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Remove the processor and heat sink

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

Important
This task must be operated by trained technicians.

About this task

To avoid potential danger, make sure to read and follow the safety information.

Attention
  • Each processor socket must always contain a cover or a PHM. When removing or installing a PHM, protect the 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 system supports multiple processors, install the PHMs starting with the first processor socket.
Note
The heat sink, processor, and processor carrier for the node might look different from those shown in the illustrations in this section.

The following illustration shows the components of the PHM.
Figure 1. PHM components
PHM components
1 Heat sink9 Clips to secure processor in carrier
2 Heat sink triangular mark10 Processor ejector handle
3 Processor identification label11 Carrier triangular mark
4 Nut and wire bail retainer12 Processor heat spreader
5 Torx T30 nut13 Thermal grease
6 Anti-tilt wire bail14 Processor contacts
7 Processor carrier15 Processor triangular mark
8 Clips to secure carrier to heat sink 

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.
      Note
      • When removing the node, note the node tray number and make sure to install the node in the same tray from which it was removed. Reinstalling the node into a different tray requires the node to be reconfigured.
      • For safety, make sure to hold the node with both hands when lifting the node.
    3. Remove the top cover (see Remove the top cover).
    4. For one-processor configuration, remove the 1U standard heat sink or 1U performance heat sink that is installed on the front of the node.
      Figure 2. PHM location for one-processor configuration
      PHM location for one-processor configuration
    5. For two-processor configuration, remove the 1U standard heat sink that is installed on the front of the node, or the 1U performance heat sink that is installed on the rear of the node.
      Figure 3. PHM location for two-processor configuration
      PHM location for one-processor configuration
  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 4. Removal of the 1U Standard PHM
      Removal of the 1U Standard PHM
      Figure 5. Removal of the 1U Performance PHM from Processor 1
      Removal of the 1U Performance PHM from Processor 1
      Figure 6. Removal of the 1U Performance PHM from Processor 2
      Removal of the 1U Performance PHM from Processor 2
  3. Remove the heat sink support bracket if necessary.
    1. Loosen the two screws that secure the support bracket.
    2. Hold the support bracket and remove it from the system board.
    Figure 7. Heat sink support bracket replacement
    Heat sink support bracket replacement

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.

  6. To transfer Intel® On Demand Suite from the defective processor to the new processor, see Enable Intel® On Demand.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube