OWC data doubler Guide

DATA DOUBLER
Apple Mac mini Assembly Manual & User Guide

OWC Data Doubler Contents
Introduction
1.1 Hardware Compatibility .........................................................1
- Host Computer Compatibility
- Drive Compatibility
1.2 Package Contents .................................................................1
1.3 About This Manual.................................................................1
Installation
2.1 Disassembling the Mac mini..................................................2
2.2 Installing the Data Doubler ....................................................8
Support Resources
3.1 Troubleshooting ...................................................................14
3.2 About Data Backup .............................................................14
3.3 Contacting Technical Support .............................................14
CONTENTS

Introduction
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OWC Data Doubler
1.1 Hardware Compatibility
Host Computer Compatibility
- Apple Mac mini 2010, model identier Macmini4,1
- Mac mini must have an optical drive (‘Server’ model not supported)
Drive Compatibility
- Any 2.5-inch SATA drive (including SSDs) up to 12.5 mm tall
1.2 Package Contents
1.3 About This Manual
Images and descriptions may vary slightly between this manual and the unit shipped. Functions and
features may be dierent from those stated in this manual. Please visit the product web page for the most recent
product specications.
OWC Data Doubler kit
(includes mounting screws)
Five-piece toolkit Mac mini logic board
removal tool
INTRODUCTION
These are static-sensitive devices and are susceptible to invisible damage if not protected during
installation. We recommend proper grounding by using a grounding strap. Make sure to work in a clean
and static-free area, and avoid wearing clothing that retains static charges. For more information,
please visit: www.owc.com/support/anti-static/

Installation
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OWC Data Doubler
2.1 Disassembling the Mac mini
Due to the number and variety of screws involved in this process, we commend you use a device to
organize and keep track of the screws, such as an ice cube tray. This will help you to put the screws back in
the correct locations.
INSTALLATION
1. Place the Mac mini upside down, as shown. Use a soft surface such as a towel
or a mouse pad in order to protect the Mac mini from scratches.
2. Rotate the bottom cover counterclockwise to the unlocked position, as shown in the
picture to the left. There is a white dot on the bottom cover. When the bottom cover
is unlocked, this white dot will line up with the corresponding dot on the aluminum
housing. When the bottom cover is unlocked, press on one side of the cover to cause
the opposite side to pop up, then remove it.
3. Remove the two memory modules. The instructions for removing the memory modules
are printed directly to the right of the memory inside the Mac mini, as circled in the
picture to the left.
4. Remove the three Torx T6 screws that secure the fan, as circled in the picture
to the left. The two top screws are shorter; the screw on the lower right is a longer
stando screw.

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OWC Data Doubler
5. Disconnect the fan cable from the logic board, as circled in the picture to the left.
The connector lifts straight up; you can use the plastic pry tool to assist.
7. To remove the cowling, lift it up slightly to allow it to move clear of other
hardware, then pull it out to the right, rotating the cowling slightly clockwise,
as shown in the picture to the right. When removing the cowling, be
careful not to catch it on any other hardware.
6. Remove the short T6 screw at the bottom of the black plastic cowling, as circled in the
picture to the left.
8. Use a Torx T8 screwdriver to remove the ve screws circled in the picture
to the right. The screw at the bottom and the two outside screws at the
top are 2mm hex screws, but the Torx T8 screwdriver will t. Be careful not
to exert too much force on the hex screws. The two inside screws at the
top are standard T8.

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OWC Data Doubler
9. Lift up carefully on the antenna plate and move it slightly
up and to the right in order to reveal the antenna cable attached
to the wireless card, as shown in the picture to the right.
10. Disconnect the antenna cable, circled in the picture to the left.
Be careful, as the connection is fragile and can break. Gently lift the cable
connector directly up. The nylon pry tool or a pair of tweezers may help.
11. Disconnect the hard drive ex
cable and the optical drive ex cable,
as shown in the pictures to the right.
Use the nylon pry tool to lift the cable
connectors free from the logic board.
12. Remove the T6 screw
at the bottom left of the logic board,
circled in the picture to the right.
13. Insert the logic board removal
tool into the two holes
at the bottom of the logic board,
as shown in the pictures to the
right. Make sure the tool is securely
seated in the holes.

