Apple TV 1st Generation Logic Board Replacement

  • Step 1 Lower Case

    • Flip the Apple TV over so that the bottom of the unit is facing up.

    • You need to remove the rubber base to get access to the screws.

    • Starting at one side of the device, use a hairdryer or a heat gun to soften the adhesive holding the rubber base in place.

    • The rubber base will be hot after heating, take extreme caution while proceeding to avoid personal injury.

    • While the adhesive is still warm, peel the bottom of the rubber base upwards to detach it from the metal plate.

    • Repeat the procedure described above until the rubber base has been completely removed.

  • Step 2

    • Remove the four T10 Torx screws that secure the lower case to the upper case.

  • Step 3

    • Carefully lift the lower case from the upper case enough to allow access to the internals of the Apple TV.

    • Be aware that the hard drive is physically attached to the lower case and that a ribbon cable runs from the drive to the logic board in the upper case.

  • Step 4

    • Carefully pull the hard drive data cable straight up from its socket on the logic board.

    • During reassembly, make sure the hard drive data cable is firmly seated in its socket on the logic board; otherwise, during boot-up you will see a flashing question mark "?".

  • Step 5 Fan

    • The fan is held in place by three rubber posts.

    • Using a pair of tweezers, squeeze the top of each post and push the post down into the hole. Repeat for all three posts.

    • During reinstallation, it helps to lubricate the rubber posts. Try weaving a string through the holes in the posts to pull them up through the mounting points.

    • Do not excessively pull on the posts, as they may rip.

  • Step 6

    • Using a pair of tweezers, pull the fan connector straight up from its socket on the logic board.

    • Lift and remove the fan out of the upper case.

    I've been looking for a replacement fan to go with this guide, do you guys sell ATV fans? They're not standard to my knowledge

  • Step 7 AirPort Card

    • Pry the AirPort antenna cables straight up from their sockets on the logic board.

  • Step 8

    • Remove the single T8 Torx screw securing the AirPort card to the logic board.

  • Step 9

    • Cautiously lift the AirPort card and pull it straight away. Slide it from its socket on the logic board.

  • Step 10 Power Supply

    • Disconnect the power cable straight up from its socket on the logic board.

    • There is a release tab that must be pushed inwards in conjunction with pulling to release the power cable

    • Make sure to pull the connector straight up from its socket and not toward the face of the logic board.

  • Step 11

    • Remove the following three screws securing the power supply to the upper case:

      • One 4.8 mm T8 Torx screw

      • Two 5.8 mm T8 Torx screws

  • Step 12

    • Use your finger to push and dislodge the AC power connector inwards, towards the power supply.

    • This should pop out easily.

  • Step 13

    • Power supply remains.

  • Step 14 Logic Board

    • Remove the T8 Torx screw securing the metal shield to the case.

    • To remove the T8 screw, you must insert the screwdriver through the access hole in the metal shield. The access hole is located near the PRAM battery.

  • Step 15

    • Remove the T20 screw located near the digital audio port.

    • Lift and remove the metal shield from the upper case of the Apple TV.

  • Step 16

    • Use a pair of tweezers to pull the IR cable straight away from its socket on the logic board.

    • Make sure to pull the connector parallel to the face of the logic board. Do not pull the connector straight up.

  • Step 17

    • Lift the left edge of the logic board (nearest the PRAM battery) upwards and slide it out of the case, away from the ports.

    • Be careful not to damage the ports when sliding the logic board out of case.

    • The logic board remains.