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Install a processor-heat-sink module

Processors are in the compute system boards that are accessed from the front of the server. The processor and heat sink are removed together as part of a processor-heat-sink-module (PHM) assembly. PHM installation requires a Torx T30 driver.

Note
If you are installing multiple options relating to the compute system board, the PHM installation should be performed first.
Attention

  • 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.

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

  • 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 electrical connectors in the processor socket. Do not remove the grease cover from a heat sink until you are instructed to do so.

  • To ensure the best performance, check the manufacturing date on the new heat sink and make sure it does not exceed two years. Otherwise, wipe off the existing thermal grease and apply the new grease onto it for optimal thermal performance.

  • Processors are static-sensitive components, handle them with extra care. See Handling static-sensitive devices for more information.

Note

  • For ThinkSystem SN850 Xeon SP Gen2, new processor package contains only one processor in each package. Make sure you purchase adequate processor packages according to the system configurations.

  • PHMs are keyed for the socket where they can be installed and for their orientation in the socket.

  • See Lenovo ServerProven website for a list of processors supported for your processor. All processors on the system board must have the same speed, number of cores, and frequency.

  • Before you install a new PHM or replacement processor, update your system firmware to the latest level. See Update the firmware .

  • Installing an additional PHM can change the memory requirements for your system. See Memory Population Reference for a table of processor-to-memory relationships.

  • Optional devices available for your system might have specific processor requirements. See the documentation that comes with the optional device for information.

Before installing a PHM:
Note
The PHM for your system might be different than the PHM shown in the illustrations.

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

  2. Remove the compute node cover (see Remove the compute node cover for instructions).

  3. Remove the air baffle (see Remove the air baffle for instructions).

Figure 1. Processor locations on system board
Processor locations

Complete the following steps to install a PHM.

  1. Remove the processor socket cover, if one is installed on the processor socket, by placing your fingers in the half-circles at each end of the cover and lifting it from the system board.
  2. Install the processor-heat-sink module on the system board.
    Figure 2. Installing a PHM
    PHM installation
    1. Align the triangular marks and guide pins on the processor socket with the PHM; then, insert the PHM into the processor socket.
      Attention
      To prevent damage to components, make sure that you follow the indicated tightening sequence.
    2. Fully tighten the Torx T30 captive fasteners in the installation sequence shown on the heat-sink label. Tighten the screws until they stop; then, visually inspect to make sure that there is no gap between the screw shoulder beneath the heat sink and the processor socket. (For reference, the torque required for the nuts to fully tighten is 1.4 –1.6 newton-meters, 12 –14 inch-pounds).
After installing the PHM option:

  • If there are DIMMs to install, install them. See Install a DIMM for instructions.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube