Power Computing provided the information in this article and it was deemed accurate as of 14 November 1997. Apple Computer, Inc. is not responsible for its content. This article is being provided as is and will not be updated in the future.

How to remove the case for the computer.

Desktop Unit

The top cover of the desktop unit can be removed by unscrewing the thumbscrew located in the upper center of the back of the machine. Remove this screw with a small coin or straight-edge screwdriver and set it aside. Once the screw is removed, grab the bottom left, and bottom right side of the cover. Pull out slightly and lift the cover up and off of the machine.

Tower Unit

There are two types of covers for the tower units.

The first type (used in the PowerCenter, PowerTower, and PowerBase) has four thumbscrews. Two on the right edge and two on the left edge. Loosen and remove these screws using a small coin or a straight-edge screwdriver. Once these screws are removed, you should be able to slide the cover back about an inch and lift it off the computer.

The second type (used in the Power100, Power120, PowerWave, and PowerCenter) has one thumbscrew, located at the top rear center of the machine. Loosen and remove this screw using a small coin or a straight-edge screwdriver. Once the screw is removed then unhook the tabs located on the bottom left and right corners of the machine. When these tabs are unhooked you should be able to slide the cover off the back of the computer.

In either case, make sure that the power cable is removed when pulling off the top cover of the tower. With the cable removed, lift the top of the cover off. It may be necessary to pull the case away from the chassis to ensure that it will come off easily. When the top cover is off, plug the power cable into the machine.

Once you have the case removed, lie the computer down on itÕs side with the open side up.

Low Profile Units

There are three thumbscrews on the back of the case. Using a small coin or straight-edge screwdriver remove all three screws and set them aside. Slide the case back an inch and lift it off the computer.

Tower Pro
There are two thumbscrews, one near the top and one near the bottom, that are holding that side panel to the back of the computer. Remove those and set them aside. Lay the computer down on its right side so the side with the handhold is facing upward. Pull the side panel toward the back of the computer. It will slide back, then lift off.

The front panel needs to come off. To remove the face plate there are tabs along the front edge. There is a circular tab in the middle. Push this tab closed and push the front panel forward. There are three smaller clips, one above the circular tab and two below, that you can push to release the face plate. It's sometimes easiest to start at the top and work down. Once that side is free, slide your hand between the front panel and the metal front of the computer until you can't go any further. If you push against the face plate, the face plate will come off.

Machines Affected: All