Power Mac G4 Cube: Replacing the Enclosure

This article explains how to replace the enclosure on the Power Mac G4 Cube. HTML/QuickTime video versions of the instructions are also available at http://www.info.apple.com/installparts.

Be sure to follow the instructions in this sheet carefully. Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage to your equipment and may void your warranty.

Replacing your computer enclosure requires three basic steps:

• Turn off the computer.
• Remove the computer core from the enclosure.
• Replace the computer core in the new enclosure.

Note: A video version of the replacement instructions is available at http://www.info.apple.com/installparts

Tools Required

No tools are required for this procedure.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

Static electricity, a normal and natural phenomenon, builds up on your body as you walk around. You experience an electrostatic discharge (ESD) when you touch an object and feel a spark. ESD can cause damage to the internal components of your computer.

Removing the Computer Core From the Enclosure

Warning: Always turn off your computer before opening it to avoid damaging its internal components.

1. Place your computer on a clean, flat surface.
   
   
2. Shut down your computer by opening the Special menu and choosing Shut Down. Then wait five minutes for the computer's internal components to cool down.
   
   
3. Unplug all cables from the computer except the power cord. Note: If you have never plugged in your computer, connect the computer's power cord and plug it in.
   
   
4. Turn your computer upside down on a soft, clean cloth.
   
   
   
   
5. Touch the bare metal at the port access covers on the back of the computer. Important: To avoid electrostatic discharge, always ground yourself by touching the port access covers before you touch any parts or install any components inside the computer. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until you have completed the installation and closed the computer.
   
   
6. Unplug the power cord.
   
   
7. Push down on the latch to release it. Allow the latch to extend completely.
   
   
   
   
   
8. Gently pull the core from the computer enclosure and place the core on a soft cloth.
   
   
   
   
   

Replacing the Computer Core in the New Enclosure

1. Holding the core by the latch, insert the core into the new enclosure. Note: The core fits into the enclosure only one way. Position the core so the ports are toward the back of the enclosure.
   
   
   
   
2. With a flat hand, press down on the latch until it locks into place. Firmly press the core to ensure it is fully secured within the enclosure. Important: Do not lift or carry your computer by the core latch. The enclosure could fall off the core and be damaged.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Turn your computer upright and reconnect all cables.
   
   
4. Restart your computer. Warning: Never turn on your computer unless all of its internal and external parts are in place and it is closed. Operating the computer when it is open or missing parts can damage your computer or cause injury.