Remove the logic board removal tool, push down the clips at the far right and left above the input/output port section and pull the internals toward you about one-half inch. Pull the tool back towards you until the internals of the Mini separate slightly from the case. Insert the logic board removal tool into the two holes provided for it just above the heat sink and gently push the tool down until you feel its prongs contact the top of the case. Remove the two screws from the logic board using the Torx T6 and remove the screw from the case below the logic board using the 2mm hex screwdriver. Gently pull the antenna away from the outside of the Mini case until you can access its cable, then either leave it connected or use a spudger to remove the connector from the wireless board. Remove the four screws around the antenna, using a Torx T8 for the two larger screws and a 2mm hex screwdriver for the two smaller screws. The IR connector is located at the upper-right corner of the logic board, immediately below the hard drive and to the left of the RAM modules. The hard drive connector looks like a black tab near the lower-left corner of the hard drive. Remove the hard drive connector and IR cable connector from the logic board using the spudger. Remove the screw attaching the cowling at the bottom left using the Torx T6 screwdriver, then lift the top of the cowling and rotate it until you can remove the cowling entirely. Remove the two fan screws using a Torx T6 screwdriver, lift the fan out of the Mini and gently pull the fan cable connector from the logic board. Place the Mini upside down on the table or counter, oriented so the logos printed at the bottom of the case appear upright.

The cover should be loose enough to remove easily. Rotate the cover counter-clockwise until the white dots on the cover and case align. Unplug all cables from your Mini, turn it upside down and hold it with both hands, placing your thumbs in the indentations in the circular bottom cover.

Mac mini external drive