FreeNAS Mini Installation and operation manual

FreeNAS®Mini and
FreeNAS Mini XL
Hardware Upgrade Guide

Hardware Upgrade Guide
Table of Contents, Welcome ...................................................................... 1
Parts Location .............................................................................................. 2
Preparation .................................................................................................. 3
Opening the FreeNAS Mini Case ............................................................... 3
Opening the FreeNAS Mini XL Case ......................................................... 4
Upgrading Memory ..................................................................................... 5
Installing Memory ....................................................................................... 6
Solid State Disk (SSD) Upgrade ................................................................. 7
FreeNAS Mini SSD Mounting ..................................................................... 7
FreeNAS Mini XL SSD Mounting ................................................................ 8
FreeNAS Mini and Mini XL SSD Connection ............................................ 9
Closing the Case .......................................................................................... 9
Other Resources ........................................................................................ 10
Thank you for purchasing this upgrade for your FreeNAS Mini or XL!
This guide shows how to install the new upgrade components.
1

1 SSD Power Cables
2 SSD Data Cables
3 SSD Mounting Trays
4 Memory Slots
PARTS LOCATION
2
FREENAS MINI
3
1
2
4
FREENAS MINI XL
3
4
1
2

3
OPENING THE FREENAS MINI CASE
Unscrew the four thumbscrews on the rear of the Mini:
1
3
2
4
PREPARATION
A Philips screwdriver will be needed for internal screws. Shut down the
FreeNAS system and unplug the power cable. Make a note of where the
data cables are connected and unplug them also. If a “Tamper Resistant”
sticker is present, removing or cutting it to remove the case will not aect
the warranty on the unit.
Slide the black metal cover o the back of the chassis.

4
OPENING THE FREENAS MINI XL CASE
The FreeNAS Mini XL has two side panels which are removed separately.
For an SSD upgrade, remove the two thumbscrews on the right, then slide
the panel back and remove it from the chassis.
3
4
1
2
For a memory upgrade, remove all four thumbscrews, then slide each panel
back and remove it from the chassis.

5
UPGRADING MEMORY
A memory upgrade includes two dual inline memory modules:
The FreeNAS Mini and Mini XL have four memory slots, a blue and white
pair on the same side as the power connector, and another blue and white
pair on the opposite side of the chassis:
One end of each memory slot has a hinged latch, while the other end has a
xed latch.
Latches
Memory Slots

6
INSTALLING MEMORY
Memory is installed in pairs in the same color sockets, blue rst, then white.
Most systems will already have memory in the blue sockets, and upgrade
memory will be installed in the white sockets.
Touch the metal chassis of the Mini to discharge any static, then open the
plastic package containing a memory module. Avoid touching the gold
edge connector. Line up the notch in the bottom of the memory module
with the key in the socket. The notch is oset to one end. If the notch
does not line up with the key built into the socket, ip the memory module
around end-to-end.
Gently insert the the memory module into the memory slot, putting the
notch on the end of the module under the xed latch.
Gently guide the module
into the slot, pressing
down on both ends of
the module until the
hinged latch swings in,
locking into place.
Repeat for the second
memory module, which
goes in the same color of
slot on the other side of
the chassis.

7
SOLID STATE DISK (SSD) UPGRADE
The SSD upgrade includes one or two SSD drives and mounting screws.
Each SSD can be mounted in either tray, it makes no dierence to system
operation.
FREENAS MINI SSD MOUNTING
The FreeNAS Mini has two SSD trays, one on the top and one on the side
(see the Parts Location diagram on page 2). Remove the two screws
securing an SSD tray, then slide the tray forward to remove it.
Mount an SSD in the tray with four small screws, one at each corner:
Replace the tray on the
chassis, sliding it back into
place, then attach with the
original screws. Repeat the
process if a second SSD is
being installed.

8
FREENAS MINI XL SSD MOUNTING
The FreeNAS Mini XL has two SSD trays on the side (see Parts Location
diagram on page 2). Remove the single screw securing an SSD tray, then
slide the tray toward the front to remove it.
Mount an SSD in the tray by placing the holes on one side of the SSD onto
the two pins in the tray. Then use two screws from the upgrade kit to
secure it from the back:
Replace the tray on the chassis,
sliding it back into place and
securing with the original screws.
Repeat the process if a second
SSD is being installed.
Rear View
Front View

FREENAS MINI AND MINI XL SSD CONNECTION
Attach a power cable and a data cable to each SSD. The connectors both
have L-shaped keys that only allow them to be connected one way.
Gently slide the connectors onto the drive until they stop.
Make sure the cables are not rubbing against a sharp metal edge or sticking
out where they will be snagged when the case is slid back on.
CLOSING THE CASE
Replacing the case is the opposite of removal. Slide the case back on, being
careful not to pinch any cables, and replace the thumbscrews in the back.
9