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OWC Data Doubler
14. Gently push down on the
logic board removal tool and pull
it back until the black plastic
I/O wall pulls away from the
aluminum housing slightly, as
shown in the pictures to the right.
➥ ➦
15. Use the nylon pry tool to
disconnect the four cables circled
in the picture to the right. Lift the
cable connectors straight up; do
not pull on the wires.
16. Disconnect the power supply
cable, circled in the picture to the
right. Wiggle out the connector
with either your ngers or the nylon
pry tool. A pair of tweezers may
also help.
17. Now that all the cables are disconnected, slide the logic board
assembly the rest of the way out of the housing, as shown in the
picture to the left. Be careful to keep the logic board assembly
level and avoid catching any of the components on the housing.
Be particularly careful when the memory bracket comes out.
If the bracket is not level, the bracket clip could catch on the EMI
gasket at the top of the housing.
18. To remove the power supply,
rst remove the T6 screw
circled in the picture to the right.

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OWC Data Doubler
19. Find the metal retention clip holding the power cord socket in place, as circled in
the picture to the left. Slide the retention clip to the left in order to release the power
cord socket.
20. Rotate the power cord
socket counterclockwise
90° to disengage it from
the housing, as shown
in the picture to the right.
21. Remove the power supply by
pulling it straight out of the
housing, as shown in the picture
to the left. You may need to
rotate the power supply slightly
to the left.
22. Slide the hard drive out
of the housing, as shown
in the picture to the right.
23. Remove the T6 screw securing the optical
drive carrier to the housing, as circled in the
picture to the far left.
24. Remove the optical drive assembly, including
the optical drive and the drive carrier, in
the direction indicated by the arrow at left.

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OWC Data Doubler
➦
25. Peel back the tape securing the optical drive ex cable to the optical
drive, as shown in the picture to the right. Be careful, as you will be using
this tape again during the installation of the Data Doubler.6.
26. Disconnect the optical drive ex cable from the optical drive, as circled in the picture
to the left. Do not attempt to remove the cable from the assembly. One end of the
cable is trapped between the optical drive and the carrier. Simply slide the cable up
and out of the way as you go about the process of removing the optical drive.
27. Remove the four T8 screws
from the optical drive, as circled
in the pictures to the right.
These screws are held in place
by rubber grommets, so they
will remain seated in the carrier
once they are removed from
the optical drive.
28. Remove the optical drive from the
optical drive carrier. At this point,
the optical drive ex cable can also
be removed.
Disassembly is now complete. Proceed to Section 2.2 for instructions on installing a drive in the
Data Doubler and installing the Data Doubler in the Mac mini.

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OWC Data Doubler
2.3 Installing the Data Doubler
1. Remove the Data Doubler from the box and plastic bag. Note
that there is a clear plastic shield on the bottom of the Data Doubler.
DO NOT remove this plastic shield. It is a part of the Data Doubler.
2. Install the 2.5-inch SATA drive into the Data Doubler. Start by sliding the SATA
connector on the drive into the black SATA connector attached to the green circuit
board on the Data Doubler, as shown at left.
3. Insert the two included Phillips screws into the drive through
the screw holes in the Data Doubler, as shown at right.
4. Insert the Data Doubler into the optical drive carrier, as shown in the picture to the
left. Note: While the older drive shown in this and subsequent steps is not the same
as those shown in Steps 1-3, the process is the same.
5. Connect the optical drive ex cable to the Data Doubler,
as shown in the picture to the right. There should be enough
space between the optical drive carrier and the drive in
the data doubler to t the optical drive ex cable between
the two. If you need more space, simply lift up on the
optical drive carrier to make room for the cable.

