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Replacing a microprocessor and heat sink

The following notes describe the type of microprocessor that the server supports and other information that you must consider when you install a microprocessor and heat sink.

Before you replace a microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps:
  1. Read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. If the compute node is installed in a NeXtScale n1200 Enclosure, remove it (see Removing a compute node from a chassis for instructions).
  3. Carefully lay the compute node on a flat, static-protective surface, orienting the compute node with the bezel pointing toward you.
  4. Thermal grease can be stayed on a heat sink for 2 years. Check the manufacturing date on the new heat sink and if is over 2 years, you need to remove the older grease from a heat sink and re-grease it to avoid seating issues. See Thermal grease for more information.
  • Microprocessors are to be installed only by trained technicians.
    Important
    Always use the microprocessor installation tool to install 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.
  • Be extremely careful, the microprocessor socket contacts are very fragile. Do not touch the microprocessor socket contacts. Contaminants on the microprocessor contacts or microprocessor socket contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures between the contacts and the socket.
  • Do not allow the thermal grease on the microprocessor and heat sink to come in contact with anything. Contact with any surface can contaminate the thermal grease and the microprocessor socket.
  • Do not use any tools or sharp objects to lift the locking levers on the microprocessor socket. Doing so might result in permanent damage to the system board.
  • Each microprocessor socket must always contain either a socket cover or a microprocessor and heat sink.
  • Be sure to use only the installation tools provided with the new microprocessor to remove or install the microprocessor. Do not use any other tool.
  • When installing multiple microprocessors, open one microprocessor socket at a time to avoid damaging other microprocessor socket contacts.
  • The microprocessor installation tool has the microprocessor installed on the tool, and may have a protective cover over the microprocessor. Do not use the tool, or remove the cover until you are instructed to do so.
    Note
    Be sure to use the installation tool that comes with your microprocessor installation tool assembly.
  • The server supports up to two multi-core microprocessors. See the Lenovo ServerProven website for a list of supported microprocessors.
  • The first microprocessor must always be installed in microprocessor socket 1 on the system board.
  • When one microprocessor is installed, the air baffle must be installed to provide proper system cooling.
  • Do not remove the first microprocessor from the system board when you install the second microprocessor.
  • When you install the second microprocessor, you must also install additional memory, the fourth and sixth fans. See Installing a memory module for details about the installation sequence.
  • Do not mix microprocessors with different cores in the same server.
  • To ensure proper server operation when you install an additional microprocessor, use microprocessors that have the same QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) link speed, integrated memory controller frequency, core frequency, power segment, internal cache size, and type.
  • Mixing microprocessors of different stepping levels within the same server model is supported.
  • When mixing microprocessors with different stepping levels within the same server model, you do not have to install the microprocessor with lowest stepping level and features in microprocessor socket 1.
  • Both microprocessor voltage regulator modules are integrated on the system board.
  • Read the documentation that comes with the microprocessor to determine whether you have to update the server firmware. To download the latest level of server firmware and other code updates for your server, go to the Fix Central website.
  • The microprocessor speeds are automatically set for this server; therefore, you do not have to set any microprocessor frequency-selection jumpers or switches.
  • If the thermal-grease protective cover (for example, a plastic cap or tape liner) is removed from the heat sink, do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink or set down the heat sink. For more information about applying or working with thermal grease, see Thermal grease.
    Note
    Removing the heat sink from the microprocessor destroys the even distribution of the thermal grease and requires replacing the thermal grease.
  • To order an additional optional microprocessor, contact your Lenovo sales representative or Lenovo reseller.

The installation tool has two settings for installing two different sizes of microprocessors. The settings that are marked on tool are L for smaller low core microprocessors, and H for larger high core microprocessors. Installation tool supports the following families of microprocessors: E5-26xx, E5-46xx, E5-26xx v2, E5-46xx v2.

To replace a microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps:

  1. Remove the cover (see Removing the compute node cover).
  2. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  3. Loosen the four screws on the corners of the microprocessor retainer.
  4. Open the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer:
    Figure 1. Microprocessor socket levers and retainer disengagement
    Microprocessor socket levers and retainer disengagement
    1. Identify 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.
      Attention
      Do not touch the connectors on the microprocessor and the microprocessor socket.
  5. Install the microprocessor in the microprocessor socket:
    1. Open the packaging that contains the new microprocessor installation tool assembly and carefully remove the installation tool assembly from the package.
      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.
    2. Remove the microprocessor protective cover if one is present. The microprocessor is preinstalled on the installation tool.
      Figure 2. Installation tool cover removal
      Installation tool cover removal
    3. Align the installation tool with the microprocessor socket. The installation tool rests flush on the socket only if properly aligned.
      Figure 3. Installation tool alignment
      Installation tool alignment
    4. Twist the handle of the installation tool assembly counterclockwise until the microprocessor is inserted into the socket, and lift the installation tool out of the socket. The following illustration shows the tool handle in the open position.
      Figure 4. Installation Tool
      Installation Tool
      Figure 5. Installation tool handle adjustment
      Installation tool handle adjustment
      Attention
      • Do not press the microprocessor into the socket.
      • Make sure that the microprocessor is oriented and aligned correctly in the socket before you try to close the microprocessor retainer.
      • Do not touch the thermal material on the bottom of the heat sink or on top of the microprocessor. Touching the thermal material will contaminate it.
  6. Remove the microprocessor socket cover, tape, or label from the surface of the microprocessor socket, if one is present. Store the socket cover in a safe place.
    Figure 6. Socket cover removal

    Attention
    When you handle static-sensitive devices, take precautions to avoid damage from static electricity. For details about handling these devices, see Handling static-sensitive devices.
  7. Close the microprocessor socket release levers and retainer:
    Figure 7. Microprocessor socket levers and retainer engagement
    Microprocessor socket levers and retainer engagement
    1. Close the microprocessor retainer on the microprocessor socket.
    2. Identify which release lever is labeled as the first release lever to close and close it.
    3. Close the second release lever on the microprocessor socket.
      Attention
      • If you are installing a new heat sink, do not set down the heat sink after you remove the plastic cover.
      • Do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink. Touching the thermal grease will contaminate it.
  8. Install the heat sink.
    Attention
    • Thermal grease can be stayed on a heat sink for 2 years. Check the manufacturing date on the new heat sink and if is over 2 years, you need to remove the older grease from a heat sink and re-grease it to avoid seating issues. See Thermal grease for more information.
    • Do not set down the heat sink after you remove the plastic cover.
    • Do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat sink after you remove the plastic cover. Touching the thermal grease will contaminate it. See Thermal grease for more information.
      Figure 8. Thermal grease
      Thermal grease
    1. Remove the plastic protective cover from the bottom of the heat sink.
    2. Position the heat sink over the microprocessor. The heat sink is keyed to assist with proper alignment.
      Figure 9. Heat sink installation
      Heat sink installation
    3. Align and place the heat sink on top of the microprocessor in the retention bracket, thermal material side down.
    4. Press firmly on the heat sink.
    5. Tighten the four screws on the corners of the microprocessor retainer
  9. Reinstall the air baffle (see Replacing the air baffle).
  10. Install the cover (see Installing the compute node cover).
  11. Slide the server into the rack.
  12. Reconnect the power cords and any cables that you removed.
  13. Turn on the peripheral devices and the server.
  • Thermal grease
    The thermal grease must be replaced whenever the heat sink has been removed from the top of the microprocessor and is going to be reused or when debris is found in the grease.