Apple has just unveiled the latest generation of the Mac mini, showcasing a fresh, more compact design. While initial insights into its internal structure were previously shared, iFixit has now conducted its customary teardown, revealing even more about how Apple engineered this compact Mac.
iFixit disassembles the new Mac Mini
From the outset, iFixit commends the ease of disassembly of the Mac mini despite its smaller footprint. The base plate is secured by clips that can be detached without any harm. The first sight after removing this plate is the CMOS battery, which can be conveniently replaced with just two screws.
By taking out a few additional screws, users gain access to the cables for the wireless module and can remove the inner plate, exposing the majority of the internal components, including the speaker and a sizeable fan that occupies half of the Mac’s space.
Apple has revamped the thermal management in the new Mac mini, enabling the fan to cool the system by drawing in air from below, circulating it through the components, and then expelling it. Notably, the model equipped with the M4 Pro chip features a more extensive copper heatsink compared to the standard M4 version.
As previously indicated, the new Mac mini includes a replaceable storage module. However, upgrading it isn’t particularly straightforward as the module is proprietary; nevertheless, it is feasible. iFixit successfully swapped modules between two Mac minis with positive results. It’s essential to note that the M4 Pro version has a larger storage module, making it incompatible with the M4 version and vice versa.
The USB-C ports and headphone jack located on the front are removable, although the same cannot be said for the ports situated on the back. The logic board is shielded with a copper layer to enhance heat dissipation, and unsurprisingly, the M4 chip has its RAM soldered directly onto it.
Despite this, iFixit awarded the new Mac mini a repairability score of 7. The company asserts that the majority of the Mac’s core components are easily replaceable, thus facilitating longer-term usage for users should any issues arise. iFixit expressed optimism about the “bright and repairable future ahead” for the new Mac mini.
The latest Mac mini is now available in retailers, with prices beginning at $599.
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