Remove and replace the system-board assembly

Note

This procedure should be performed only by trained service technicians.
If possible, back up all compute node settings, including the settings for any options installed in the compute node.

About this task

Attention

Read Safety inspection checklist and Installation Guidelines to ensure that you work safely.
Power off the corresponding compute node that you are going to perform the task on.
Remove the compute node from the chassis. See Remove the compute node from chassis.
Carefully lay the replacement system-board assembly (system board FRU) and the defective system-board assembly (defective node) side-by-side on a flat, static-protective surface.
See System-board layout for more information about the locations of the connectors, switches, and LEDs on the system board.

Important

When you replace the system-board assembly, you must update the compute node with the latest firmware or restore the pre-existing firmware. Make sure that you have the latest firmware or a copy of the preexisting firmware before you proceed (see Firmware updates for more information).

Procedure

Important

To avoid damage when replacing a defective system-board assembly, transfer internal components between the defective system-board assembly and the replacement system-board assembly one at a time. Unless otherwise noted, install each internal component in the replacement system-board assembly immediately after removing it from the defective system-board assembly.

Remove the covers from both the replacement system-board assembly and the defective system-board assembly. See Remove the compute node cover. Keep the cover that comes with the replacement system-board assembly for reference and re-install it on the defective system-board assembly prior to returning the defective system-board assembly.
For 2.5-inch drive compute node, complete the following steps than proceed to step 4. For Six EDSFF drives compute node, proceed to step 3.
1. Remove any hot-swap drives, optional drive components, and hot-swap drive bay fillers from the defective system-board assembly and set them aside on a static-protective surface. See Remove a 2.5-inch hot-swap drive.
  Note
  When removing the hot-swap drives, make note of the number of the drive bay from which you are removing the drive. Drives must be installed in the bay from which they were removed.
2. Remove the front bezel from the defective system-board assembly. See Remove the front bezel.
3. If a RAID adapter is installed in the defective system-board assembly, remove it and set it aside on a static-protective surface. See Remove the RAID adapter.
4. Remove the hot-swap drive backplane from the defective system-board assembly and immediately install it in the replacement system-board assembly. See 2.5-inch drive backplane replacement.
5. Install the front bezel to the replacement system-board assembly. See Install the front bezel.
6. Install any removed hot-swap drives, optional drive components, and hot-swap drive bay fillers into the replacement system-board assembly. See Install a 2.5-inch hot-swap drive.
For six EDSFF drives compute node, complete the following steps.
1. Remove any hot-swap drives, optional drive components, and hot-swap drive bay fillers from the defective system-board assembly and set them aside on a static-protective surface. See Remove an EDSFF hot-swap drive.
  Note
  When removing the hot-swap drives, make note of the number of the drive bay from which you are removing the drive. Drives must be installed in the bay from which they were removed.
2. Remove the front bezel from the defective system-board assembly. See Remove the front bezel.
3. Remove the EDSFF drive cage from the defective system-board assembly. See Remove the EDSFF drive cage.
4. Remove the hot-swap drive backplane from the defective system-board assembly and immediately install it in the replacement system-board assembly. See EDSFF drive backplane assembly replacement.
5. Install the EDSFF cage to the replacement system-board assembly. See Install the EDSFF drive cage.
6. Install the front bezel to the replacement system-board assembly. See Install the front bezel.
7. Install any removed hot-swap drives, optional drive components, and hot-swap drive bay fillers into the replacement system-board assembly. See Install an EDSFF hot-swap drive.
If I/O expansion adapters are installed in the defective system-board assembly, remove it from the defective system-board assembly and set it aside. See Remove an I/O expansion adapter.
If M.2 backplane assembly is installed in the defective system-board assembly, disconnect the M.2 signal and power cables from the defective system-board. See Step 2 in Remove the M.2 backplane assembly.
Attention
Strictly observe the following instructions to avoid damaging cable sockets on the system board. Any damage to the cable sockets might require replacing the system board.
- Connect cable connectors vertically or horizontally in alignment with the orientations of the corresponding cable sockets, avoiding any tilt.
- To disconnect cables from the system board, do as follows:
  Press and hold all latches, release tabs, or locks on cable connectors to release the cable connectors.
  Remove the cable connectors vertically or horizontally in alignment with the orientations of the corresponding cable sockets, avoiding any tilt.
  Note
  The cable connectors might look different from those in the illustration, but the removal procedure is the same.
Remove the air baffle from the defective system-board assembly and set it aside. See Remove the air baffle.
Note
M.2 backplane assembly or M.2 backplane assembly filler should remain on the air baffle.
Transfer processor and heat sink module 1 (rear processor) from the defective system-board assembly to the same socket on the replacement system-board assembly. See Processor and heat sink replacement.
Attention
- Remove and install only one processor at a time.
- When transferring a processor to a replacement system-board assembly, install the socket cover in the defective system-board assembly immediately after installing the processor in the replacement system-board assembly.
- When removing and installing a processor, always protect empty processor socket with a socket cover.
If processor heat sink module 2 (front processor) is installed in the defective system-board assembly, repeat Step 7 to transfer it from defective system-board assembly to replacement system-board assembly.
If there is no processor heat sink module 2, transfer the processor heat sink filler from defective system-board assembly to processor socket 2 on the replacement system-board assembly.
Remove the memory modules from the defective system-board assembly and immediately install them in the replacement system-board assembly, See Memory module replacement.
Attention
- Remove and install only one memory module at a time.
If a RAID adapter was removed previously, install it to the replacement system-board assembly. See Install the RAID adapter.
Install the air baffle in the replacement system-board assembly. See Install the air baffle. The air baffle is required to maintain system cooling.
Note
- M.2 backplane assembly or M.2 backplane assembly filler should remain on the air baffle.
- Retaining clips on the memory modules connectors must be in the closed position to install the air baffle.
If an M.2 adapter is installed on the air baffle, connect the M.2 adapter signal and power cables to the signal and power connectors on the replacement system-board. See Step 4 in Install the M.2 backplane assembly.
Install the I/O expansion adapters. See Install an I/O expansion adapter.
Install the compute node cover that you removed from the defective system-board assembly onto the replacement system-board assembly. See Install the compute node cover.
Make sure that both processor sockets on defective system-board assembly have socket covers installed; then, install the compute node cover that came with the replacement system-board assembly onto the defective system-board assembly. See Install the compute node cover.
Note
Retention clips that secure the I/O expansion adapters must be in the closed position to install the compute node cover.
If a blank ID label plate is on the replacement system-board assembly, remove it and discard. See Remove the ID label plate.
Remove the ID label plate that has machine type and serial number information from the front panel of the defective system-board assembly and immediately install it on the replacement system-board assembly. See ID label plate replacement.
Note
If your compute node has an RFID tag, it is already attached to the ID label plate.
The replacement system-board assembly comes with a Repair Identification (RID) tag. Using a fine tip indelible ink pen, transfer the machine type and serial number from the defective system-board assembly to the label on the Repair Identification tag; then, place the tag in the recessed area 1 on the bottom of replacement system-board assembly.
Figure 1. Repair Identification (RID) tag

