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How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024)

How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024)

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

Alex Diaz-Kokaisl とその他 人の作成者

最終更新日: March 30, 2025

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Use this guide to replace the thermal paste in your Mac mini (2024).

This guide was written with a baseline M4 Mac mini. Although the internals for the M4 Pro version are slightly different, the disassembly procedure is the same.

The thermal paste in your Mac mini will deteriorate over time and might affect your processor's performance. This guide shows how to replace the thermal paste to keep your Mac mini running smoothly.

You need to replace the thermal paste every time you remove the heat sink. This guide doubles as a heat sink replacement.

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  1. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Before you begin: 手順 1、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Before you begin: 手順 1、 2の画像 2
    • Fully shut down your Mac mini and unplug all cables from it.

    • Flip over your Mac mini and place it on a clean, flat surface to avoid scratching the chassis.

  2. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Create a gap: 手順 2、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Create a gap: 手順 2、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Create a gap: 手順 2、 3の画像 3
    • Insert a Jimmy into the gap between the bottom cover and the chassis.

    • Pry up the bottom cover to create a gap.

    • Keep the Jimmy inserted under the bottom cover.

  3. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Insert an opening pick: 手順 3、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Insert an opening pick: 手順 3、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Insert an opening pick: 手順 3、 3の画像 3
    • Insert an opening pick into the gap created by the Jimmy.

    • Remove the Jimmy.

  4. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Release the clips: 手順 4、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Release the clips: 手順 4、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Release the clips: 手順 4、 3の画像 3
    • Slide the opening pick along the bottom cover until you feel it snag on a clip.

    • There are four clips total—one at each corner of the bottom cover.

    • Twist the pick to lift the clip out of its slot.

  5. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 5、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 5、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 5、 3の画像 3
    • Continue sliding and prying with the pick along the perimeter of the bottom cover to release the remaining clips.

    • Don't insert the pick more than an inch when sliding near the power button, as you risk damaging the cable.

    • During reassembly, press along the perimeter of the bottom until you hear and feel all four clips click back into place.

  6. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 6、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 6、 2の画像 2
    • Don't remove the bottom cover, as it's still connected to the Mac mini with a cable.

    • Lift the edge of the bottom cover opposite the power button and flip it over to expose the power button cable.

  7. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the power button: 手順 7、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the power button: 手順 7、 2の画像 2
    • The power button cable is very fragile! You don't have to disconnect it to access the internals— but it will require you to keep the bottom cover propped up.

    • To disconnect the cable and remove the bottom cover, follow the next two steps.

    • If you don't disconnect the cable, prop up the bottom cover to prevent straining the cable and skip the next two steps.

    • Grip the power button cable close to the head and pull it away from its socket to disconnect it.

  8. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the bottom cover: 手順 8、 1の画像 1
    • Remove the bottom cover.

  9. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the inner plate screws: 手順 9、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the inner plate screws: 手順 9、 2の画像 2
    この手順で使用する道具:
    FixMat
    $36.95
    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came from.

    • While the Mac mini uses Torx Plus screws, standard Torx bits work. Make sure to apply constant, downward force to prevent stripping.

    • Use a T5 Torx screwdriver to remove the twelve screws securing the inner plate:

    • Eight 3.4 mm‑long screws

    • Four 2.4 mm‑long screws

  10. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Separate the inner plate: 手順 10、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Separate the inner plate: 手順 10、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Separate the inner plate: 手順 10、 3の画像 3
    • Insert the point of a spudger into one of the clips' slots on the inner plate.

    • Pry up the inner plate enough so you can grip the edge along the same side as the headphone jack.

  11. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 11、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 11、 2の画像 2
    • Pull the inner plate away from the chassis to slide it out from under the lip on the heat sink.

    • During reassembly, slide the inner plate back under the heat sink and press along its edges to secure it in the chassis.

  12. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 12、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 12、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 12、 3の画像 3
    • Don't remove the inner plate yet, as it's still connected to the Mac mini by a cable.

    • Lift the inner plate and flip it over to expose the wireless module cable.

  13. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the wireless module cover: 手順 13、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the wireless module cover: 手順 13、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the wireless module cover: 手順 13、 3の画像 3
    • Use one hand to secure the wireless module during this step.

    • Use a Torx Plus 5IP screwdriver to remove the four 2.5 mm‑long screws securing the wireless module cover.

  14. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the cover: 手順 14、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the cover: 手順 14、 2の画像 2
    • Remove the wireless module cover.

    • During reassembly, look the bottom of the cover to find the foam rectangle. Align the foam rectangle over the wireless module press connector to find the proper orientation for the cover.

  15. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the wireless module: 手順 15、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the wireless module: 手順 15、 2の画像 2
    • Use one hand to secure the wireless module during this step.

