I'm curious to know from those who have done any type of upgrade on their Mac Mini ... what is the deal with the kapton tape used in the Mini? For example, if the Mac has Airport and/or Bluetooth, and you're performing any kind of upgrade (memory, hard drive, etc), when you disassemble everything, will the kapton tape stick back on or does it need to be replaced? If it needs to be replaced, where can you buy a small amount of kapton tape in Canada at a low cost?

you can install memory without removing the tape

all you need to do is unscrew and move the airport module (or is that bluetooth?) aside

It's the Bluetooth module.

As for the tape, it's generally not required. It just holds down some parts which don't really need to be held down. And it won't lose its stickyness if you peel it away once, so yu can put it back once you're done.

you can install memory without removing the tape

all you need to do is unscrew and move the airport module (or is that bluetooth?) aside

Hmmm... well, first, I didn't have to unscrew the bluetooth antenna, it just popped off. And second, I would have had a hard time installing my RAM without removing the tape. However, to answer the question (again), the tape sticks back on nicely after the upgrade, so it's not a problem.

MacS

Thanks for the info everyone. In addition to my Mac Mini on order, I've got a Seagate Momentus 100GB 5400rpm hard drive on order as well, which will be replacing the stock 80GB 4200rpm drive. So I'm sure at some point I'll need to remove the tape ... good to know it can stick back on. Its not that easy to find, and it appears to be pretty expensive.

I had no trouble finding sources of DuPont Kapton in both the high temperature and the antistatic/high temperature formulation.

The tape is normally used in the manufacturing process; it's not a critical component once the unit leaves the factory. Typically it covers and protects gold contacts during wave soldering or some other high-heat process.

In the case where it's not applied to facilitate some manufacturing process, then it would be there to protect against (actually, eliminate any possibility of) static discharge damage for unusually sensitive components (low static version only, although the regular offers high static protection).

The tape uses a special adhesive that leaves zero residue when removed (if it wasn't, it wouldn't be of any use in manufacturing since it would contaminate the contacts) so as long as you keep the adhesive side clean it should reposition fine, so you shouldn't have to worry about buying it to replace what's there, usually.

Eg:
Kaptontape.com (USA)
Low Static:
DuPont Kapton 36m x 1" rolls: $29.98
Dupon Kapton 36m x 0.25" rolls $ 9.98

Standard:
DuPont Kapton 36m x 1" rolls: $ 18.98
DuPont Kapton 36m x 0.25" rolls $ 4.98

DigiKey.ca (Canada) also sells it at higher prices (but not duty, etc issues). The low static version is not stocked but is easily available from DigiKey USA which just means it might take a little longer to arrive; it will still ship from Canada.

Gordguide:

If one was to purchase some kapton tape to use in the Mini, what thickness and type is recommended? I've seen the part number for the "official" Apple kapton tape, but nowehere does it state what kind or thickness it is.

I'm the seller of Kapton tapes also, my price is really good, I think. But shipping cost will be a little high if you buy less than 5rolls, but the more the cheaper!!! really good price, excellent quality

I'm the seller of Kapton tapes also, my price is really good, I think. But shipping cost will be a little high if you buy less than 5rolls, but the more the cheaper!!! really good price, excellent quality

Spam. Reported.

the professional Kapton seller , you can visit the ebay store eBay Store - High Temp Polyimide Tape: kapton, polyimide, gold finger (http://stores.ebay.com/High-Temp-Tape-store_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZkm)

the owner is a good guy, very happy to do business with.
Although the brand name is not 3M Kapton, but also very good quality, you will find what you want there

I've taken apart my mini twice (once to upgrade RAM, once to upgrade HD/Processor) and never had to retape anything down. What needs to be taped?