After you finish

Install the compute node in the chassis. See Install the compute node in chassis.
If an Attention label is on the replacement system-board assembly front panel above the power button, read it; then, remove the label and discard it before turning on the compute node.
Use the CMM Web Interface to restore the IP address of the compute node XClarity controller. See Starting the web interface for more information.
Note
If you configured static IP addresses, you will not be able to access the node remotely or from a management device until the IP address of the XClarity controller is restored.
Update the machine type and serial number with new vital product data (VPD). Use the Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager V3 to update the machine type and serial number, See Update the machine type and serial number.
Enable Trusted Platform Module (TPM). See Enable TPM/TCM.
Optionally, enable Secure Boot. See Enable UEFI Secure Boot.
Update the compute node configuration.
- Download and install the latest device drivers: Lenovo Data Center Support
- Update the system firmware. See Firmware updates.
- Update the UEFI configuration.
- Reconfigure the disk arrays if you have installed or removed a hot-swap drive or a RAID adapter. See the Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager V3 User Guide, which is available for download at: Lenovo Data Center Support
If you are instructed to return the system-board assembly, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.
Important
Before you return the system-board assembly, make sure that you install the CPU socket covers from the new system-board assembly. To replace a CPU socket cover:
Take a socket cover from the CPU socket assembly on the replacement system-board assembly and orient it correctly above the CPU socket assembly on the defective system-board assembly.
Gently press down the socket cover legs to the CPU socket assembly, pressing on the edges to avoid damage to the socket pins. You might hear a click meaning the socket cover is securely attached.
Make sure that the socket cover is securely attached to the CPU socket assembly.

Give documentation feedback