Removing a microprocessor and heat sink

Use this information to remove a microprocessor and heat sink from the blade server.

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. The microprocessor and heat-sink assembly are both field replaceable units (FRUs) and must be replaced by a trained service technician. To contact an IBM service representative, see Hardware service and support.

To remove a microprocessor, complete the following steps.

1. Before you begin, read Safety and Installation guidelines.
2. If the blade server or scalable blade complex is installed in a BladeCenter chassis, remove it. See Removing the blade server from the BladeCenter chassis for instructions.
3. Carefully lay the blade server on a flat, static-protective surface.
4. If an optional expansion unit is installed, remove the expansion unit (see Removing an expansion unit for instructions).
   Note

   Optional expansion units are not supported when a IBM MAX5 expansion blade is installed.
5. If you are removing the microprocessor and heat sink from a blade server that is the bottom blade server in a scalable blade complex, disassemble the blade complex (see Disassembling a scalable blade complex for instructions).
6. If an IBM MAX5 expansion blade is installed, remove it (see Removing an IBM MAX5 expansion blade for instructions).
7. Open the blade server cover (see Removing the blade server cover for instructions).
8. Remove the access panel if you have the standard heat sinks installed.
   Note

   If you have the tall heat sinks installed, you do not need to remove the access panel.

   
   
   
   1. Using a screwdriver or a coin, turn each of the screws toward the middle of the blade server until they are in the unlocked position.
   2. While you lift the back of the access panel, slide the panel away from the bezel.
9. Locate the microprocessor to be removed (see Blade server connectors - BladeCenter HX5).
10. 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, you must replace the heat sink.
    1. Use a screwdriver to 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 lever on the microprocessor socket. Doing so might result in permanent damage to the system board.

    
    
    
11. Rotate the locking lever on the microprocessor socket from its closed and locked position until it stops in the fully open position (approximately a 135° angle). Lift the microprocessor retainer cover upward.
    Attention

    Do not touch the connectors on the microprocessor and the microprocessor socket.
12. Find the microprocessor installation tool that came with the new microprocessor.
    Attention

    If you are removing E7 series microprocessors, you must use the microprocessor installation tool with the text “X7500 + E7” on the bottom of the tool (see the following illustration). Tools that do not have this text on the bottom will not work correctly with the E7 series microprocessors.
    
    
13. Place the microprocessor installation tool down over the microprocessor, aligning the holes on the tool with the screws on the microprocessor bracket.
    Note

    The alignment holes on the tool will not sit flush on the microprocessor bracket screws. However, the holes can be used as a guide to ensure the proper alignment between the microprocessor installation tool and the microprocessor bracket.
14. Twist the handle clockwise to attach the tool to the microprocessor.
    Note

    You can pick up or release the microprocessor by twisting the microprocessor installation tool handle.

    
    
    
15. Carefully lift the microprocessor straight up and out of the socket, and place it on a static-protective surface.
    
    
    
16. 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.