    • Insert the point of a spudger under one of the short edges of the wireless module press connector.

    • Don't insert your spudger anywhere else, as you risk dislodging surface-mounted components.

    • Pry up to disconnect the wireless module.

  16. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the inner plate: 手順 16、 1の画像 1
    • Remove the inner plate.

  17. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the fan screws: 手順 17、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the fan screws: 手順 17、 2の画像 2
    • If you're following this guide to clean your fan, this is a good time to do so.

    • Remove the four screws securing the fan:

    • Two 2.4 mm‑long Torx Plus 3IP screws

    • Two 7.9 mm‑long Torx Plus 5IP screws

  18. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Reposition the fan: 手順 18、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Reposition the fan: 手順 18、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Reposition the fan: 手順 18、 3の画像 3
    • Lift the fan out of its recess in the chassis and flip it over to expose its wire and connector.

    • Let the fan rest on the chassis and heat sink.

  19. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the fan: 手順 19、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the fan: 手順 19、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the fan: 手順 19、 3の画像 3
    • Use tweezers to peel back the tape covering the fan ZIF connector.

  20. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 20、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 20、 2の画像 2
    • Use the point of a spudger, or your fingernail, to flip up the locking tab on the fan ZIF connector.

  21. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 21、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 21、 2の画像 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to slide the ZIF connector straight out of its socket.

  22. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the fan: 手順 22、 1の画像 1
    • Remove the fan.

  23. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the headphone jack cover screws: 手順 23、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the headphone jack cover screws: 手順 23、 2の画像 2
    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the two 2.2 mm‑long screws securing the headphone jack cover.

  24. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the cover: 手順 24、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the cover: 手順 24、 2の画像 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the headphone jack cover.

  25. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the headphone jack: 手順 25、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the headphone jack: 手順 25、 2の画像 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the headphone jack press connector.

  26. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the headphone jack screws: 手順 26、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the headphone jack screws: 手順 26、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the headphone jack screws: 手順 26、 3の画像 3
    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the two 4.0 mm‑long screws securing the headphone jack.

    • If you aren't using a flexible adapter, make sure your screwdriver is as parallel with the screw as possible. Apply constant force against the screw to avoid stripping.

  27. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Apply isopropyl alcohol: 手順 27、 1の画像 1
    • The power indicator light is connected to the headphone jack and requires separating its adhesive to continue.

    • Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to the top of the power indicator's silver plate.

    • Wait one minute for the alcohol to flow behind the power indicator and for the adhesive to loosen.

  28. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Separate the power indicator: 手順 28、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Separate the power indicator: 手順 28、 2の画像 2
    この手順で使用する道具:
    Tesa 61395 Tape
    $5.99
    • Slide a Jimmy between the top of the power indicator and the chassis to separate the adhesive.

    • During reassembly, align the power indicator's holes over the white pegs in the chassis. If the old adhesive isn't sticky anymore, use a thin double-sided tape like Tesa Tape to replace it.

  29. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 29、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 29、 2の画像 2
    • Lightly grip the power indicator with tweezers and pull it away from the chassis to separate the adhesive securing its cable.

  30. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the headphone jack: 手順 30、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the headphone jack: 手順 30、 2の画像 2
    • Lift the headphone jack out of the chassis and remove it.

  31. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the speaker screws: 手順 31、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the speaker screws: 手順 31、 2の画像 2
    • Use a Torx Plus 5IP screwdriver to remove the three screws securing the speaker:

    • Two 4.1 mm‑long screws

    • One 3.7 mm‑long screw

  32. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Reposition the speaker: 手順 32、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Reposition the speaker: 手順 32、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Reposition the speaker: 手順 32、 3の画像 3
  33. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 33、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 33、 2の画像 2
    • Pull the speaker over the edge of the chassis to expose its cable and its connector.

    • Rest the speaker on the edge of the chassis.

  34. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the speaker: 手順 34、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the speaker: 手順 34、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the speaker: 手順 34、 3の画像 3
    • Grip the speaker cable close to the head and pull it away from its socket to disconnect it.

  35. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the speaker: 手順 35、 1の画像 1
    • Remove the speaker.

  36. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the front USB-C port cover screws: 手順 36、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the front USB-C port cover screws: 手順 36、 2の画像 2
    • Remove the four screws securing the USB-C port cover:

    • Three 2.2 mm‑long Torx Plus 3IP screws

    • One 9.2 mm‑long Torx Plus 8IP screw

  37. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the cover: 手順 37、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the cover: 手順 37、 2の画像 2
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the front USB-C port cover.

  38. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the front USB-C ports: 手順 38、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the front USB-C ports: 手順 38、 2の画像 2
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry up and disconnect the front USB-C ports press connector.

