Apple iMac processor upgrading and – Apple mac mini Ram replacement procedure

Apple imac - Apple mac mini processor up-guarding procedure

Start by gathering your parts, tools, anti-static strap and gloves (gloves are for glass & LCD) Remove glass Then remove LCD. 

Core i7 2.93GHz Quad Core processor, Arctic Silver thermal compound,Processor is Intel Core i7 870 2.93GHz 8MB LGA 1156 Quad Core Processor 95W.

Remove HD, Superdrive and motherboard. 

To remove motherboard (a little tricky), I followed this excellent guide 

Not mentioned in the guide is that you have to remove the IR sitting in back of the front Apple logo before you can remove the motherboard

Flip over motherboard, gently remove 4 x Torx 8 heatsink screws on the bottom (not the big Phillips screws on the top). Please note : Warranty is void with this step.

Use Arctic Silver thermal compound remover and preparation solutions to get rid of factory compound.

Note arrow on CPU (bottom left in picture). New CPU must be installed in the same orientation.

Apply Arctic Silver thermal compound with finger covered in plastic. Spread evenly on CPU only. Guide is here - Applying Thermal Paste.

Apple Mac Mini RAM Replacement procedure

Remove Bottom Cover

Place your thumbs in the depressions cut into the bottom cover.

Rotate the bottom cover counter-clockwise until the white dot painted on the bottom cover is aligned with the ring inscribed on the outer case. You do not need to apply much downward pressure while turning.

Tilt the mini enough to allow the bottom cover to fall away from the outer case.

Remove the bottom cover and set it aside.

Replace RAM

Release the tabs on each side of the RAM chip by simultaneously pushing each tab away from the chip.
These tabs lock the chip in place and releasing them will cause the chip to "pop" up. After the RAM chip has popped up, pull it straight out of its socket. Repeat this process if a second RAM chip is installed.