FreeNAS Mini Parts list manual

FreeNAS®Mini and XL
Motherboard Replacement Guide
May 2017 Edition

Table of Contents
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 1
Preparation ............................................................................................................................... 1
Part I: Removing Motherboard, Components, and Cables .............................................. 2
Opening the FreeNAS Mini Case .................................................................................... 2
Opening the FreeNAS Mini XL Case ............................................................................... 3
Removing the Cables and Components ....................................................................... 4
Power Supply Connector Removal ................................................................................ 4
Memory Removal, Part 1 ................................................................................................. 5
Rear Fan Cable Removal .................................................................................................. 6
Front Panel and USB 2.0 Cable Removal ...................................................................... 6
Auxiliary Panel Cable Removal ....................................................................................... 7
FreeNAS Mini XL Front Fan Cable Removal .................................................................. 7
SATADOM Power Cable Removal ................................................................................... 8
SATADOM Removal ........................................................................................................... 9
FreeNAS Mini SATA Cable Removal ............................................................................... 9
FreeNAS Mini XL SATA Cable Removal ........................................................................ 10
Memory Removal, Part 2 ............................................................................................... 11
Motherboard Tray Removal .......................................................................................... 12
Network Interface Card (NIC) Removal ...................................................................... 13
Motherboard Removal ................................................................................................... 14
Part II: Installing Motherboard, Components, and Cables ............................................ 15
Motherboard Installation .............................................................................................. 15
RAM Installation .............................................................................................................. 16
Network Interface Card (NIC) Installation .................................................................. 18
Motherboard Tray Installation .................................................................................... 21
FreeNAS Mini SATA Cable Connection ....................................................................... 22
FreeNAS Mini XL SATA Cable Connection .................................................................. 23
FreeNAS Mini SATADOM Installation ......................................................................... 24
FreeNAS Mini XL SATADOM Installation .................................................................... 25
SATADOM Power Connection ...................................................................................... 26
System Panel Header Connection .............................................................................. 27
USB 2.0 Cable Connection ............................................................................................ 28
Auxiliary Panel Cable Connection ............................................................................... 29
NIC LED (Black and Yellow) ..................................................................................... 29
NIC LED (Orange and Black) ................................................................................... 30
OH LED (Red and Black) .......................................................................................... 30
FreeNAS Mini XL Front Fan Connection ..................................................................... 31
Fan Cable Connection ................................................................................................... 32
Power Supply Connection ............................................................................................ 32
Closing the Case .................................................................................................................... 32
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 33
Additional Resources ........................................................................................................... 33

1
INTRODUCTION
This guide shows motherboard removal and replacement for the FreeNAS
Mini and the FreeNAS Mini XL.
PREPARATION
A Philips screwdriver is 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. If a “Tamper Resistant” sticker is
present, removing or cutting it to open the case will not aect the warranty
on the unit.

2
PART I: REMOVING MOTHERBOARD,
COMPONENTS, AND CABLES
OPENING THE FREENAS MINI CASE
Unscrew the four thumbscrews on the rear of the Mini:
1
3
2
4
Slide the black metal cover o the back of the chassis.

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

4
REMOVING THE CABLES AND COMPONENTS
All cables and components must be disconnected or removed before the
motherboard can be replaced.
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR REMOVAL
The power supply is connected to the motherboard with a 24-pin
connector.
Press in on the upper part of the latch and pull the connector upward to
disconnect the power supply cable.
Note: Force may be needed as the connector is tight. It helps to hold the
motherboard tray in place while pulling upward on the connector.
Press Latch Inward

5
MEMORY REMOVAL, PART 1
There are four memory slots, two on each side of the motherboard.
Memory on the power supply side of the motherboard is removed in this
step.
One end of each memory slot has a hinged latch, while the other end has a
xed latch. Press down on the hinged latch to release the memory module
from the memory slot.
Gently pull upward to remove the memory module from the memory slot.
If a second memory module is present, remove it also.

6
REAR FAN CABLE REMOVAL
Disconnect the fan wire from the Rear_FAN2 connector. Gently pull the
wire connector upward. If necessary, ex the locking tab outward with a
ngernail to get the connector to release.
FRONT PANEL AND USB 2.0 CABLE REMOVAL
Switch to the other side of the Mini to remove the four Front Panel Header
connectors and the USB 2.0 Header. For each connector, grip the cable and
gently pull upward to disconnect.
USB 2.0 Front Panel

7
AUXILIARY PANEL CABLE REMOVAL
Remove the three cables connected to the Auxiliary Panel Header. With
each connector, grip the wires and gently pull upward to disconnect.
FREENAS MINI XL FRONT FAN CABLE REMOVAL
The Mini XL has two extra fans that connect to the two front fan headers
on the motherboard. Disconnect each connector by gripping and gently
pulling upward.
Auxiliary Panel

8
SATADOM POWER CABLE REMOVAL
Gently use thumb and index ngernails to grip the anges on the SATADOM
power connector, then pull to remove it. Be careful, this connector and
wires are fragile.

9
SATADOM REMOVAL
Gently depress the latch while pulling upward to remove the SATADOM
from the SATA slot.
FREENAS MINI SATA CABLE REMOVAL
Remove the four SATA cables connected to the blue SATA connectors, and
any optional SATA cables connected to the white slots.
Remove each connector individually by gently pulling upward on the black
part of the connector.
Latch

10
FREENAS MINI XL SATA CABLE REMOVAL
The FreeNAS Mini XL has four extra SATA cables that are plugged into the
white connectors behind the FRNT_FAN2 header. Remove each cable
individually by gently pulling upward on the black part of the connector.

11
MEMORY REMOVAL, PART 2
The remaining memory on this side of the motherboard is removed in this
step.
Press the hinged latch outwards to release the memory module from the
memory slot.
Gently lift the memory module out of the memory slot. If a second memory
module is present, remove it also.

12
MOTHERBOARD TRAY REMOVAL
Remove the three motherboard tray back panel screws, and the two inside
edge screws.
4 5
13
2
Gently lift and slide the motherboard tray out of the chassis.

13
NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (NIC) REMOVAL
Skip this section if the optional network card has not been installed.
Remove the screw attaching the network card bracket to the back panel.

14
Hold both ends and pull gently upward to remove the NIC from the
PCIe slot.
MOTHERBOARD REMOVAL
Remove the four screws securing the motherboard in place. Lift to remove
the motherboard from the tray.

15
PART II: INSTALLING MOTHERBOARD,
COMPONENTS, AND CABLES
MOTHERBOARD INSTALLATION
Mount the new motherboard in place on the tray with four screws, one at
each corner.

16
RAM INSTALLATION
The FreeNAS Mini has 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.
Memory is installed in pairs in the same color sockets, blue rst, then white.
Gently insert the the memory module into the memory slot, putting the
notch on the end of the module under the xed latch.

17
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.

18
Note: A half height bracket is used on the network card for a FreeNAS Mini.
When installed in a FreeNAS Mini XL, a full-height bracket is used.
Half Height
Full Height
NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (NIC) INSTALLATION
To change the bracket, remove the two retaining screws, exchange
brackets, then replace the screws.