eMac Hard Drive Replacement

Written By: Chris Green
  • Comments: 6
eMac Hard Drive Replacement

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

20

Time Required

30 minutes - 2 hours

Introduction

The hard drive in the eMac is pretty tough to get to, and requires disassembling most of the computer.

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    • It should be noted that these guides are written based on a late-model eMac (2005, 1.42GHz, DDR). They will differ slightly from the older model eMacs that use PC-133 RAM.

    • Lay the eMac screen-down on a flat surface. I've found it convenient to use a carpeted floor because the computer is so heavy.

    • Remove the single phillips #2 screw on the RAM door, and remove the door

    • The screw is captive in the door, so don't worry about losing it.

    carpet or towel is the way to go. don’t put on bare hardwood floor or table as you may scratch it

    Duck -

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    • Before starting this process it's important to note that the eMac can have some seriously dangerous voltages inside of it, thanks to the CRT display. Before working on an eMac, you should unplug it, press the power button to clear any stored charge on the motherboard, and then let it sit for 24-hours (or more) to allow the CRT to discharge.

    • You can read more about CRT safety procedures here. If you aren't experienced with working on devices featuring a CRT, it's recommended that you don't proceed any further.

    • On the bottom side of the eMac, remove the following screws:

    • A single 2.5mm hex screw

    • Two #2 phillips screws

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    • Remove two 2.5mm hex screws from each of the other sides of the computer.

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    • Now, the shell can almost be separated from the computer.

    • There is a cable that connects to the power button. This must be disconnected before removing the housing completely.

    • Lift the housing enough to allow you to fit your hand through the access door, and disconnect the cable at the power button.

    What happens if you pull the shell off before does couldn’t connecting the power button and completely rip the wires right out of the quick connect,, well that’s exactly what I did and I need to know how to fix it please thank you

    Kolby Hughston -

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    • Now the entire shell can be removed from the computer.

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    • The motherboard access panel is held on by 4 phillips #2 screws.

    • Remove the screws, then use your fingers to pull on the top tabs to separate the panel from the computer frame.

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    • To remove the fan assembly, several cables must be disconnected first:

    • 3-pin fan cable

    • Ground wire, requires phillips #2 screwdriver

    • 2-pin AC cable to power supply

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    • Now remove the following screws securing the fan assembly:

    • 3x coarse thread phillips #2

    • 1x machine thread phillips #2

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    • There may be a zip tie holding another cable to the fan assembly, cut it to remove the fan assembly.

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    • You should now be able to remove the fan assembly.

    • Doing this will expose more of the CRT neck, be careful not to touch this area because it can contain high voltages (and is fragile)

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    • There are four connectors at the bottom of the motherboard that must be removed.

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    • There is a large display connector that must be removed. This can be done by squeezing the tabs and pulling.

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    • The power button cable may be tucked in the casing, you will need to un-tuck it.

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    • There are several phillips #2 screws that hold the eMac motherboard assembly to the rest of the computer. They will all need to be removed.

    • 2 large ones near the drive bay door.

    • 7 smaller ones scattered around

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    • More of the screw locations from the previous step

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    • The motherboard assembly should now come free.

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    • Disconnect the 4-pin hard drive power connector.

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    • The hard drive is fastened to a caddy. In order to remove it, the caddy must be removed first.

    • It is secured to the motherboard assembly with two phillips #2 screws. Remove them, but don't pull the drive out yet.

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    • The drive is still connected with an IDE cable, which is folded under the caddy.

    • Disconnect the IDE cable from the motherboard, and lift the drive caddy out.

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    • The hard drive is held in the caddy with four phillips screws. Remove them.

    • Also disconnect the IDE cable from the drive. It can now be removed from the caddy.

    Thank you so much for this.

    Ernesto Quintanilla Jr -

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Chris Green

Member since: 11/10/09

37227 Reputation

3 comments

I love you.

Maybe I’m being premature, but this gives me hope that I might be able to release the drive that’s been trapped inside my eMac for 20 years, after which I will for sure love you. My first obstacle is stripped hex screws, but my second was not knowing what the !&&* to do if I DID manage to open it! I’m determined to find a way past those jerks and then get through the next 19 steps. Thanks in advance!

Mary Colbert -

I'm really surprised you're not including the directions to discharge the CRT. The eMacs in particular have a hard neck to avoid touching and the risk is being hit by 25,000+ volts. We were always taught to discharge these as soon as removing the back panel.

Rebecca Winter -

Top of step two, Rebecca.

PJ Sayegh -