Apple TV 1st Generation Hard Drive Replacement

Guide ID: 4799 - Draft: 2018-03-12

Replace the hard drive in your Apple TV 1st Generation.

Written By: Walter Galan

Introduction

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for replacing the hard drive in an Apple TV 1st Generation.

Tools Required:

TR10 Torx Security Screwdriver
TR8 Torx Security Screwdriver

Parts Required:

Replacement drive with a 44-pin Parallel ATA (PATA) connector

Step 1: Lower Case Removal

This section details how to remove the rubber base from the bottom of the Apple TV to access the internal screws.

Image: Hands peeling a silver rubber base off the bottom of a silver Apple TV 1st Generation device.

✔️ Flip the Apple TV over so that the bottom of the unit is facing up.
ℹ️ You need to remove the rubber base to get access to the screws.
Start by heating one side of the device with a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive holding the rubber base in place.
⚠️ The rubber base will be hot after heating; exercise extreme caution to avoid personal injury.
While the adhesive is still warm, peel the bottom of the rubber base upwards to detach it from the metal plate.
⚠️ The rubber base can tear if the adhesive hasn't been sufficiently softened.
Repeat the heating and peeling process until the rubber base is completely removed.

Step 2: Case Separation

Remove the screws securing the lower case.

Remove the four T10 Torx screws that secure the lower case to the upper case.

Step 3: Accessing Internals

Lift the lower case to gain access to the internal components.

Image: The lower case of the Apple TV 1st Generation is being lifted away from the upper case, revealing internal components including the power supply and the hard drive connected via a ribbon cable.

Carefully lift the lower case from the upper case enough to allow access to the internals of the Apple TV.
⚠️ Be aware that the hard drive is physically attached to the lower case and that a ribbon cable runs from the drive to the logic board in the upper case.

Step 4: Disconnect Hard Drive Cable

Disconnect the data cable from the logic board.

Image: A close-up shows a hand carefully pulling a white ribbon cable straight up from its socket on the logic board. A red rectangle highlights the connection point.

Carefully pull the hard drive data cable straight up from its socket on the logic board.
✔️ During reassembly, ensure the hard drive data cable is firmly seated in its socket on the logic board. Failure to do so may result in a flashing question mark "?" during boot-up.

Step 5: Remove Hard Drive

Remove the screws securing the hard drive to the lower case.

Image: The underside of the Apple TV 1st Generation is shown again. A hand is using a screwdriver to remove four T8 Torx screws that secure the hard drive to the lower case.

Remove the four T8 Torx screws securing the hard drive to the lower case.

Step 6: Remove Hard Drive from Case

Peel and disconnect the hard drive from the lower case.

Image: A hand is shown lifting a hard drive off the silver lower case of the Apple TV. The hard drive is connected to a ribbon cable.

Peel and remove the hard drive up off the lower case.
ℹ️ The hard drive is held on to the lower case with mild adhesive.
Disconnect the hard drive data cable from its socket on the hard drive.
If you are replacing your hard drive, ensure to transfer the hard drive data cable to your new hard drive.
The old hard drive is now removed.

Step 7: Install New Hard Drive

Align and secure the new hard drive.

Image: A Fujitsu MHW2040AT 40GB hard drive is shown, similar to the one on page 1. It is being aligned with screw holes on the silver lower case of the Apple TV.

Align the new hard drive with the screw holes on the lower case.
While holding the hard drive in place, insert and tighten the screws back into the lower case.
ℹ️ Don't forget to reconnect the hard drive data cable to its socket on the logic board.

Reassembly

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Hard Drive Details

The original hard drive is a Fujitsu MHW2040AT, a 40GB Parallel ATA (PATA) drive.

Specifications and Labels:

Manufacturer: Fujitsu (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Model: MHW2040AT
Part Number: CA06821-830500AP
Serial Number: K00ST6C25K7H
Date: 2006-12
Rating: +5V 0.55A
Capacity: 40.0GB
LBA: 78140160
Compliance: ROHS compliance
Certifications: CE, TÜV Rheinland Product Safety, N124, CERSA, E133157, LR103019
Note: Rattling noise is normal when handled. Avoid excessive shock. Warranty void if seal broken.

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