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OWC Data Doubler
6. Install the four T8 screws, two
on each side of the optical
drive carrier, as shown in the
pictures to the right.
➦
7. Remove the tape attaching the optical drive thermal sensor cable to the optical
drive, as shown in the picture to the left. Be careful, as you will be using this tape
again on the Data Doubler.
8. Use the nylon pry tool to remove the optical drive thermal sensor cable
from the optical drive, as circled in the picture to the left. The cable
has some adhesive where it attaches to the optical drive, and the cable
can be damaged easily. Note the position of the cable on the optical
drive. When you move the cable to the Data Doubler, you want to match
the position as closely as possible in order to ensure that there is
enough slack to connect the cable back to the logic board.
9. Place the optical drive thermal sensor cable on the drive in the
Data Doubler, as shown in the picture to the right. Remember to align
it as closely as possible with the position on the optical drive. Note
that the screw just above the cable is in roughly the same position
on the optical drive as it is on a hard drive or SSD. Also, the bend
in the lower end of the cable should begin just as the cable crosses
over the optical drive carrier.

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OWC Data Doubler
10. Use the original tape to secure the optical drive thermal sensor cable to the
drive in the Data Doubler, as shown in the picture to the left. Also, remove the other
piece of tape from the optical drive and use it to secure the optical drive ex cable,
as shown in the picture to the right. The tape will lose some of its adhesive when you
remove it from the optical drive, but it will be eective at holding down the cables.
11. Slide the optical drive carrier and
Data Doubler assembly into the
aluminum housing, as shown in
the picture to the right.
12. Install the T6 screw that secures
the optical drive carrier to
the housing, as circled in the
picture to the left.
13. Slide the hard drive into the
housing, as shown in the picture
to the right. There are two pegs
on the hard drive that need to
t into corresponding grommets
in the housing.
14. Slide the power supply into
the housing, as shown in the
picture at far right. Note that
the power supply has two
alignment pins, one at the top
and one on the right. These
pins will t into their corresponding
notches inside the housing.
15. Rotate the power cord socket back to its
original position. If you are having diculty
getting the power cord socket to align,
it may help to plug in the power cord (make
sure the other end is not plugged into an
outlet) and use it to straighten out the socket.

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OWC Data Doubler
16. Slide the metal retention clip back into its groove to hold the
power cord socket in place, as circled in the picture to the right.
17. Install the T6 screw that
fastens the power supply
to the housing, as circled
in the picture to the left.
18. Slide the logic board most of the way into the housing, as shown
in the picture to the right. Be careful and make sure that all clips
and gaskets are entering correctly. The left side of the logic board
may bump into the hard drive. If so, simply move the logic board
so that it clears the hard drive. Do not slide the logic board all the
way in. Leave some space, as shown to the right.
19. Connect the power supply cable,
as circled in the picture to the right.
You can use your ngers, the
nylon pry tool, or a pair of tweezers.
Make sure none of the other cables
are caught or covered by the logic
board, then slide the logic board the
rest of the way in.
20. Connect the six cables circled
in the picture to the right. Gently
push directly down on the
cables with your ngers and
they will snap into place.
21. Install the T6 screw at the bottom
left of the logic board, circled
in the picture to the right.

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OWC Data Doubler
22. Connect the antenna cable, as circled
in the picture to the left.
23. Move the antenna plate back into place. Note that there is a notch
in the housing that the antenna plate needs to t into in order for
the screw holes to align properly. Once the antenna plate is aligned
properly, use a Torx T8 screwdriver to install the ve screws circled
in the picture to the right. Remember, the screw at the bottom and the
two outside screws at the top are 2mm hex screws, but the Torx T8
screwdriver will t. Be careful not to exert too much force on the hex
screws. The two inside screws at the top are standard T8.
24. Install the black plastic cowling,
rotating it slightly counter clockwise,
as shown in the picture to the right.
25. Install the short T6 screw at the
bottom of the cowling, as circled
in the picture to the left.
26. Connect the fan cable to
the logic board, as circled
in the picture to the right.

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OWC Data Doubler
28. Install the two memory modules
accordingto the instructions circled
in the picture to the left.
29. Install the bottom cover and rotate it clockwise with your thumbs
until it locks into place, as shown in the picture to the right.
The assembly process is now complete. You can now enjoy the use of a
second hard drive or solid state drive in your Mac mini.
27. Line up the fan and install the three T6 screws circled in the
picture to the right. The two screws at the top are shorter; the
screw at the bottom right is a longer stando screw.

