8th Gen Lid Install

NUC8i5BEK/Dual USB 2.0 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 8i5BEK)

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.
   

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 4 pin connector going to the faceplate.
   

6. Grab the USB port on the left with one hand, then gently bend the plastic of the chassis away from the board. Lift up until the fan assembly is free. And then remove the board at a 45° angle. Unfortunately this required two hands and I was unable to get a picture.
   

7. Stand the chassis up on its face and run the lid cabling through. (The picture is weird because I tried to do it without removing the four pin from the faceplate. I later changed my course as the install is significantly harder with it left in.)
   

8. Route the cables around the screw post. If you can, electric tape them and the antenna cables out of the way. This makes board install a lot easier.
   

9. Re-insert the board at the same 45° angle. Make sure none of the cables end up under the board or you will need to remove it again. (As you can see in the above picture I left plenty of excess cable. I would encourage you to do the same.)
   

10. Take the two USB cables and connect them to the two four pin connectors above the M.2.
    

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.
    

12. Secure the lid back to the NUC by aligning the clips and gently pressing until they click into place. From the above picture I simply tilted the lid up to the NUC and worked my way from the front to the back. This is to ensure there would be no shift in my cable management.
    

13. Connect the front panel and radio cables back to their original position. On the wifi, make sure the white and black cables go to their corresponding arrows. (Note: I did need to route the black antenna around the M.2 as it would no longer fit in its original path. It’s a bit of a reach, but the electrical tape provided made sure it wouldn’t touch the SSD).
    

14. Return the bottom plate to its initial position and hand tighten the screws on the bottom.
    

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