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Removing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to remove a microprocessor and heat sink from the blade server. The microprocessor and heat sink assembly must be replaced by a trained technician.

Read the following important guidelines before you remove a microprocessor that is not faulty (for example, when you are replacing the system-board assembly).

If you are not replacing a defective heat sink or microprocessor, the thermal material on the heat sink and microprocessor will remain effective if you carefully handle the heat sink and microprocessor when you remove or install these components. Do not touch the thermal material or otherwise allow it to become contaminated.

Note
  1. Read the following important information before you remove a microprocessor that is not faulty (for example, when you are replacing the system-board assembly).

    If you are not replacing a defective heat sink or microprocessor, the thermal material on the heat sink and microprocessor will remain effective if you carefully handle the heat sink and microprocessor when you remove or install these components. Do not touch the thermal material or otherwise allow it to become contaminated.

  2. The microprocessor installation tool might become worn after several uses. Make sure that the tool can hold the microprocessor securely if you are reusing an existing microprocessor installation tool. Do not return the tool with other parts that you are returning.
  3. Do not touch the contacts in the microprocessor socket. Touching these contacts might result in permanent damage to the system board.

To remove a microprocessor, complete the following steps.


Graphic illustrating the removal of a microprocessor and heat sink
Note
Be sure to use the installation tool that comes with your microprocessor installation tool assembly. The tools are similar in function and design, however Tool A has one setting for installing one size of microprocessor, and supports the following families of microprocessors: E5-26xx, E5-46xx. Installation Tool B has two settings for installing two different sizes of microprocessors. The settings that are marked on Tool B are "L" for smaller low core microprocessors, and "H" for larger high core microprocessors. Installation Tool B supports the following families of microprocessors: E5-26xx, E5-46xx, E5-26xx v2, E5-46xx v2.
Microprocessor Installation Tools A and B are shown in the following illustration.
Figure 1. Microprocessor installation tools
Microprocessor installation tools
  1. Before you begin, read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. If the blade server is installed in a BladeCenter unit, remove it (see Removing the blade server from the BladeCenter unit for instructions).
  3. Remove the blade server cover (see Removing the blade server cover for instructions).
  4. If an optional expansion unit is installed, remove the expansion unit (see Removing an optional expansion unit).
  5. Locate the microprocessor that will be removed (see Blade server connectors).
  6. Remove the heat sink.
    Attention
    Do not touch the thermal material on the bottom of the heat sink. Touching the thermal material will contaminate it. If the thermal material on the microprocessor or heat sink becomes contaminated, wipe off the contaminated thermal material on the microprocessor or heat sink with the alcohol wipes and reapply clean thermal grease to the heat sink.
    1. Loosen the screw on one side of the heat sink to break the seal with the microprocessor.
    2. Use a screwdriver or 10mm hex wrench to loosen the screws on the heat sink, rotating each screw two full turns until each screw is loose.
    3. Use your fingers to gently pull the heat sink from the microprocessor.
    Attention
    Do not use any tools or sharp objects to lift the release levers on the microprocessor socket. Doing so might result in permanent damage to the system board.
  7. Open the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer.

    Graphic illustrating the microprocessor and heat sink
    1. Note which release lever is labeled as the first release lever to open and open it.
    2. Open the second release lever on the microprocessor socket.
    3. Open the microprocessor retainer.
    Note
    Do not touch the microprocessor contacts. Contaminants on the microprocessor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures between the contacts and the socket.
  8. Install the microprocessor on the microprocessor installation tool:
    Note
    If you are replacing a microprocessor, use the empty installation tool that comes with the new microprocessor to remove the microprocessor.
    1. Select the empty installation tool and ensure that the handle is in the open position. If the installation tool handle is not in the open position, use the following instructions for your installation tool:
      • If using Installation Tool A, twist the microprocessor installation tool handle counterclockwise to the open position.
        Figure 2. Installation tool handle adjustment
        Installation tool handle adjustment
      • If using Installation Tool B, 1 lift the interlock latch and hold it up while you 2 twist the microprocessor installation tool handle counterclockwise to the open position, and then release the interlock latch. The following illustration of the installation tool shows the location of the interlock latch and counterclockwise rotation of the handle before loading the microprocessor.
        Figure 3. Installation tool handle adjustment
        Installation tool handle adjustment
    2. Align the installation tool with the alignment pins on the microprocessor socket and lower the tool on the microprocessor. The installation tool rests flush on the socket only if aligned correctly.

      Graphic illustrating installation tool
    3. Twist the handle on the installation tool clockwise and lift the microprocessor out of the socket.

      Graphic illustrating installation tool
  9. If you are instructed to return the microprocessor and heat sink, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.