Specifications
2. iFixit: Mac Mini Late 2012 Hard Drive Replacement