Support Resources
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OWC Data Doubler
3.1 Troubleshooting
Begin your troubleshooting by verifying that the power cable is connected to the Mac mini and to a power
source. If the power cable is connected to a power strip, make sure that the power switch on the strip is turned
on. If the Mac mini will not turn on, or if it is experiencing other problems such as no sound or no wireless
connectivity, it is possible that one or more of the internal components were not correctly connected or were
damaged during the assembly process. Go back through the assembly instructions and compare what you
see with the pictures to identify what is dierent.
If the drive in the Data Doubler is not seen on the desktop on a Mac, check in the sidebar in a Finder window.
Some versions of the Mac operating system do not show hard drives on the desktop by default. If the
drive in the Data Doubler is not seen in Finder, check Disk Utility to see if the drive is recognized by the
computer. In Windows, check in Disk Management. If the drive is seen there, it may need to be formatted.
www.owc.com/format
If problems persist, please contact technical support (Section 3.3).
3.2 About Data Backup
To ensure that your les are protected and to prevent data loss, we strongly suggest that you keep two
copies of your data: one copy on your Data Doubler drive and a second copy on either your primary internal
drive or another storage medium, such as an optical backup, or on another external storage unit. Any data
loss or corruption while using the Data Doubler is the sole responsibility of the user, and under no
circumstances may OWC, its parents, partners, and aliates be held liable for loss of the use of data
including compensation of any kind or recovery of the data.
3.3 Contacting Technical Support
Phone: M–F, 8am–6pm Central Time
1.866.692.7100 (N. America) | +1.815.338.4751 (Int’l)
Email: Answered within 48 hours
www.owc.com/support
Chat: M–F, 8am–6pm Central Time
www.owc.com/support
SUPPORT RESOURCES

Changes:
The material in this document is for information purposes only and subject to change without notice.
While reasonable eorts have been made in the preparation of this document to assure its accuracy, OWC, its
parent, aliates, ocers, employees, and agents assume no liability resulting from errors or omissions in this
document, or from the use of the information contained herein. OWC reserves the right to make changes or
revisions in the product design or the product manual without reservation and without obligation to notify any
person of such revisions and changes.
FCC Statement:
Warning! Modications not authorized by the manufacturer may void the user’s authority to operate
this device. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference with radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver
is connected.
Health And Safety Precautions:
- Read this guide carefully and follow the correct procedures when setting up the device.
- Use proper anti-static precautions while performing the installation for this product.
Failure to do so can cause damage to the product, drives, or the computer.
- Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the device. To avoid any risk of electrical shock, re, short-
circuiting or dangerous emissions, never insert any metallic object into the device. If it appears to be
malfunctioning, contact OWC technical support.
- Never expose your device to rain, or use it near water or in damp or wet conditions. Never place
objects containing liquids on the drive, as they may spill into its openings. Doing so increases the
risk of electrical shock, short-circuiting, re or personal injury.

General Use Precautions:
- To avoid damage, do not expose the device to temperatures outside the range of 5° C to 40° C (41°
F to 104° F).
- Always unplug your computer from the electrical outlet if there is a risk of lightning or if it will be
unused for an extended period of time. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of electrical shock,
short-circuiting or re.
- Do not use the device near other electrical appliances such as televisions, radios or speakers.
Doing so may cause interference which will adversely aect the operation of the other products.
- Do not place the device near sources of magnetic interference, such as computer displays,
televisions or speakers. Magnetic interference can aect the operation and stability of hard drives.
- Do not place heavy objects on top of the device.
- Protect your device from excessive exposure to dust during use or storage. Dust can build up inside
the device, increasing the risk of damage or malfunction.
- For up-to-date product and warranty information, please visit the product webpage.
Copyrights and Trademarks:
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of OWC.
© 2021 Other World Computing, Inc. All rights reserved. Data Doubler, OWC, and the OWC logo are trademarks of New Concepts Development
Corporation, registered in the U.S. and/or other countries. Apple, AirPort, Mac, Mac mini, macOS, and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered
in the U.S. and other countries. Other marks may be the trademark or registered trademark property of their owners.
OWCMANDDMM10AM — 12/18/20