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 grease 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 grease 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 grease 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 grease 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.

4. Microprocessors are to be removed only by trained technicians.

   Important: Always use the microprocessor installation tool to remove a microprocessor. Failing to use the microprocessor installation tool may damage the microprocessor sockets on the system board. Any damage to the microprocessor sockets may require replacing the system board.

To remove a microprocessor, complete the following steps:

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 grease on the bottom of the heat sink. Touching the thermal grease will contaminate it. If the thermal grease on the microprocessor or heat sink becomes contaminated, wipe off the contaminated thermal grease 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 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.
   
   
   
   1. Open the release lever on the microprocessor socket.
   2. 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. Twist the handle on the microprocessor tool counterclockwise so that it is in the open position.
      
      
      
   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.
      
      
      
   3. Twist the handle on the installation tool clockwise.
      
      
      
   4. Lift the microprocessor out of the socket.
      
      
      
9. If you do not intend to install a microprocessor on the socket, install the socket cover that you removed before on the microprocessor socket.
   Note

   The pins on the socket are fragile. Any damage to the pins may require replacing the system board.
10. 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.