NeXT Computer

Provenance

We acquired a NeXT Computer system from Cornell University, 2011. It was used by Computer Graphics staff.

Description

It is the original, cube-shaped CPU, with a matching monitor and laser printer. The CPU also has an extra card called NeXT Dimension, allowing color graphics.

Refurbishing

Disassembly

Note, I usually keep track of where screws go by keeping the screws in threads which they threaded to attach whatever they attached.

Rear cover

There are four screws permanently attached to the rear plate that connect it to the body. A T15, or possibly the next size larger, or 3mm allen key can turn them. The fan is attached to the rear cover, so remove the cable between the power supply and the fan to set the rear cover aside.

Main boards

Both the motherboard and the NeXT Dimension board slide out from the backplane that connects all the boards. There are easy-to-remove cables between the drives and the motherboard that one should remove after sliding the motherboard out partway.

Center tower

The center tower holds the power supply and the drives. It is held to the body by two screws on the lower inside. Once those screws are removed, the whole tower slides out.

Drives

There are screws on either side of the center tower attaching the drives.

Cleaning

• Disassemble the computer.
• Vacuum the fan, the rear cover, and the inside of the case. Turn the case upside down and vacuum the vents.
• Vacuum the boards, but beware of static electricity that can build up on the nozzle, don't let it touch circuits.
• Vacuum the center tower, the vents on the power supply
• Vacuum the hard drive and optical drive.
• Wipe the inside of the case with a damp cloth.