Macmini3,1 doesn't turn on

Discussion in 'Mac mini' started by pastrychef, Oct 6, 2015.

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  1. pastrychef, Oct 6, 2015

    pastrychef macrumors 601

    pastrychef

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    #1
    I have an Early 2009 Mac Mini 3,1 that doesn't turn on. It had been in storage close to two years and I wanted to test some software on it. When I press the power button absolutely nothing happens. Prior to putting it in storage, it booted and ran perfectly.

    I've tried the usual stuff... Replaced the CR2032 battery. Triple checked connections and reseated RAM and daughter card (the part that the optical drive and hard drive are connected to). Swapped out RAM with different modules. Swapped to known good power supply. Have I missed anything?

    I have a second identical model that runs 24/7. I have no idea why this one died while being in storage...
     
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  2. MacUser2525, Oct 7, 2015

    MacUser2525 macrumors 68000

    MacUser2525

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    #2
    See no mention of logic board or cpu swap if swapable either one of those two gone will lead to dead machine.
     
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  3. pastrychef, Oct 7, 2015

    pastrychef thread starter macrumors 601

    pastrychef

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    #3
    CPU is soldered to the main logic board. Main logic board and CPU would basically mean a dead machine. I just find it strange as to how it could die just sitting in my closet...
     
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  4. adam9c1, Oct 7, 2015

    adam9c1 macrumors 68000

    adam9c1

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    #4
    Open it up and replace the pram battery.
     
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  5. MacUser2525, Oct 7, 2015

    MacUser2525 macrumors 68000

    MacUser2525

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    #5
    Replaced the CR2032 battery mentioned already in first post.

    Computers got to love em, I have seen stranger than that in my many many years of working on them. Parts that will work in one machine not working in another or even stranger parts that one week will not work at all suddenly when testing before throwing it out decide to work again. I know one thing I have learned is this never leave them just laying around start them up at least once a month/week preferably especially if they have mechanical drives in them those things fail if not spun up from time to time.
     
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  6. adam9c1, Oct 7, 2015

    adam9c1 macrumors 68000

    adam9c1

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    #6
    You have plugged it into a known good outlet?
    Can you try another power supply?
    (I don't remember the correct wattage).

    Also recently saw a post where someone was tinkering with their (Mac) Mini and the cable to the power button was damaged.
    But I think this was on the older model.
     
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  7. pastrychef, Oct 7, 2015

    pastrychef thread starter macrumors 601

    pastrychef

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    #7
    Yes, I had it plugged in to an APC UPS witch I know is good.

    I'll try having a look at the power button. Thanks.


    Yeah, I know how this stuff works sometimes... It just bugs me how it was working perfectly when it went in to the closet and, when it came out, it just mysteriously doesn't turn on...

    I was hoping there was something simple that I missed...

    Thanks, guys.
     
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  8. adam9c1, Oct 7, 2015

    adam9c1 macrumors 68000

    adam9c1

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    #8
    Check that the internal frame is installed right.
    Take out the four screws, remove, and reinstall frame.
     
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