Remove the processor heat sink (trained technician only)

Follow instructions in this section to remove the processor heat sink. This procedure must be executed by a trained technician.

Procedure

1. Make preparations for this task.
   1. If applicable, unlock or remove any locking device that secures the top cover, such as a Kensington lock; then, remove the top cover (see Remove the top cover).
   2. Remove the air baffle (see Remove the air baffle).
   3. Remove all the memory modules (see Remove a memory module).
2. Remove the processor heat sink.
   Attention

   • Avoid touching 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.

   • Prevent the thermal grease on the processor or heat sink from coming 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. Use a Phillips screwdriver to fully loosen the captive screws from the heat sink in the removal sequence shown on the heat-sink label as well as indicated in the illustration below.
   2. Lift the heat sink up evenly to remove it from the node.
      Important

      To prevent damage to the processor, make sure to follow the loosening sequence indicated in the illustration.

      Figure 1. Removal of the processor heat sink