PowerMac 8500 Take-Apart, Cache/Memory Replacement Guide page 2

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PowerMac 8500 Cache Upgrade - Steps 1-3

Summary of Steps Involved:

Remove the case (Loosen 4 screws in the back).
Remove Video cables, keyboard, etc. from rear of the case.
Attach a anti-static wrist strap to yourself and the Mac.
Depress and lower the 8500 Cpu Latch.
Remove the Processor card and any PCI cards present.
Remove the ribbon cable from the motherboard below the processor card.
Remove the connectors along the top side of the motherboard.
Remove the front plastic Power Switch.
Remove the motherboard center retaining screw & shield.
Slide the motherboard forward to align notches w/case tabs and remove.
Remove the existing cache module/Insert new cache module.
Reverse previous steps to reassemble.

Tools Required:

Anti-Static Wrist Strap (usually included w/cache).
Screwdrivers (straight & philips blades)
A anti-static pad is suggested as a place to place the removed motherboard while the cache is being removed. Care should be taken to not apply pressure or damage any of the components on the rear of the motherboard. (Small capacitors can break off if they are bumped or stressed.) Ensure that the work area is clean and well lit.

Steps 1 & 2 - Remove the case & cabling:

Of course the first step is to remove the case of the PowerMac 8500. Ensure that the Mac and any attached devices are off. If you use a outlet strip to power the Mac, turn it off also. For a photo of the screw locations click here. You simply have to loosen the four large screws at the rear of the 8500 (at each corner), and carefully slide the cover forward and up and off. I find that bowing the case out at the bottom slightly helps in removal and re-assembly.

Remove all the cables that mate at the rear of the Mac. The monitor and any printer or modem should be turned off before doing this of course. Remember when reattaching these connections to verify correct connections are being made (modem to modem port, printer to printer port, etc.).

Step 3 - Static Precautions:

The greatest risk you run during this or any procedure involving the electronic devices of your Mac is static discharge. You should attach a static wrist strap to the Mac before touching, removing or inserting any electronic components. Cache memory is one of the most static sensitive components of your computer.
Always touch the metal power supply case before touching anything in your Mac.
Once you attach the wrist strap to yourself, attach the other end to the metal power supply housing (in the case of the typical disposable straps provided with most Accelerators and Cache, there is a adhesive coated copper strip for this purpose or in the case of the permanent wrist straps, to the monitor power jack at the rear of the Mac.) This connection ensures that your Mac and you are at the same potential. I always leave the Mac power cord attached (at least initially to discharge), and the main purpose of the anti-static wrist strap is to ensure you and the Mac are at the same potential. I also use a large anti-static plastic floor mat at the Mac workstation. These mats are a good protective measure during daily use and cost as little as $15 at some sources. (I bought mine at Sam's in 1996 or about $15 IIRC.)

Once you've ensured that you are properly grounded with a wrist strap,
we can proceed to the next step.

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Copyright © 1997
All Rights Reserved.
No part of this sites content is to be reproduced in any form without written permission.
All brand or product names mentioned here are properties of their respective companies.

Users of this web site must read
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PowerMac 8500 Cache Upgrade - Steps 1-3
Summary of Steps Involved:
Remove the case (Loosen 4 screws in the back). Remove Video cables, keyboard, etc. from rear of the case. Attach a anti-static wrist strap to yourself and the Mac. Depress and lower the 8500 Cpu Latch. Remove the Processor card and any PCI cards present. Remove the ribbon cable from the motherboard below the processor card. Remove the connectors along the top side of the motherboard. Remove the front plastic Power Switch. Remove the motherboard center retaining screw & shield. Slide the motherboard forward to align notches w/case tabs and remove. Remove the existing cache module/Insert new cache module. Reverse previous steps to reassemble.
Tools Required:
Anti-Static Wrist Strap (usually included w/cache). Screwdrivers (straight & philips blades) A anti-static pad is suggested as a place to place the removed motherboard while the cache is being removed. Care should be taken to not apply pressure or damage any of the components on the rear of the motherboard. (Small capacitors can break off if they are bumped or stressed.) Ensure that the work area is clean and well lit.
Steps 1 & 2 - Remove the case & cabling:
Of course the first step is to remove the case of the PowerMac 8500. Ensure that the Mac and any attached devices are off. If you use a outlet strip to power the Mac, turn it off also. For a photo of the screw locations click here. You simply have to loosen the four large screws at the rear of the 8500 (at each corner), and carefully slide the cover forward and up and off. I find that bowing the case out at the bottom slightly helps in removal and re-assembly. Remove all the cables that mate at the rear of the Mac. The monitor and any printer or modem should be turned off before doing this of course. Remember when reattaching these connections to verify correct connections are being made (modem to modem port, printer to printer port, etc.).
Step 3 - Static Precautions:
The greatest risk you run during this or any procedure involving the electronic devices of your Mac is static discharge. You should attach a static wrist strap to the Mac before touching, removing or inserting any electronic components. Cache memory is one of the most static sensitive components of your computer. Always touch the metal power supply case before touching anything in your Mac. Once you attach the wrist strap to yourself, attach the other end to the metal power supply housing (in the case of the typical disposable straps provided with most Accelerators and Cache, there is a adhesive coated copper strip for this purpose or in the case of the permanent wrist straps, to the monitor power jack at the rear of the Mac.) This connection ensures that your Mac and you are at the same potential. I always leave the Mac power cord attached (at least initially to discharge), and the main purpose of the anti-static wrist strap is to ensure you and the Mac are at the same potential. I also use a large anti-static plastic floor mat at the Mac workstation. These mats are a good protective measure during daily use and cost as little as $15 at some sources. (I bought mine at Sam's in 1996 or about $15 IIRC.) Once you've ensured that you are properly grounded with a wrist strap, we can proceed to the next step.
Select an option: Show me more! =>> = or = Return to WWW.XLR8YOURMAC.COM
Copyright © 1997 All Rights Reserved. No part of this sites content is to be reproduced in any form without written permission. All brand or product names mentioned here are properties of their respective companies. Users of this web site must read & are bound by the terms & conditions of use.