Drive Connectors
The drive connectors are located near the middle of the computer, below the fan. They are secured with two screws and each has two connectors. You must remove the shield to remove the drive connectors.
This section provides instructions for removing both drive connectors. You can remove either connector; you do not have to remove both.
To remove the drive connectors:
1.Prepare the computer for disassembly (see Preparing to Disassemble the Computer on page 27).
2.Remove the small rear cover (see Small Rear Cover on page 28).
3.Remove the stand (see Stand on page 29).
4.Remove the right rear cover (see Right Rear Cover on page 35).
5.Remove the heat sink (see Heat Sink (Thermal Module) on page 38).
6.Remove the rear cover (see Rear Cover on page 46).
7.Remove the stand bracket (see Stand Bracket on page 58).
8.Determine which drive connector you need to remove. The optical drive connector is located above the hard drive connector.
9.Remove two screws (1) that secure the drive connector to the computer.
10.Disconnect the cables from the system board (2).
NOTE: Be careful not to damage the cable when disconnecting it from the board. Do not pull on the cables.