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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. To backup and restore system settings, see the Back up the compute node configuration Back up the compute node configuration for information and instructions.
Before you replace the system-board assembly, complete the following steps:

  1. Read Installation Guidelines to ensure that you work safely.

  2. If the compute node is installed in a chassis, remove it (see Remove a compute node for instructions).
  3. Carefully lay the replacement system-board assembly (system-board assembly FRU) and the defective system-board assembly (defective node) side-by-side on a flat, static-protective surface.
Important
When you replace the system-board assembly, you must update the compute node with the latest firmware or restore the preexisting 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).

See System-board layout for more information about the locations of the connectors, switches, and LEDs on the system board.

To remove and replace the system-board assembly, complete the following steps:

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.

  1. Remove any drives, optional drive components, and 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 for instructions).
    Note
    When removing the drives, make note of the drive bay from which the drive was removed so that you can install the drive back in to the same drive bay.
  2. Remove the bezels from the defective system-board assembly and immediately install it on the replacement system-board assembly (see Remove the bezel and Install the bezel for instructions).
  3. Remove the compute node covers from both compute nodes (see Remove the compute node cover for instructions). 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.
  4. 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 for instructions).
  5. Remove all the drive backplanes one by one from the defective system-board assembly and immediately install it in the replacement system-board assembly (see Remove a 2.5-inch drive backplane and Install a 2.5-inch drive backplane for instructions).
    Note
    Install drives in the same bay locations as from which they were removed.
  6. Install any removed drives, optional drive components, and drive bay fillers into the replacement system-board assembly (see Install a 2.5-inch hot-swap drive for instructions).
  7. Remove the air baffle from the defective system-board assembly and set it aside (see Remove the air baffle for instructions).
  8. Transfer all processors and heat sink assembly from the defective system-board assembly to the replacement system-board assembly (see Remove a processor and heat sink and Install a processor and heat sink for instructions).
    Attention
    • Remove and install only one processor at a time.
    • When removing or installing a processor, protect the other processor socket with a socket cover.
    • 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.
  9. Remove the DIMMs from the defective system-board assembly and immediately install it in the replacement system-board assembly (see Remove a DIMM and Install a DIMM for instructions).
    Attention
    • Remove and install only one DIMM at a time.
  10. Remove all of the installed components in the following list from the defective system-board assembly; then, immediately install them on the replacement system-board assembly:
  11. If a RAID adapter was removed from the defective system-board assembly, install it in the replacement system-board assembly (see Install the RAID adapter for instructions).
  12. Install air baffle in the replacement system-board assembly (see Install the air baffle for instructions). The air baffle is required to maintain system cooling.
    Note
    Retaining clips on the DIMM connectors must be in the closed position to install the air baffle.
  13. Install the compute node cover that you removed from the original (defective) system-board assembly onto the replacement system-board assembly (see Install the compute node cover for instructions).
  14. Make sure that processor sockets on defective system-board assembly have socket cover 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 for instructions).
    Note
    Retention clips that secure the I/O expansion adapters must be in the closed position to install the compute node cover.
  15. If a blank ID label plate is on the replacement system-board assembly, remove it and discard (see Remove the ID label plate for instructions).
  16. 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 Remove the ID label plate and Install the ID label plate for instructions).
    Note
    If your compute node has an RFID tag, it is already attached to the ID label plate.
  17. 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
    Repair Identification (RID) tag

After you transfer components to the replacement system-board assembly, complete the following steps:

  1. Install the compute node in the chassis (see Install a compute node for instructions).
  2. 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.
  3. 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 addressLenovo XClarity Controller of the is restored.

  4. Update the machine type and serial number with new vital product data (VPD). Use the Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager to update the machine type and serial number. See Update the machine type and serial number.

  5. Enable TPM/TCM. See Enable TPM/TCM.

  6. Optionally, enable Secure Boot (see Enable UEFI Secure Boot).

  7. Update the compute node configuration.

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:

  1. Take a socket cover from the CPU socket assembly on the new system-board assembly and orient it correctly above the CPU socket assembly on the removed system-board assembly.

  2. 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 on the socket cover is securely attached.

  3. Make sure that the socket cover is securely attached to the CPU socket assembly.

If you are planning to recycle the system board, follow the instructions in Disassemble the system-board assembly for recycle for compliance with local regulations.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube