Cheap and easy fanless mod for Mac Mini M1 Music Server

[gingerbrown]

@Edd are you still running this mod? I’m really tempted to follow your example!

[gingerbrown]

Thank you for replying @Edd
I have everything lined up ready to purchase. :-) 
I haven't handled heatsink removal & re-installation before. Do you have any insights/advice on the removal, cleaning & application of thermal paste in the context of an MMM1?

[gingerbrown]

14 hours ago, Edd said:

I use tissue paper, cotton swabs and alcohol pad to remove the thermal paste. 

Dont apply too much thermal paste, you want it spread thin and evenly. Also apply some paste between your new and original M1 heatsink. hope it helps 

Thank you @Edd
I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I'll send a photo of mine up & running, which will be thanks to you!

[gingerbrown]

@Edd could you share details of the tool you used to screw the bolts into the heatsink please?
There is little space between the heads of the bolts & the body of the Schthe Choten SCCT-1000. I haven't been able to tighten them beyond finger tight yet.
I just ordered a couple of options for tools from Amazon but both are too tall.

[gingerbrown]

Thank you @Edd.

Just one final check: I can't really tell from your photos. Does the bottom of the Schthe Choten sit directly on the the Mac Mini heatsink (as in the photo attached) or should there be another structural piece between the top of the MMM1 heatsink fins & the shiny surface of the Choten's base?

 

 

[gingerbrown]

5 hours ago, Edd said:

@gingerbrownit sits right on top of m1 heat sink with thermal paste in between.

Thanks @Edd

Did you apply a thin layer of thermal paste across the whole bottom of the Choten then?

[gingerbrown]

5 hours ago, Edd said:

I mean thin layer 

 

😁
I'm up & running. A few hiccups overcome along the way... looking good:

[gingerbrown]

11 hours ago, Edd said:

@gingerbrown excellent jobs 😝

All thanks to you!
It's great to see that my Mac Mini is now running with the benefit of clean linear power, Etheregen-improved network and Singxer-SU6-improved USB to I2S...

...fanless, speakerless and wifi-antenna-less...