u/_Walkabout_

With the market the way it is, with the only forseeable end in sight being the end of PC ownership, I made it my goal to push my humble machine to its absolute limit, budget withstanding. After getting some RAM for helping a friend build their PC and an amazing deal on a 4TB 990 Plus Evo, it is done. I cannot physically cram more bullshit into this MF if I tried. There is negative clearance, stuff is so tight the connectors or tolerances are at their limits. This thing feels like a fire hazard or like it could short on itself at any moment, but I did the best I could with the space I had. Here's to lasting until I have more money, or the bubble pops.

I have all of Wikipedia, all of my families' photos from the past 70 years, and my whole iTunes library encompassing my family's entire CD collection and music I have purchased. What's next? What else should be on here?

1. Use videos to make note of connector and prying locations and watch them first before attempting anything, then watch them again, then watch them when you're doing it. Watch online for how people open these. Invest in good pry tools. This goes for any tech modding at all. This video, though not explicitly a tutorial, shows how to do full dissasembly down to the screen. Good reference if you need to replace the screen like i did. I harp on it because with these if you mess up second hand parts are scarce.

2. The best way to modify these is going to be as follows:

Green IDE-CF adapter + iFlash CF-SD adapter with a legit 128gb microSD from MicroCenter was the only way I got the 3rd gen to work and sync 100% of the time. I did not try a generic CF-SD but these are known to be 50-50 and with 3rd gen pickiness its not worth the risk. iFlash ATA will not fit properly and could destroy your data cable. Dont forget to make necessary modifications to the ide adapter in the video, and if you cant solder the master-slave, just try bending it down as much as you can. In a thick back that worked for me.

DO NOT buy the red and gold 64gb sandisk CF cards on eBay. They will work for iPod minis, but not the third gen. Don't ask me why I know this.

3. DO NOT try to forcefully remove the hold switch/jack connector from the logic board, wiggle it back and forth applying light pulling, its not on tightly so excess force can only break it.

4. My battery was connected to the board TIGHT. Try to use your nails or very small tweezers placed on each side to pry up on the BATTERY side of the connector, wiggling back and forth ever so slightly while pulling up. DO NOT tug on the connector attached to the logic board. Try to avoid seating and reseating the battery too much to avoid connector stress. Even my steady attempts visibly chipped the logic board-side of the connector. If you are having trouble routing the wires back under the logic board, unscrew the logic board and, try to pass it under. If you dont have the right screwdriver, you can try to squeeze it under but be careful. Finally, dont force the battery connector in backwards, don't ask me why i know this!

5. Aging oily plastic in these could have caused corrosion on pcbs, to clean it put some isopropyl alcohol on an unused toothbrush and lightly brush. Let dry before putting power through.

6. The blue bordered rectangular silver backing on the HDD cable on the logic board is taped on and prob there to prevent shorting. Leave it on.

7. It can only sync over usb not charge. If you dont have a combo cable for your PC, use that. If not, to sync, you're going to have to charge over firewire then sync until the battery level is low then charge again. If it dies mid restore or sync, the only fix for me was to reopen it, disconnect the battery, then plug in firewire and then reconnect the battery while connected to wall power via firewire. Please ask me why i know this because i did not find this solution online I was just trying this bc i thought i bricked it.

8. 3rd gens can not play certain audio codecs, I convert all the music to 256kbps AAC and keep my lossless on a 7th gen.

9. With my 3rd gen if you plug it in with firewire and a new battery and it says "Charged" it is LYING to you, unplug it and the battery level will be higher but not full, plug it back in for a couple more "Charged" intervals until the level shows its actually topped up.

10. Upon reassembly, wrap sides you pried from in a cloth and, on a hard surface, roll opposite the direction you pried to bend the metal back into shape or you will have ugly gaps and poor fitment and it will drive you (me) nuts.

11. PLEASE make sure the hold switch on backplate and pcb are aligned before you put it back together DONT ASK ME WHY I KNOW THIS!!!

12. Mother's mag aluminum polish on the front and back to make look nicer, just dont overdo it on the back or the engravings will fade.

Thank You u/handmadefromvietnam