Subject Hardware:

2011 MacMini Server

Two 1TB SSDs
First SSD: 10.15.7 (with DosDude1 hack, works great)
Second SSD: Windows 10 (with BootCamp, also works great)


Some time back when I added two SSDs to this hard drive I damaged the IR Board Connector on the logic board. I was able to connect the wire back to the damaged connector, but not sure what operational damage was done. I noticed since then, that the power light on the front never came on after that, related? I need to do some googling on that, but thought I would ask here.

Today I went into look at that fan, but decided to dig deeper which meant pulling the logic board. When removing the wire from the logic board connector for the IR Board, the connector came off the logic board completely. So, now with the computer all back together, but without the IR Board wire connected to logic board. Any issue anyone can think of running computer without the IR Board wire connected to logic board? I suspect I am in the same configuration as I was previously anyway.

Regarding the noisy fan. While fan was removed, I attempted blowing it out with air. Didn't spend freely. Put back together it still noisy. I will be doing some googling tonight to find replacement fan. I suspect it might be a challenge to find, but we shall see.

One way to fix it all could be a new M1!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 11/27/2021 10:01PM by SKYLANE.

About a year or more ago my ir connector also came off the board of my 2011 mac mini and I have not noticed any problems from it as I never used it with a remote.

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Formerly known as Dennis R

Thanks Dennis R

I never use remote with mine either. Sounds like nothing to be concerned about then, I am not going to worry about it.

Did you happen to notice if the power light on front of your 2011 MacMini still came on after your IR connector came off?

[www.ifixit.com]


[www.ifixit.com]



Seeing others for +/- $25.

Thanks btfc

I was seeing similar replacement fans on some other sites as well. I like the links you have pointed out.

I will check for the light when I actually get up in a few hours.

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Formerly known as Dennis R

Just checked and never realized the light does not come on.

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Formerly known as Dennis R

Yes, the light will not work if that connection is broken. IR is out and the temp sensor for the fan is disconnected as well. Without the info, the fan will run at full speed - that's why it's noisy. IF the computer doesn't know how hot the processor is, it assumes the worst and cranks up the fan.

There are no other issues with this setup - the fan will be noisy and will likely die prematurely. You can get software that will control the fan speed for you (but it will no longer be regulated by a temp sensor.) I can't remember the name of any fan software, but they are out there...

“ I can't remember the name of any fan software, but they are out there...”

SMCFanControl

hal

Thanks for the input, I was wondering what all went through that IR connector. I certainly won’t miss the IR or the light. I was not aware about the fan sensor, from what you said it sounds like without the sensor that the fan just runs at worst case. That is fine with me, the computer is in a hobby space in the garage where I use it for sorting family photos/videos, other than that is just on server duty. So, a loud fan is not going to bother me.

However, the fan is at end of life anyhow since now it is grinding loudly. So, will get that replaced here this coming week.

Out of all the computers that I have serviced disconnecting the connectors, some tough and some delicate, I never had an issue with one breaking. How easily this connector dislodged from the motherboard was a bit of a surprise.


Thanks for all the inputs everyone...

Quote
btfc
“ I can't remember the name of any fan software, but they are out there...”

SMCFanControl

yeah, that's the one I liked...