Mac Studio 2023 Internal Frame Replacement

Written By: Spencer Day
  • Comments: 0
Mac Studio 2023 Internal Frame Replacement

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

18

Time Required

20 - 30 minutes

Introduction

Use this guide to replace the internal frame in your Mac Studio (2023).

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    • Completely shut down your Mac Studio.

    • Unplug all cables from your device.

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    • Flip your Mac Studio over and lay it down so the bottom faces up and the SD card slot and two front USB‑C ports are facing you.

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    • Adhesive strips secure the bottom cover screw pad.

    • Heat an iOpener and lay it over one of the bottom cover screws for two minutes to soften the adhesive near the screw—this is where you'll insert a spudger in the next step.

    • You can also use a hair dryer or heat gun, but be careful as extreme heat will warp the pad.

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    • Insert the point of a spudger under the pad's inner edge, near the screw you applied heat to in the previous step.

    • This may take some force. If you're having trouble, apply more heat and try again.

    • Use the spudger to lift the pad and separate the adhesive.

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    • Insert the flat end of a spudger under the pad.

    • Slide the spudger under the entire pad to separate the remaining adhesive.

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    • Remove the bottom cover screw pad.

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    • During reassembly:

    • If the adhesive strips are still sticky, you can reuse them.

    • If you're applying new adhesive:

    • Use the flat end of a spudger and your fingers to scrape up and remove the old adhesive strips.

    • Use isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth to remove the old adhesive residue.

    • If you don't have replacement adhesive, you can use strips of thin, double-sided tape 2–3 mm wide.

    • Apply the new adhesive strips to the bottom cover and remove their liners.

    • Firmly press the bottom cover screw pad into its recess to secure it.

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

    • Use a T10 Torx screwdriver to remove the four 8 mm‑long screws securing the bottom cover.

    • Throughout this repair, keep track of each screw and make sure it goes back exactly where it came.

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    • Insert the point of a spudger in one of the bottom cover's ventilation holes and lift the cover until you can grab it with your fingers.

    • Remove the bottom cover.

    • To orient the bottom cover, align the Kensington lock cutout in the top left corner with the corresponding one on the internal frame.

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    • Use a T10 Torx screwdriver to remove the six screws securing the power supply:

    • Four 6 mm‑long screws

    • Two 7 mm‑long screws with washers

    • You may need to remove a sticker to access these screws. If you do, save it for reassembly.

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    • Flip your Mac Studio around so the rear ports are facing you.

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    • A tight plastic latch secures the power cord port cable.

    • Firmly hold the power supply with one hand and lift up the edge near the power cord port.

    • With your free hand, pinch the head of the power cord port connector to unclip it and pull straight down to disconnect the cable.

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    • Only grab the power supply by its edges. Various power components and capacitors are left exposed.

    • Carefully tilt the power supply away from the power cord port so it's at a 90-degree angle.

    • Be careful not to strain the cable that's still connected to the power supply.

    • Keep the power supply tilted up for the next step.

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    • A delicate plastic clip secures the power supply signal cable.

    • With your free hand, pinch the head of the power supply connector to unclip it and pull straight away from the socket to disconnect the cable.

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    • Remove the power supply.

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    • Flip your Mac Studio around so the SD card reader and two front USB‑C ports are facing you.

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    • Use a T6 Torx screwdriver to remove the eight screws securing the internal frame:

    • Seven 5 mm‑long screws

    • One 4 mm‑long screw

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Conclusion

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

Repair didn’t go as planned? Try some basic troubleshooting, or ask our Answers community for help.

Author

Spencer Day

Member since: 14/09/22

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