REVscene Automotive Forum - View Single Post - 2011 Mac Mini SSD install and 1st Gen Time Capsule HD upgrade (with pics)

sunny_j · 01-23-2012, 10:35 PM

I've had my 1st gen TC since its been released and its been running flawlessly for many years. I've read many horror stories online about the TCs breaking down but fortunately I've had no issues. at this time the 1tb hd isn't enough for my backup needs so I'm installing a 2tb western digital caviar green hard drive.
I'm also doing a fan mod by cutting a hole in the metal tray to allow better airflow. overall the install was pretty easy and took about half a day. i must warn you guys its not the prettiest job and i would do somethings differently if i had to do it again.

heat up the rubber with a blowdryer and peal it off slowly

remove the 10 screws

bottom tray removed

old 1tb hard drive

new 2tb western digital caviar green hard drive

remove the screws from the old hard drive and install them on the new hard drive

remove the fan by pushing out the rubber tabs. (its a lot harder to install the tabs back into the plate.i used a tiny bit of dish soup on each tab to help them slide in easier)

fan removed

cut a hole in the rubber backing and metal tray

i added a fine metal mesh so protect the fan from debris

i also made 10 holes in the rubber where the screw holes are. doing this will allow me to open up the TC without pealing the rubber backing off.

01-23-2012, 10:35 PM	#2
sunny_j Diagonally parked in a parallel universe Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vancouver Posts: 1,478 Thanked 485 Times in 175 Posts Failed 45 Times in 11 Posts	I've had my 1st gen TC since its been released and its been running flawlessly for many years. I've read many horror stories online about the TCs breaking down but fortunately I've had no issues. at this time the 1tb hd isn't enough for my backup needs so I'm installing a 2tb western digital caviar green hard drive. I'm also doing a fan mod by cutting a hole in the metal tray to allow better airflow. overall the install was pretty easy and took about half a day. i must warn you guys its not the prettiest job and i would do somethings differently if i had to do it again. heat up the rubber with a blowdryer and peal it off slowly remove the 10 screws bottom tray removed old 1tb hard drive new 2tb western digital caviar green hard drive remove the screws from the old hard drive and install them on the new hard drive remove the fan by pushing out the rubber tabs. (its a lot harder to install the tabs back into the plate.i used a tiny bit of dish soup on each tab to help them slide in easier) fan removed cut a hole in the rubber backing and metal tray i added a fine metal mesh so protect the fan from debris i also made 10 holes in the rubber where the screw holes are. doing this will allow me to open up the TC without pealing the rubber backing off.