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swamprock

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Aug 2, 2015
1,273
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Michigan
Does anyone know the size of the G4 Mini's heat sink hold-down rivets? I'm going to be reapplying thermal paste and most likely will have to replace the rivets.
 
Short answer: No, I don’t know the size.

Longer answer:

From the bottom… I usually use small hemostats (or needle-nosed pliers) to compress the expanded bottoms of those plastic “rivets” while also applying slight downward pressure with a pencil (etc.) to pop them down and out, carefully. Then after applying new paste, simply press them and their springs back into place… as they are normally held (as before) without any problem. (I’ve done this without fail on at least ten G4 Minis.)

BUT - I have considered using very small, threaded nylon nuts and bolts from the local hardware store as replacements / if necessary… should I ever experience a failure or damage to the “rivets”.
 
Short answer: No, I don’t know the size.

Longer answer:

From the bottom… I usually use small hemostats (or needle-nosed pliers) to compress the expanded bottoms of those plastic “rivets” while also applying slight downward pressure with a pencil (etc.) to pop them down and out, carefully. Then after applying new paste, simply press them and their springs back into place… as they are normally held (as before) without any problem. (I’ve done this without fail on at least ten G4 Minis.)

BUT - I have considered using very small, threaded nylon nuts and bolts from the local hardware store as replacements / if necessary… should I ever experience a failure or damage to the “rivets”.

I've considered a few options for removing and retaining the originals, with one problem: my eyesight. Rather than fight my aging eyes and destroying the clips, I figured I would just replace them. I'll give the hemo idea a try, though. Thanks.
 
“…with one problem: my eyesight. Rather than fight my aging eyes and destroying the clips, I figured I would just replace them. I'll give the hemo idea a try, though.”

Completely understand the vision concern. Much too small for my naked eye(s) or even with my glasses. ’Tis perhaps Opti-Visor™ time?

I do use mine quite often.;)
 
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When I upgraded an Intel Core Solo Mini to a Core2Duo a few years ago, the doc I was following said to use 4-40 nylon machine screws and nuts to replace the rivets. Worked great.

Hopefully the G4 is the same. You can normally find the nylon hardware at a hobby shop that handles R/C aircraft and vehicles.

Al

Does anyone know the size of the G4 Mini's heat sink hold-down rivets? I'm going to be reapplying thermal paste and most likely will have to replace the rivets.
 
BUT - I have considered using very small, threaded nylon nuts and bolts from the local hardware store as replacements / if necessary… should I ever experience a failure or damage to the “rivets”.
I did that with the Mac Mini 1,1 a few years ago after repasting when I broke a couple of the clips. They got a bit brittle with heat and age. Although the nylon screws were of softer plastic, they haven't stretched with age and the Mac Mini is still going strong (except for a dead lower memory slot).
 
I did that with the Mac Mini 1,1 a few years ago after repasting when I broke a couple of the clips. They got a bit brittle with heat and age. Although the nylon screws were of softer plastic, they haven't stretched with age and the Mac Mini is still going strong (except for a dead lower memory slot).

Looks like I'll just go this route. Thanks for the info, friends.
 
I recall years ago, Fastenal was said to be the source to get exact replacements for the OEM clips, but I can't find any threads/PNs for them.
 
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