  39. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the front USB-C port screws: 手順 39、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the front USB-C port screws: 手順 39、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the front USB-C port screws: 手順 39、 3の画像 3
    • Use a Torx Plus 3IP screwdriver to remove the four 4.7 mm‑long screws securing the two front USB-C ports.

    • If you aren't using a flexible adapter, make sure your screwdriver is as parallel with the screw as possible. Apply constant force against the screw to avoid stripping.

  40. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the front USB-C ports: 手順 40、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the front USB-C ports: 手順 40、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the front USB-C ports: 手順 40、 3の画像 3
    • Use the point of a spudger to pry the front USB-C ports from their recesses in the chassis.

    • During reassembly, gently press the USB-C ports into their recesses until they click into place.

  41. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 41、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 41、 2の画像 2
    • Pull the front USB-C ports out of the chassis and remove it.

  42. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the logic board screws: 手順 42、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the logic board screws: 手順 42、 2の画像 2
    • Remove the six screws securing the logic board:

    • Three 6.8 mm‑long T8 Torx screws

    • One 16.2 mm‑long T8 Torx screw

    • Two 4.2 mm‑long T5 Torx screws

  43. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Release the logic board: 手順 43、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Release the logic board: 手順 43、 2の画像 2
    • Grip the heat sink and pull it away from the edge of the chassis to release the pegs in the rear ports.

  44. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 44、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 44、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 44、 3の画像 3
    • Don't fully remove the logic board from the chassis yet, as it's still attached by a cable.

    • Lift the rear port side of the logic board out of the chassis before sliding the opposite end out.

    • During reassembly, insert the edge of the logic board opposite the rear ports into the chassis before pressing it down flat.

  45. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 45、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 45、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024): 手順 45、 3の画像 3
    • Turn the logic board over to expose the power supply cable connector.

  46. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the power supply: 手順 46、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Disconnect the power supply: 手順 46、 2の画像 2
    • Use your fingers to grip the power supply cable connector and pull it straight out of its socket to disconnect it.

  47. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the logic board: 手順 47、 1の画像 1
    • Remove the logic board.

  48. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the logic board cover: 手順 48、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the logic board cover: 手順 48、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the logic board cover: 手順 48、 3の画像 3
    • The rubber cover on the bottom of the logic board is secured with adhesive along its copper pads.

    • Flip over the logic board.

    • While securing the logic board with one hand, use the other to peel off the rubber cover.

    • If pieces of the copper rip and stick to the logic board, don't worry! Keep the copper in place, as it'll fill in the gaps on the rubber cover during reassembly.

  49. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the heat sink bracket screws: 手順 49、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the heat sink bracket screws: 手順 49、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the heat sink bracket screws: 手順 49、 3の画像 3
    • Use one hand to secure the logic board during this step to prevent damaging it.

    • Use a Torx Plus 5IP screwdriver to remove the four 4.4 mm‑long screws securing the heat sink bracket.

    • The brackets will bend up as you loosen the screws.

    • During reassembly, tighten the heat sink bracket screws in an "X" pattern.

  50. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the brackets: 手順 50、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the brackets: 手順 50、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the brackets: 手順 50、 3の画像 3
    • Use tweezers, or your fingers, to remove the heat sink brackets.

  51. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the heat sink screws: 手順 51、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the heat sink screws: 手順 51、 2の画像 2
    • Flip over the logic board.

    • Use a Torx Plus 5IP screwdriver to remove the two 4.0 mm‑long screws securing the heat sink.

  52. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the heat sink: 手順 52、 2の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the heat sink: 手順 52、 2の画像 2
    • Lift the heat sink off the logic board and remove it.

    • You might feel a little resistance from the thermal paste bonded to the heat sink.

  53. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the old thermal paste: 手順 53、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the old thermal paste: 手順 53、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Remove the old thermal paste: 手順 53、 3の画像 3
    • Use the flat end of a spudger to scrape off the old thermal paste from the processor.

    • Apply a few drops of isopropyl alcohol (>90%) to the processor and use a coffee filter or a lint-free cloth to wipe away any residue.

    • Repeat this step for the thermal paste on the heat sink.

  54. How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Apply the new thermal paste: 手順 54、 3の画像 1 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Apply the new thermal paste: 手順 54、 3の画像 2 How to Replace the Thermal Paste in your Mac mini (2024), Apply the new thermal paste: 手順 54、 3の画像 3
    • Apply a small bead of thermal paste to the each of the three locations on the processor.

    • Follow this guide in reverse order starting with this step to reattach the heat sink. Placing the heat sink back on the processor will evenly spread the thermal paste and bond both parts together.

終わりに

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order, starting with this step.

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Mac mini (2024) Answers Community for help.

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Alex Diaz-Kokaisl

メンバー登録日: 01/16/22

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