7th Gen Lid Install

NUC7i5DNH/Dual HDMI Lid

Difficulty:Intermediate 

Revision 1.0

Preparation:

Safety and proper tools will ensure there is no damage to the unit or any parts during the installation of the lid. The tools required for this instal are:

1. A grounding source. I used a wristband and heel strap that are grounded
   
2. ESD workstation. We use ESD mats and smocks
   
3. A screwdriver with a properly sized tip. Using the incorrect size could cause stripping or other damage to the screw.
   
4. A small flat tool that can be used to get the lid off. I used some flat tip tweezers.
   
5. The unit and lid you are working with should be in a static free environment. (Remember to NOT touch the connections of the components if it can be avoided)
   

(Pictures are to demonstrate grounding. This is not the 7i5DNH)

Directions:

You will need to remove the factory lid. You should see the two slits on the back where a small flat instrument can be inserted. There is a hole where the cable will be run to the motherboard. Pictures below for reference.

1. Gently lift the lid until you feel the pop of it coming out. Then do the same to the other slit before working your way around to leverage the lid off.
   
2. Once disconnected set it away from where you will be working. We will need to open the unit before attempting to route the cables.
   

3. Once the lid has been removed, turn the device over. I like to face the front of the device to my right.
   

4. Unscrew the four feet (they do not come completely out). Lift off the bottom plate and set it aside. For a tall chassis (DNH for example) You will need to disconnect the SATA cable and drive power cable.
   

1. Once you have the bottom place removed, look to the front of the unit (USB/power button side). The open space between the chassis and M.2 slot is where we will run the cable to that white header on the other side of the USB terminals.
   

5. I found it best to remove the motherboard. This is where it gets tricky. There are two black screws on the left side. Remove both of these, the wifi cables, and the IO plate connecting to the back.
   

1. The wifi cables are easy to damage if performed without caution. I used the tweezers mentioned in the tools list to leverage these straight up. 
   

6. Grab the USB port on the left with one hand, then gently lift the board away from the chassis. Lift up until the fan assembly is free. From here you should be able to move your left hand to holding the sides of the motherboard. This is for stability. And then remove the board at a 45° angle. 
   

7. With the board removed, Installation of the HDMI lid is a breeze. The white connector slips through the hole in the top front panel. Line the clips up and press the lid into place until you feel it seal.
   

8. Route the cable around the screw post for slightly increased clearance. If you can, electric tape the antenna cables out of the way (to the side of the chassis). This makes board installation a lot easier.
   

1. You will mirror the same 45° angle when you slot the motherboard back into place. See below where the cable rests just over the M.2 tray.
   

9. Install the two black motherboard screws as well as the IO back panel. I unfortunately forgot to take pictures of this step. Simply do the reverse of step 5.
   

1. When you are installing the wifi cables, there are arrows on the card showing what color cable goes to which terminal. I hold the cable directly over the terminal, then press them together with the tip of my screwdriver until I feel it click into place. Be careful not to bend the caps on the wireless card.
   

10. Route the cable over the USB ports, then connect it to the white header. Make sure the connector is facing the correct way. Improper installation can bend the pins within the white header.
    

11. Pull the excess cable through from the lid side. Be sure to do this gently to avoid damage to the system/lid. Then tuck the excess cable into the lid where it wont get pinched. (You can also massage the cable back through the opening above the M.2. This is for the cable management before you reinstall the bottom plate).
    

12. Secure the lid back to the NUC by aligning the clips and gently pressing until they click into place. This is to ensure there would be no shift in the management. If you didn’t lift the lid to remove slack you may ignore this step.
    
13. Return the bottom plate to its initial position and hand tighten the screws on the bottom. The top right screw may rub the sleeve above the M.2 slot. Use caution when tightening this one. Smart placement when installing the bottom plate is key to getting it aligned properly. 
    

14. Boot to OS and ensure you have the device drivers. They should auto detect and install as long as you have an internet connection. For further information on driver support please contact support@simplynuc.com