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Remove the processor and heat sink

This task has instructions for removing an assembled processor and heat sink, known as a processor-heat-sink module (PHM). This task requires a Torx T30 screwdriver. This procedure must be executed by a trained technician.

About this task

S002
disconnect all power
CAUTION
The power-control button on the device and the power switch on the power supply do not turn off the electrical current supplied to the device. The device also might have more than one power cord. To remove all electrical current from the device, ensure that all power cords are disconnected from the power source.
S011
sharp edge
CAUTION
Sharp edges, corners, or joints nearby.
Attention

  • Read Installation Guidelines and Safety inspection checklist to make sure that you work safely.

  • Prevent exposure to static electricity, which might lead to system halt and loss of data, by keeping static-sensitive components in their static-protective packages until installation, and handling these devices with an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding system.

  • Each processor socket must always contain a cover or a PHM. When removing or installing a PHM, protect empty processor sockets with a cover.

  • Do not touch the processor socket or processor contacts. Processor-socket contacts are very fragile and easily damaged. Contaminants on the processor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures.

  • Do not allow the thermal grease on the processor or heat sink to come in contact with anything. Contact with any surface can compromise the thermal grease, rendering it ineffective. Thermal grease can damage components, such as the electrical connectors in the processor socket.

  • Remove and install only one PHM at a time. If the processor board supports multiple processors, install the PHMs starting with the first processor socket.

Note

  • The heat sink, processor, and processor carrier for your system might be different from those shown in the illustrations.

The following illustration shows the components of the PHM.
Figure 1. PHM components
PHM components
1 Heat sink2 Processor identification label
3 Heat sink triangular mark4 Torx T30 nut
5 Nut and wire bail retainer6 Anti-tilt wire bail
7 Clips to secure carrier to a heat sink8 Processor carrier code marking
9 Processor carrier10 Clips to secure processor in a carrier
11 Carrier triangular mark12 Processor ejector handle
13 Thermal grease14 Processor heat spreader
15 Processor triangular mark16 Processor contacts
Prepare the following screwdrivers to ensure you can install and remove the corresponding screws properly.
Torque screwdriver type listScrew Type
Torx T30 head screwdriverTorx T30 screw

Procedure

  1. Make preparations for this task.
    1. Power off the node (see Power off the node); then, disconnect all external cables from the node.
    2. Remove the node from the chassis (see Remove a node from the chassis); then, carefully lay the node on a flat, static-protective surface, orienting the node with the front toward you.
    3. Remove the top cover (see Remove the top cover).
  2. Remove the PHM from the system board.
    Important
    • Do not touch the contacts on the processor contacts. Contaminants on the processor contacts, such as oil from your skin, can cause connection failures.
    • Keep the processor socket clean from any object to prevent possible damages.
    • Do not allow the thermal grease on the processor or heat sink to come in contact with anything. Contact with any surface can compromise the thermal grease, rendering it ineffective. Thermal grease can damage components, such as the electrical connectors in the processor socket.
    1. Fully loosen the Torx T30 nuts on the PHM in the removal sequence shown on the heat-sink label.
      Note
      For reference, the torque required for the screws to be fully tightened/removed is 10+/- 2.0 lbf-in, 1.1+/- 0.2 N-m.
      Attention
      To prevent damage to components, make sure to follow the indicated tightening/loosening sequence.
    2. Rotate the anti-tilt wire bails inward.
    3. Carefully lift the PHM from the processor socket. If the PHM cannot be fully lifted out of the socket, further loosen the Torx T30 nuts and try lifting the PHM again.
      Figure 2. Removal of standard PHM
      Removal of standard PHM
      Figure 3. Removal of performance PHM
      Removal of performance PHM

After you finish

  1. Each processor socket must always contain a cover or a PHM. Protect an empty processor socket with a cover or install a new PHM.
  2. If you are removing the PHM as part of a system board replacement, set the PHM aside.
  3. If you are reusing the processor or heat sink, separate the processor from its retainer. See Separate the processor from carrier and heat sink.
  4. Install a replacement unit (see Install a processor and heat sink).
  5. If you are instructed to return the component or optional device, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube